Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

2004 Champion of Science
http://www.house.gov/pelosi/

Guest Column in TSC Newsline
May Edition

May 31, 2007

This month, the House of Representatives honored the five American scientists, who in 2006, swept the Nobel Prize Science Awards for the first time in more than 20 years. These American scientists are on the cutting edge of innovation.

On May 1, in a resolution sponsored by Congressman Jerry McNerney of California, the House recognized the accomplishments of Roger D. Kornberg, Andrew Fire, Craig Mello, John C. Mather, and George F. Smoot, who were awarded Nobel Prizes in the fields of chemistry, physiology or medicine, and physics.

In a visit to Washington, D.C., the scientists met with Members of Congress in order to highlight the need to invest in research and development, a goal that this Congress shares.

An enhanced federal investment in long-term basic research is crucial to future innovations and America’s overall competitiveness. Basic research serves as the building blocks of technological advancement, but because it doesn’t always directly lead to the creation of new products and services, private funding for basic research is not a priority. That is where the federal government must step in to ensure that basic research is adequately funded so that it continues to strengthen the foundation of innovation.

Introduced in the fall of 2005, the House Innovation Agenda calls for a long-term sustained commitment to funding basic research. The 110th Congress is living up to that commitment, having passed legislation that will put us on the path to doubling funding for the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology within 10 years.

A national investment in research and development is essential to create new technologies, leverage public-private partnerships that translate scientific breakthroughs into tangible products, and train our future scientists and engineers, leading to the creation of the next wave of high-paying jobs.