House Committee on Science

CHAIRMEN HALL AND PALAZZO REFLECT ON NASA’S FALLEN HEROES

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CHAIRMAN HALL RESPONSE TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, MEMBERS NAMED

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today the Republican Members of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology met to approve Subcommittee Chairs and Subcommittee assignments.

“Issues before this Committee are critical to our nation’s competitiveness and our economy,” said Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX). “From energy technology R&D, math and science education programs, and nanotechnology to our nation’s space exploration program, we are going to be focusing on some issues that have far-ranging impact. I think we have an excellent team of subcommittee chairmen and I look forward to working with them, and all of our Members on both sides of the aisle, to advance important legislation this Congress.”

HALL ANNOUNCES GOP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CHAIRMAN HALL ASSURES CLOSE OVERSIGHT OVER NASA HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT PROGRAM

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CHAIRMAN HALL STATEMENT ON REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

Sat, 08 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Following the tragic shooting that took place earlier today in Tucson, Arizona, Rep. Ralph M. Hall (R-TX), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, released the following statement:

“I am shocked and saddened by this terrible news, and my prayers are with Gabrielle, her husband Astronaut Mark Kelly, her family, her staff, and all those who were injured and lost their lives and their families...

HOUSE APPROVES AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION, DESPITE GOP CONCERNS OVER RUSHED PROCESS, INCREASED SPENDING

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Today in a last-minute effort to push through a massive science and technology bill before Congress adjourns, the House of Representatives, by a vote of 228 to 130, passed a Senate substitute amendment to H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010. The Senate, late last Friday, approved the amendment, which makes numerous substantive changes to the House version of the bill.

BROUN STATEMENT ON ADMINISTRATION’S SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY MEMO

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HALL ANNOUNCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRMAN, I&O SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HALL CONGRATULATES REP. JOHNSON ON BEING NAMED RANKING MEMBER OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RALPH HALL NAMED CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX) released the following statement after being officially confirmed by the Republican Conference to be the next Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee:

“I am truly honored to be selected by my colleagues to chair the Committee on Science and Technology in the 112th Congress. Having served on this Committee since I was first elected to Congress in 1980, I have great respect and appreciation for the role of science and technology in keeping our Nation competitive and improving the lives of our citizens...

WITNESSES DEBATE UNCERTAINTY IN CLIMATE SCIENCE AND LONG TERM CLIMATE MODELS

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

BROUN STATEMENT ON MISCHARACTERIZATION OF PEER REVIEW TO SUPPORT DRILLING MORATORIUM

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. –Today, Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, released the following statement on the Department of the Interior (DOI) Inspector General report regarding DOI’s mischaracterization of peer review in support of the Department’s drilling moratorium. This report comes after Broun and other Republicans called for an Inspector General investigation. Dr. Broun has also repeatedly sought documents related to the report, but DOI has yet to provide a single document.

“I am concerned with the growing trend within this Administration to mischaracterize scientific and technical peer review to justify political decisions. Last month, the President’s Oil Spill Commission highlighted another instance where Ms. Browner mischaracterized peer review. This glib approach to science and how it informs policy decisions deserves our continued attention in the next Congress.”

Rep. Broun letter to Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar - June 24, 2010

Rep. Broun follow-up letter to Salazar - October 28, 2010

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HALL STATEMENT ON ELECTION RESULTS AND THE 112TH CONGRESS

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Science and Technology Committee, released the following statement regarding the midterm election results:

“Nationally, I am heartened that Americans returned Republicans to the majority in hopes of providing a check on runaway spending in Washington and getting the economy back on track toward growth and job creation. I look forward to working with current members on the Science and Technology Committee, as well as hearing from our new members, to formulate and advance an agenda that keeps our nation moving forward. The Science and Technology Committee will be a place where every member’s ideas will be respected and considered, and all Republicans can play a role in crafting good science policy.

BROUN: ADMINISTRATION’S PLEDGES ON TRANSPARENCY AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY RING HOLLOW

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – October 28, 2010 - Today, Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, sent three letters to Administration officials to follow up on issues involving transparency and scientific integrity.

“All three letters highlight the Administration’s cavalier attitude toward transparency and scientific integrity,” Broun said. “This lack of response reveals the unwillingness of this Administration to cooperate with Congressional inquiries. For a President who promised an open and transparent federal government, it is frustrating that such optimistic rhetoric has too often not matched actions.”

