Miller Questions Google’s Change to Pre-Katrina Satellite Maps
(Washington, DC) - Rep. Brad Miller, Chairman of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Science & Technology Committee, today asked Google Chairman Eric Schmidt to explain why Google had changed its satellite maps of the New Orleans region to pre-Hurricane Katrina images. "If current Google Maps satellite imagery is to be believed, Hurricane Katrina never struck New Orleans, there was never any flooding and thousands of people do not need to be living in trailers … Continue Reading
March 30, 2007Chairmen React to New Media Policy at Department of Commerce
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Committee on Science & Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), and Subcommittee Chairmen Brad Miller (D-NC) and Nick Lampson (D-TX) released a letter raising reservations regarding the new media policy released yesterday by the Department of Commerce. "This policy was much needed and marks a step forward for the Department. However, I have some reservations about the fundamental lack of assurances regarding an employee's right to voice their personal views … Continue Reading
March 29, 2007Committee Examines the Progress and Problems of the Next Generation Air Transportation System Initiative
(Washington, DC) - The House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics today examined the status of the Next Generation Air Transportation System initiative (also known as NGATS or NextGen) and explored key issues related to the initiative and the federal interagency Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO).The success of the NextGen programs is “important because it concerns the future of America’s air transportation system, and the question is whether we … Continue Reading
March 29, 2007Subcommittee Examines How to Increase Students’ Interest in Math & Science, Prepare for 21st Century Economy
(Washington, D.C.) - Responding to the need to keep U.S. citizens competitive in a 21st Century economy, the Science & Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education led the final hearing to examine priorities for the National Science Foundation (NSF). Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA) and members of the Subcommittee today heard from key stakeholders in the scientific and technical communities regarding core activities and policy initiatives for NSF. "If this country is … Continue Reading
March 28, 2007Committee Approves Legislation Strengthening Math & Science Education; Also Clears Commemoratives
(Washington, DC) - The House Committee on Science and Technology met today to consider three bills aimed at inspiring the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and space pioneers. H.R. 362, the "10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds" Science and Math Scholarship Act passed the Committee with overwhelming support. The measure - sponsored by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) - is designed to better prepare U.S. math and science teachers to equip students in these subjects. The … Continue Reading
March 28, 2007Subcommittee Members Examine How Big Business and Science Agencies Conspire to Distort Science
(Washington, DC) - Members of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today questioned industry efforts and attempts within science agencies to control which federal scientists get access to the media and how media campaigns are mounted to confuse the public. Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) led today's hearing which used climate change science as a case study to relate how the deception works. From the … Continue Reading
March 22, 2007Subcommittee Members Look to the Future of U.S. Aviation in FAA Budget Hearing
(Washington, DC) - In its first subcommittee hearing of the 110th Congress, the Science & Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics examined the fiscal year 2008 (FY08) budget request for the research and development (R&D) programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and whether it is sufficient to meet the agency's priorities and the country's aviation needs. The Administration has proposed an R&D budget of $259 million for FAA in FY08. Among … Continue Reading
March 22, 2007Lampson: NOAA Budget Faces Challenges
(Washington, DC) - Members of the Science & Technology Committee's Energy & Environment Subcommittee looked into the President's proposed budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for fiscal year 2008. "The work NOAA does everyday impacts our daily lives and supports our economy," said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX). NOAA oversees U.S. weather forecasting, climate prediction, management of fisheries and coastal and ocean resources. The agency … Continue Reading
March 22, 2007Miller Seeks Data on Purdue Investigation Into Scientific Misconduct
(Washington, DC) Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC), Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, yesterday asked Purdue University to provide copies of reports stemming from their investigation into allegations of misconduct by a nuclear engineering professor engaged in low-energy nuclear fusion research. "Despite the University's statement that no misconduct had occurred, many disturbing questions remain about the scope and adequacy of the … Continue Reading
March 21, 2007Vice President Testifies Before Joint Subcommittee Hearing
(Washington, DC) House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) today welcomed fellow Tennessean and colleague Former Vice President Al Gore to a joint meeting of the Science and Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality. Vice President Gore testified on the importance of Congress taking action to combat the effects of climate change. "In the IPCC report released earlier this … Continue Reading
