"Science and technology are increasingly important to America. They caused the economic boom of the 90's, allow us to fight terrorism with very few casualties, and give us many benefits in everyday life, such as improved medicines. We must also do a better job of educating our children in math and science, because the better-paying jobs of the future will require a good understanding of those subjects." Congressman Vern Ehlers
1999 Champion of Science
http://www.house.gov/ehlers/
Guest Column in TSC Newsline
February Edition
February 1, 2007
Advocating on behalf of basic research has always been a difficult job. It’s easy for the voice of science to be drowned out by the cacophony of interests on Capitol Hill. This year, appropriators have the added challenge of dealing with not only the Fiscal Year ’08 funding bills but also the FY07 bills that were not completed at the close of the 109th Congress. I, along with many of my colleagues, believe that the National Science Foundation (NSF) should be funded at the level passed in the House in 2006 instead of flat-funded, as is typical in a Continuing Resolution. This is essential, because flat funding for this agency will directly inhibit our national competitiveness and jeopardize American innovation.
At this point in time, I’m encouraged by the attention that House appropriators have devoted to NSF in the Joint Resolution funding the government for the remainder of the FY07. Current legislative text singles out NSF for an 8 percent increase for its research activities. This increase is particularly significant since NSF has suffered budget stagnation and even cuts in recent years. I am disappointed that Congress has not come close to the doubling path for NSF set out in the 2002 Authorization Act. Right now, NSF operates under a budget of less that $6 billion, while under that act it is authorized to be funded at nearly $10 billion. This year, however, I was heartened that the President’s budget request for the NSF included a substantial increase. This boost in funding would allow for new, innovative technologies to be developed by NSF-funded scientists and engineers. Both the full House and Senate appropriators approved the requested increase, and I hope that we can carry that momentum through FY07 and into future years.
Advances in science and technology underpin our ability to meet the many the challenges facing America today, including securing the homeland, preventing terrorism, fostering innovation and economic development, and educating our children to be able to compete in the knowledge-based, global economy. As a nation, we must continue to invest in our scientific enterprise. I know that many Science Coalition members and friends recognize the pivotal role NSF has in this enterprise, and I strongly encourage the members of the Coalition to continue to let their representatives in Congress know how important NSF funding is. As ranking member of the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Education, I look forward to working with all of you in the 110th Congress!
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