On March 9, 2009, the President issued an executive memorandum on scientific integrity, tasking the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop recommendations within 120 days to guarantee scientific integrity throughout the executive branch. These recommendations are well over a year late, despite many letters sent by members of the Science and Technology Committee requesting updates from OSTP.

Rep. Broun’s letter urges OSTP Director John Holdren to make these recommendations a priority, especially in light of numerous instances that call into question scientific integrity within this Administration.

The other two letters highlight issues involving potential political interference from this Administration in its dealing with the Deepwater Horizon accident, and subsequent justification for a drilling moratorium. In a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Broun highlights accusations from peer reviewers that the Administration intentionally mischaracterized their expert opinions to advance a policy goal of preventing domestic oil production.

On May 27, 2010, the Department of Interior released a report titled, Increased Safety Measures for Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf, which was peer-reviewed by seven experts selected by the National Academy of Engineering. Several of the peer reviewers later accused the Department of manipulating their opinions in order to justify a drilling moratorium. In his letter, Rep. Broun reiterates his request for documents related to this matter. Secretary Salazar never responded to the Committee’s inquiry, despite the formal letter and a direct personal request at a Congressional hearing.

In the third letter, Broun questions the Administration’s role in disbursing $500 million in funds committed by BP to the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI). The letter seeks documents relating to the role the Administration played in influencing and allocating private research funds. Broun initially sent a letter to OSTP Director Holdren requesting information on this issue over three months ago, yet the Committee has yet to receive a single document.

After taking office in 2009, President Obama promised to “creat[e] an unprecedented level of openness in government” and “return science to its rightful place.” Unfortunately, the President’s rhetoric on transparency and scientific integrity seems to have had little effect. “As we have seen over the last two years, rhetoric without action only breeds additional abuses,” stated Broun. “This is further compounded by the Administration’s lack of cooperation, which frustrates Congress’ ability to fulfill its oversight responsibilities.”

CLICK HERE to view the letter to OSTP regarding scientific integrity

CLICK HERE to view the letter to Department of Interior regarding scientific integrity

CLICK HERE to view the letter to OSTP regarding the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI)

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WITNESSES DISCUSS WAYS TO KEEP BUSINESSES IN AMERICA, IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – September 29, 2010 - Today the Science and Technology Committee received testimony from distinguished members of the Committee who produced the 2005 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, and who recently produced an updated report entitled, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, Revisited: Rapidly Approaching Category 5. The report addresses how to maintain U.S. competitiveness and economic security for the long-term, ensuring America’s position as a world leader in innovation and job creation.

“We all agree that a strong, skilled and STEM-educated workforce is critical to our Nation’s ability to compete,” said Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). “Particularly in today’s economic uncertainties, we need to make sure that we are reaping the benefits of the numerous initiatives called for in the initial Gathering Storm report and set forth in America COMPETES before creating others.”

Testifying today, Chair of the Gathering Storm report, Mr. Norman Augustine, retired Chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation and former Under Secretary of the Army, outlined their findings. Mr. Augustine stressed the continued need for investments in basic research and development (R&D) and improved science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. In response to these recommendations, in 2007 Congress enacted and President Bush signed into law the America COMPETES Act (COMPETES). This spring, the House passed a 5-year reauthorization of COMPETES.

Witnesses today also highlighted other critical policies that negatively affect America’s economic growth potential. Dr. Craig Barrett, retired Chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation, noted that the U.S. currently has the second highest corporate tax rate in the world. Dr. Barrett said that there are very few incentives for companies to locate facilities in the U.S. and the high corporate tax rate forces companies to build manufacturing facilities overseas.

Witnesses also unanimously told Members that taxpayers should not subsidize corporate R&D. Dr. Barrett said, “I frankly don’t think the U.S. government and taxpayers should subsidize research within the private corporations unless the government has a specific project or objective.” Barrett also said that the federal government should fund pre-competitive research that is at least eight to ten years away from any application. Augustine agreed, saying that he opposed the federal government funding R&D for a company that could lead to a predictable profit.

Following up on this point, Mr. Charles Holliday, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Bank of America and retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of DuPont, recounted a conversation he had with a colleague who was concerned with his company’s shift in focus away from basic research and toward applied research. Holliday responded to his colleague saying, “We must depend on the universities to provide that basic research for us and our competitors.” Holliday continued, “It’s better done at the university level, or at the national labs, so all competitors can have access to it and compete to make it a success.”

Republicans raised similar concerns while the Committee was in the process of reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act. Throughout the legislative process Republicans were critical of the bill’s shift in focus away from basic research and toward technology commercialization activities, along with dramatically increased spending levels, and the creation of new and duplicative programs.