March 20, 2007Congressman Baird, Subcommittee Examine Priorities for National Science Foundation
(Washington, D.C.) - As part of an on-going effort to examine ways to increase the country's global competitiveness and students' interest in math and science, members of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education today heard from officials regarding key policy initiatives, programs, and education and training activities at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the Subcommittee looked into what issues should be addressed through the 2007 NSF reauthorization bill. This … Continue Reading
March 20, 2007Remarks by Rep. Nick Lampson before the 45th Robert H. Goddard Memorial Symposium
I am honored today to speak at the 45th Goddard Memorial Symposium. So much in the future of space exploration requires the dedication of everyone here today. We just heard from distinguished speakers who commented on the history of the space age, and I'd like to build on those fine, insightful comments and talk a little more about where I see our space program going in the future. WHAT WE HAVE DONE While all of us here understand the importance of space exploration today and the answers … Continue Reading
March 15, 2007Chairmen Request Further Information on Science Media Policies
(Washington, DC) Following their letter last Friday to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) today sent letters to the Administrators of eleven federal agencies inquiring about their science media policies. The Chairmen's letter to Interior sought an explanation of such practices in the wake of reports that federal scientists at the … Continue Reading
March 15, 2007NASA’s “Lean” Budgetary Outlook Will Have Wide-Ranging Impact on Agency Programs
(Washington, DC) The House Committee on Science and Technology today examined the budgetary outlook for our nation's premier space agency - the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A source of much concern since President Bush unveiled it in February, NASA's budget plan has frustrated many lawmakers who call it inadequate in that it fails to provide the resources the agency needs to carry out all the tasks it has been given. "You've always been straightforward with me and … Continue Reading
March 14, 2007Subcommittee Questions EPA Budget Cuts
Members of the House Committee on Science and Technology's Energy and Environment Subcommittee today questioned the effects of projected federal budget cuts to environmental research programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The President's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) reduces the agency's overall budget to $7.2 billion, a 5.5 percent cut compared to FY 06. The overall spending by EPA's research programs has been declining for several years, with a 5 percent … Continue Reading
March 13, 2007Committee Emphasizes Need for Action on and Support of U.S. Innovation, Research, Competitiveness Efforts
(Washington, DC) Some of the nation's top business leaders, innovators and academics gathered today before the House Committee on Science and Technology to underscore the critical importance of science and technology to our nation's prosperity. Their focus - legislation currently before the Committee authored by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and based upon a widely regarded 2005 report from the National Academies entitled "Rising Above the Gathering Storm." That report was requested by … Continue Reading
March 12, 2007House Approves S & T Committee Legislation
(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation aimed at improving America's global competitiveness, increasing energy efficiency and advancing research essential to economic progress. Each bill - products of the House Committee on Science and Technology - passed the House with overwhelming support. "I'm proud that my colleagues on both the Committee and in the House have advanced these bipartisan, consensus bills that put good ideas into practice for our … Continue Reading
March 09, 2007Gordon, Miller Seek Explanation on Continued Censoring of Federal Climate Scientists
(Washington, DC) In a letter today to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC) asked for an explanation as to why federal scientists - this time at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - are being prohibited from discussing the issue of climate change. In an article by Felicity Barringer in the New York Times today, it was reported … Continue Reading
March 08, 2007Members Explore Priorities of FY08 Homeland Security R&D Budget
(Washington, DC) The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of the House Committee on Science and Technology today examined the Administration's FY08 budget request for research and development at the Department of Homeland Security. The Committee has jurisdiction over the agency's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Domestic Nuclear Protection Office (DNDO). Subcommittee Chairman David Wu (D-OR) thanked the Undersecretary for Science and Technology for his dedication … Continue Reading
March 08, 2007Subcommittee Spearheads Look Into the State of High School Labs; Scientific Learning in Classrooms
Washington, D.C. - Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA) led the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education in discussing how to improve the laboratory experience for America's high school students. This was the first meeting of the subcommittee in the 110th Congress. In today's hearing, the subcommittee heard from two panels of witnesses on H.R. 524, a bill to Establish a Laboratory Pilot Program at the National Science Foundation. The bill would award … Continue Reading