“If America is going to remain on top in the evolving world economy, we must be dedicated to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously cultivating a scientifically and technologically astute future workforce,” Ranking Member Hall said. “While my message hasn’t changed, and seemingly neither has the message of the Gathering Storm Committee members before us today, unfortunately, our economy has.”

Discussing the need for continued investments in basic R&D and STEM education, Mr. Augustine said that “It is the Gathering Storm committee’s conviction that this is an endeavor in which all Americans can unite since the fundamental issue is the quality of life we will leave to our children and our grandchildren.”

The following witness also testified today before the Committee:

Dr. C.D. (Dan) Mote, Jr., President Emeritus of the University of Maryland and Glenn L. Martin Institute Professor of Engineering.

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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SENATE NASA AUTHORIZATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – This evening, the House of Representatives approved S. 3729, the Senate-passed reauthorization of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by a vote of 304-118. Following the vote, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Science and Technology Committee, released the following statement:

“While I am not completely satisfied with the Senate bill, I am very pleased it passed…

COMMITTEE APPROVES NUCLEAR R&D BILL, BILL TO ADVANCE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF ‘RARE EARTHS’
Republican amendments successfully cut spending and support Yucca Mountain as an option for nuclear waste storage

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – September 23, 2010 - The Science and Technology Committee today approved by voice vote H.R 5866, the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010 and H.R. 6160, the Rare Earths and Critical Materials Revitalization Act of 2010. These bills aim to enhance research and development (R&D) to promote America’s production of safe, reliable nuclear energy and decrease our reliance on China for critical materials necessary for high-tech applications.

H.R. 5866 authorizes nuclear R&D programs at the Department of Energy (DOE), and accelerates research toward the advancement of small modular reactors. Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) praised this bill as a comprehensive approach to authorizing nuclear R&D.

“In the short term, we need to license and build more reactors using existing light water technology,” Hall said, “but over the longer term we need to advance the development and licensing of new reactor designs, extend the life of the existing reactor fleet, and address the serious issue of managing waste and spent nuclear fuel.”

Republicans today offered three successful amendments to improve the nuclear bill, two of which highlighted the importance of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository and the need for long term nuclear waste storage solutions. The Obama Administration has proposed abandoning Yucca Mountain as an option for nuclear waste storage, without any comprehensive scientific or cost analysis. An amendment offered by Ranking Member Hall on behalf of Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) reinforced the Federal government’s responsibility to store spent nuclear waste. Further, an amendment offered by Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) requires DOE to compare other nuclear waste disposal options with long-term storage at the Yucca Mountain site.

In an effort to expedite the process of bringing new nuclear reactors online, Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-CA), offered a successful amendment that requires a report on specific State requirements that delay or impede commercialization of nuclear power, including moratoria. The report must also give recommendations for how the Federal government can assist in overcoming such impediments.

The Committee today also approved H.R. 6160, a bill to advance American development of rare earth elements, or “rare earths,” which are essential components in many high-tech applications. Rare earths are used in numerous clean energy technologies such as wind turbines as well as defense related technologies and consumer products. China currently controls a near monopoly on rare earths and recently announced its intention to reduce exports, triggering concerns that the U.S. could face a supply gap. Republicans expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of this issue, but questioned whether H.R. 6160 appropriately addresses the problem.

The issues of rare earths supply, production, and use in manufacturing are complex and include geopolitical aspects of global resource availability. Further, there is evidence that potential supply shortages for these minerals would greatly increase private sector incentives to invest in rare earths, without the help of taxpayer subsidies.

“With respect to commercial supply needs, it appears that increased demand and actions by China have resulted in sharp price increases for rare earth materials,” Hall noted. “This in turn has stimulated an immediate market response, as companies around the world are aggressively pursuing new rare earth mining and processing opportunities—suggesting that a taxpayer subsidy for such activity may not be necessary.”

Republicans offered several amendments that were accepted and successfully cut spending in the bill with the adoption of an amendment offered by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) that would require DOE to prioritize funding for a new rare earths R&D program from the existing budget, rather than adding a new appropriation authorization. Additionally, Rep Pete Olson (R-TX) and Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) offered amendments to strike establishment of a new center for rare earths and shorten the length of authorization for rare earth loan guarantees, respectively.

Several other Republican amendments were not agreed to, though Members expressed a desire to continue to address these issues as the bill moves forward in the process. Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) offered an amendment that would have stipulated that loan guarantees could only go to a project if that project was not currently being undertaken by the private sector, nor was likely to be funded through private capital. The amendment was defeated. Another Republican amendment by Rep. Broun to broaden international collaboration beyond European countries was also defeated along a party line vote. The amendment would have allowed the Energy Secretary more flexibility in international cooperation with countries such as Australia and Canada that have proven reserves of rare earth minerals.

For more information on today’s markup, or to see roll call votes, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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HALL STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN ‘PLEDGE TO AMERICA’

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – September 23, 2010 - Rep. Ralph M. Hall (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Science and Technology Committee, today released the following statement after Republicans presented their “Pledge to America.” This detailed governing agenda is based on ideas and concerns presented by the American people over the last few months through the “America Speaking Out” project:

“The American people have spoken loud and clear: stop frivolous spending in Washington, and make the Federal government more efficient, more effective, and more transparent. I couldn’t agree more, and I think the Science and Technology Committee can play a key role in this effort. We need to streamline R&D programs and eliminate duplication, cut wasteful spending, and help ensure that science policy is a driver of innovation and jobs.

“Committee Republicans will continue to provide strong oversight over programs. The need for urgent action to repair our economy and restore trust in government cannot be overstated. My Republican colleagues and I are united in our pledge to listen to the American people and work together to advance sound science policy.”

You can read the entire Pledge to America at http://pledge.gop.gov/

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REP. BROUN STATEMENT ON CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – September 16^th, 2010 - Today in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight titled, Camp Lejeune: Contamination and Compensation, Looking Back, Moving Forward, Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA) made the following remarks:

“As a Marine, family doctor, and a legislator, I am very sensitive to the health of our service members, our veterans, and their families. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service, a debt that must include vigilance in caring for them after leaving the military. Camp Lejeune has a proud history of training Marines to defend our nation. Unfortunately, throughout that history, the drinking water consumed on Camp Lejeune was contaminated with numerous chemicals such as TCE, DCE, PCE, and benzene.

“The Navy and Marine Corps have become more forthcoming with documents and data, and ATSDR is working to improve their processes and - I hope - their document retention protocols. While I am pleased that ATSDR is continuing to look at the issue, and that the VA seems to be moving in a proactive manner to ensure veterans and their families are taken care of, this issue simply will not go away. Progress needs to continue to a successful conclusion.

“When our service members provide a blanket of security for us abroad, they reasonably expect us to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of their families, at home - even if the threat is from environmental hazards. Fulfilling that expectation is the LEAST we can do.”

For more information, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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REP. BROUN: REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE PANEL ‘A GOOD START’ IN RESTORING CREDIBILITY TO IPCC

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – August 31, 2010 - Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Dr. Paul Broun (R-GA) issued the following statement today regarding the InterAcademy Council’s (IAC) report titled, “Climate Change Assessments: Review of the Processes and Procedures of the IPCC.”

“I was pleased to review the IAC’s report on processes and procedures within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). On February 2, 2010 I wrote to the Secretary General regarding events that called into question the adequacy of IPCC processes, the implementation of existing IPCC policies, and the independence of the IPCC’s leadership.

“In my letter, I called on the United Nations (UN) to initiate an independent review to: 1) assess whether the IPCC has adequate processes in place to ensure that only unbiased information is provided in its assessments and reports; 2) determine if existing processes were violated and recommend actions for remediation; 3) evaluate the implications of the actions highlighted in the released CRU documents; and 4) review the financial and business interests of IPCC officials, including Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, to ascertain whether they used their position as arbiters of climate science for personal benefit (including associated organizations).

“The recent IAC report did not consider all of the allegations and issues presented to it; however the report did highlight several shortcomings such as the need for increased transparency, fundamental changes to its management structure, more careful review of its reports, and the need to more fully represent dissenting views.

“While the report missed an opportunity to address specific allegations, it did confirm the need for substantive change within the UN’s IPCC. The recommendations offered in the report are a good start to restoring credibility and public trust in the IPCC. I hope the UN and the IPCC embrace and implement these recommendations immediately.”

A copy of the IAC report is available HERE

A copy of Rep. Broun’s February 2, 2010 letter to Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is available HERE

For more information on this topic, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN NUCLEAR R&D BILL

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – July 28, 2010- The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today approved by voice vote H.R. 5866, the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act of 2010, a bipartisan bill authorizing a balanced portfolio of nuclear energy research and development (R&D) at the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill updates and expands on nuclear R&D provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

“Our country is eagerly pursuing new energy solutions that will wean us off foreign oil, create American jobs, and clean up our air. Nuclear power fits the bill in every way,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC). “To meet our growing energy needs, we’re going to need to keep building our nuclear power strength. With this opportunity to reinvest in nuclear research, we have an opportunity to tackle two important issues: the nuclear fuel cycle and capital costs.”

The legislation was introduced jointly by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Brian Baird (D-WA) and Ranking Member Inglis. While supportive of the R&D efforts authorized in H.R. 5866, Republicans expressed concern with broader policy issues t that threaten long-term domestic expansion of nuclear energy.

“Our current disposal policy is insufficient,” Inglis noted. “Nuclear plants have been stockpiling this waste waiting for the Federal government to open Yucca Mountain.”

Republicans unanimously voiced opposition to the Administration’s decision to withdraw the license application for the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository, without having issued a merit-based decision, based on a detailed scientific review. Rather, the Administration has defended its decision as a “matter of policy,” and instead established a Blue Ribbon Commission to evaluate other options for nuclear storage.

“Unfortunately, responsible long-term storage of our nuclear waste has become strongly politicized, and the Administration continues to snub the explicit will of Congress, the nuclear industry, and electricity rate payers,” Inglis said. “The sooner we resolve uncertainty around nuclear waste storage, the sooner we’ll get more investment in the nuclear industry.”

To advance that objective, Inglis today offered an amendment that would require the Administration’s Commission to compare each of their recommendations in regard to cost, readiness, safety and other factors to the same factors associated with geological disposal at Yucca Mountain. After extensive debate, Inglis withdrew the amendment, with the commitment to raise the issue again when the bill is considered by the full Committee.

Beyond waste storage, Republicans offered several additional amendments to strengthen the bill. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) offered a successful amendment calling for R&D to support streamlining the licensing and approval process for new nuclear designs. A second amendment by Rep. Biggert to authorize additional advanced nuclear fuel recycling R&D activities was also passed by voice vote.

Another successful amendment, offered by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), directs the Secretary of Energy to coordinate DOE research on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with the Secretary of the Navy’s existing small reactor programs. In hearings, witnesses have told the Committee that the federal government can best advance new reactor design and development through support of SMRs to complement existing large scale nuclear plants.

For more information on today’s markup, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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COMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN NASA AUTHORIZATION BILL, PUTTING SPACE AGENCY BACK ON TRACK

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – The House Science and Technology Committee today approved H.R. 5781, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, a bill cosponsored by Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX) that sets our nation’s space agency back on a path to develop a spacecraft to fly American astronauts into space, once the Space Shuttle is retired in 2011.

MEMBERS REITERATE REQUEST ON YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Transparency still lacking

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILLS TO DEVELOP SAFER DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES AND RESTRUCTURE OIL SPILL RESPONSE EFFORTS

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – July 21, 2010 - Today, the House of Representatives approved by voice vote H.R. 5716, the Safer Oil and Natural Gas Drilling Technology Research and Development Act, a bill to strengthen research into technologies to make oil and natural gas drilling safer.

A longtime supporter of advancing safe and environmentally responsible drilling practices, Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) played a leading role in the research and development (R&D) program amended by H.R. 5716, originally established by Section 999 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Praising the collaborative research supported by the program, Hall said “The program has contributed significantly to transformational advances in deep offshore and onshore drilling technologies that are helping to efficiently and responsibly recover energy supplies long known to exist, but which were previously inaccessible.”

Hall continued, “The recovery of these resources has resulted in significant benefits to taxpayers in the form of domestic jobs and affordable energy, as well as increasing royalties to the fund that pays for the program in the first place. The changes to EPAct Section 999 made by H.R. 5716 are the product of extensive negotiations with the majority to develop compromise legislation in response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster.”

During the last two years, the Obama Administration eliminated Department of Energy (DOE) fossil energy R&D unrelated to climate change. Congress has rejected this recommendation and provided funding for important research in this area, including the Section 999 program. The bill shifts the focus of each of the program’s four elements toward advancing safety and accident prevention and mitigation technologies associated with oil and natural gas exploration and production. It also expands the scope of offshore R&D activities to those involving water depths of 1,000 feet or greater, a reduction from the 5,000 feet in current law.

“While the precise focus and detailed language in this bill is not ideal, it represents a fair and reasonable compromise that preserves and strengthens the Section 999 program,” Hall said. “This is the only R&D program in the Federal government capable of ramping up activities quickly and effectively to address the renewed interest in drilling technology research in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Given the Administration’s efforts to terminate any and all research and development related to oil and natural gas, this program is all the more vital.”

The House also passed H.R. 2693, the Oil Pollution Research and Development Program Reauthorization Act of 2010, which amends the Federal Oil Spill Research Program Act to encourage the development of technologies to assist in future oil spill cleanup.

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COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS TO ENHANCE SAFE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, OIL SPILL RESPONSE EFFORTS

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HALL STATEMENT ON NASA’S MISPLACED PRIORITIES

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

NIST MAKING PROGRESS DEVELOPING STANDARDS FOR ‘SMART GRID’ ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
Witnesses say consumer privacy must be protected

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – July 1, 2010 - The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation today held a hearing to examine the progress of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in coordinating an effort to develop a common framework and interoperability standards for the next generation electricity delivery system, referred to as a “smart grid.” Witnesses today discussed how standards affect the development of the smart grid, deployment of smart grid technologies, and consumer privacy issues associated with these standards.

“On its face, using macro and micro consumer data to optimize the generation and distribution of electricity is a logical step we can take to improve the efficiency of our system,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Adrian Smith (R-NE). “However, we should also know at what level of granularity this data will be gathered and used, and who will be using it. We should also ensure this data is used to enable smarter consumer decision-making, not to force false choices on consumers or to cut off access to electricity.”

Modernizing the electric grid to incorporate digital computing, microprocessor-based measurement and control, and communication technology could enable greater two-way communication between consumers and electricity providers. This could then enable consumers to adjust their electricity usage in response to real-time demand and price information.

While supportive of a more efficient electricity grid, Ranking Member Smith today raised concerns with how we get to that point and at what cost – financially, privacy-wise, and security-wise. “The American taxpayers must be confident that a smart grid will enhance their daily lives and not infringe on their privacy, freedoms, and personal choice,” Smith noted.

The 2009 Stimulus bill provided $4 billion for smart grid technologies, most of which is paying utilities to purchase Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or “smart meters.” NIST is in the process of developing interoperability standards for energy storage and smart meters. Since these standards have not yet been completed, Ranking Member Smith raised concerns that stimulus dollars dedicated to smart grid could be wasted on infrastructure which won’t meet the forthcoming standards.

Along with developing interoperability standards, NIST is also coordinating the development of cyber security standards to ensure the security and privacy of smart grid data and systems. This issue of privacy is one that both Members and witnesses stressed as being critical to the success of a new grid. Testifying today, Ms. Lillie Coney, Associate Director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, said “Only by building privacy protection into the Smart Grid from the outset can the NIST defend the privacy interests long protected by our legal system. Thus, NIST should establish comprehensive privacy regulations that limit the collection and use of consumer data.”

The following witnesses also testified today before the Subcommittee:

Dr. George Arnold, National Coordinator for Smart Grid, National Institute of Standards and Technology;

Mr. Mason Emnett, Associate Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;

Mr. John McDonald, Director of Technical Strategy and Policy Development, GE Energy; and

Mr. Conrad Eustis, Director of Retail Technology Development, Portland General Electric.

For more information on today’s markup, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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WEATHER SATELLITE DETAILS REMAIN ELUSIVE

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SCIENCE OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE MINORITY SEEKS ANSWERS REGARDING BP OIL SPILL
Actions by the Administration display pattern of political motivation

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – June 24, 2010 - Late this afternoon, Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA), Ranking Member of the House Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, sent three letters to Administration officials, outlining a troubling pattern of politically-motivated actions in dealing with the Gulf oil spill, and demanding scientific integrity moving forward.

In a letter sent to President Barack Obama, Broun requests additional members with broad technical expertise be added to the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. Citing press reports that include comments from Commission members hinting at what their conclusions will be, Broun wrote, “I fear that as currently constructed, the Commission will serve little purpose other than rubberstamping your Administration’s predetermined policy goals without fully investigating the facts and circumstances concerning the root causes of the incident.”

The letter continues, “Based on the composition of the Commission, it appears that the real task they are being asked to undertake is justifying an offshore drilling moratorium.” Broun also called on the Administration to direct the Commission to report to Congress as well as the Administration, and include more members with scientific and technical backgrounds.

Broun also sent separate letters to the Secretary of Interior, Kenneth Salazar, and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Dr. John Holdren. In his letter to Secretary Salazar, Broun outlines previously defined principles of scientific integrity and questions the Department’s methods in producing their recent report titled, Increased Safety Measures for Energy Development on the Outer Continental Shelf. After the report was released, six of the eight peer-reviewers from the National Academy of Engineering chastised the Administration’s manipulation of their expert advice.

Broun wrote that “The Department of Interior’s deceptive misrepresentation of peer-review in order to justify an offshore drilling moratorium presents a troublesome view of how this Administration views the role of science and technology relating to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the continuing response.” In order to review these claims, Broun also requests from Secretary Salazar all documents and drafts related to the report.

In his letter to OSTP Director John Holdren, Broun acknowledges BP’s announced commitment of up to $500 million to the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI) to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon incident. However, Broun questions Dr. Holdren on the decision to have the Administration outline guidelines for the disbursement of these private research funds.

Broun wrote, “I am concerned that the Administration is playing an active role in the disbursement of these funds by dictating guidelines. This appearance of unauthorized federal influence on the allocation of private research funding is troubling. Additionally, if the Administration is in de facto control of these funds with little or no oversight, this could potentially create an environment ripe for waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement.”

The letter continues, “More importantly, by the Administration interfering in the process of administering and issuing these independent funds, I worry that those researchers and institutions desperately seeking funding to evaluate the causes and impacts of the incident as well as the potential solutions will be left waiting hat-in-hand.” Press reports have already indicated that money for important fast-tracked research has been held up by this directive.

Broun concluded, “When a region is in dire need of answers, additional bureaucratic hurdles are the last thing the Administration should be creating.” Broun also requests all documents related to the creation of these guidelines, who will manage the funds, how they will be disbursed.

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WITNESSES CHALLENGE ASSERTION THAT DRILLING MORATORIUM WILL IMPROVE SAFETY
Administration Backs Out of Hearing at Last Minute

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

OBSTACLES REMAIN FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
Witnesses note economic and reliability challenges, call for improved weather forecasts

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – June 16, 2010 - The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today held a hearing examining the roles that federal agencies as well as the private sector play in providing forecasting data and services relevant to expanding the availability of reliable, renewable power.

“Despite many years—even decades—of growth in subsidies and vast resources targeted towards research and development, renewable energy sources remain significantly more expensive than conventional counterparts,” said Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX), a member of the Subcommittee. “Nonetheless, the last decade has seen significant integration of renewable energy onto the electric grid, fueled by many of these subsidies as well as State-level Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates.”

A significant barrier to the widespread adoption of many forms of renewable energy, including wind and solar, is that these sources are intermittent. Electric grid managers address this intermittency by adjusting the delivery of other sources of power based on expected changes in renewable power output.

Neugebauer noted that “Because renewable energy sources provide only intermittent contributions to the grid, they result in reliability concerns and must ultimately be backed by baseload power from conventional sources, which ultimately adds to the cost of delivering electricity.”

Witnesses today called for more accurate weather forecasting in order to alleviate reliability concerns associated with wind and solar energy. Dr. David Mooney, Director of the Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), said that “In order to reliably and cost-effectively integrate large amounts of wind and solar power generation into the power system, accurate forecasts are critical.”

However, specifically discussing the emergence of wind energy, Dr. Robert Michaels, a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Energy Research, expressed doubts that wind energy will have much of an impact on displacing fossil fuels, or that government subsidies for the wind industry will create jobs. “Any possible increase in U.S. commitment to wind power should be viewed in light of recent European experience, and it should be viewed in both economic and political terms,” Michaels said. Referring to a recent study by a university in Spain, which concluded that government support for renewables actually destroys jobs rather than creating them, Dr. Michaels said that “Most jobs in that industry are in the production and construction of durable equipment and installations, with relatively few long-term operating positions.”

Michaels continued, “America's economic performance over the past two years gives little encouragement to those who believe that government spending can generate substantial and sustained increases in employment. But even if one believes in the efficacy of a stimulus package, renewables are probably a poor choice for the creation of job slots.”

The following witnesses testified today before the Subcommittee:

Ms. Jamie Simler, Director of the Office of Energy Policy and Innovation, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;

Dr. Alexander MacDonald, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;

Dr. David Mooney, Director, Electricity, Resources, and Building Systems Integration Center, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado;

Dr. Pascal Storck, President of 3TIER;

Mr. Grant Rosenblum, Manager of Renewable Integration, California Independent System Operator (California ISO); and

Dr. Robert Michaels, Senior Fellow, Institute for Energy Research.

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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WITNESSES CALL U.S. ‘INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM’ ENVY OF THE WORLD

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR BETTER PREPARATION AND RESPONSE TO OIL SPILLS
Agencies admit that little is still known about the extent of the Gulf spill or the best options for cleanup

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

June 9, 2010 - Today the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment heard from two panels of expert witnesses about research and technology needs to facilitate the recovery of oil for effective cleanup of oil spills. On the 51^st day of the worst spill in American history, and as oil continues to leak out of the Gulf of Mexico ocean floor, witnesses today focused on the role that federal research agencies should play to improve the response going forward.

“It is much more desirable to prevent a spill than to deal with the aftermath of one,” said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). A longtime supporter of responsible drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) as part of our national energy policy, Ranking Member Hall played a key role in getting the Ultra-deepwater and Unconventional Resource program signed into law in 2005. “My primary goal in advancing this program was to encourage the development of technologies required to reach these vast reserves in a way that prevents the loss of life and economic and environmental damage we have witnessed in the last couple of months.”

Echoing Hall’s comments, Dr. Richard Haut, Senior Research Scientist at the Houston Advanced Research Center, said that “The first objective of a comprehensive research program is aimed at preventing incidents from occurring.” Haut continued, “Efforts to increase the share of domestically produced oil in the Nation’s liquid fuel supply are generally seen to be serving a beneficial purpose from both economic and energy security perspectives, provided they are done in an environmentally safe manner.”

Witnesses today highlighted how little is actually known about the extent of the Gulf spill, how to clean it up, or the long-term effects of the current suite of technological options. The Gulf disaster has shed light on the ineffectiveness of agencies to anticipate the evolving nature of oil and gas exploration. Following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 was signed into law with the intent of improving the government’s ability to take immediate action once a spill has been identified with pre-planned rapid response procedures that use state of the art technology for containment and cleanup. However, witnesses today admitted that only modest technological advances have been made in oil spill cleanup since 1990.

Further exasperating effective response to the Gulf spill, private entrepreneurs with technologies that have been demonstrated to help clean up oil spills have been stymied by bureaucratic barriers. Testifying today as a representative of his company that developed a device to separate oil from water, actor and entrepreneur, Mr. Kevin Costner, highlighted the frustration of navigating the maze of Federal regulations necessary to be permitted to deploy a demonstrated technology. Members and witnesses all agreed that a more efficient system needs to be put in place in order to facilitate moving oil spill response technologies through the “valley of death” between successful demonstration and widespread commercial application.

The following witnesses testified today before the Subcommittee:

Panel I

Mr. Douglas R. Helton, Incident Operations Coordinator, Office of Response and

Restoration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department

of Commerce.

Captain Anthony Lloyd, Chief, Office of Incident Management and Preparedness, United

States Coast Guard.

Ms. Sharon Buffington, Chief, Engineering and Research Branch, Offshore Energy and

Minerals Management, Minerals Management Service (MMS), U.S. Department of the

Interior.

Dr. Albert Venosa, Director, Land Remediation and Pollution Control Division, National

Risk Management Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Panel II

Dr. Jeffrey Short, Pacific Science Director for Oceana.

Dr. Samantha Joye, Professor of Marine Sciences, University of Georgia.

Dr. Richard Haut, Senior Research Scientist, Houston Advanced Research Center.

Dr. Nancy Kinner, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of New

Hampshire and Co-Director of the Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC).

Mr. Kevin Costner, Partner, Ocean Therapy Solutions (OTS).

For more information on today’s markup, or to see the roll call votes, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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HALL STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL SPACE-X LAUNCH OF FALCON 9

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

‘COMPETES’ PASSES AFTER COMPROMISE LANGUAGE REMOVED; RARE PROCEDURAL TACTIC STRIKES SEVERAL BIPARTISAN CHANGES

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

– May 28, 2010 - By a vote of 262 to 150 the House of Representatives today approved H.R. 5116, a bill reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act, after language that was overwhelmingly approved on the House floor two weeks ago was stripped from the underlying bill with a rarely-used procedural tactic.

“I am disappointed that my Democratic colleagues resorted to using a procedural tactic to defeat Republican changes that would have saved over $40 billion and restored the original COMPETES priority of basic research,” said Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). “While I am glad we were finally able to reauthorize many of the important research and education programs in this bill, the bill that passed today spends too much money, authorizes duplicative programs, and shifts focus away from the bill’s original intent.”

Prior to a final vote on the COMPETES Reauthorization on May 13, a Motion to Recommit (MTR) offered by Ranking Member Hall passed the House by a vote of 292 to 126, resulting in the Democrats’ decision to pull the bill from consideration at that point.

Last Wednesday, a new bill was brought to the floor, incorporating only two of the provisions from the successful MTR. The new bill, H.R. 5325, reduced the 5-year authorization to a 3-year authorization, in an attempt to compromise with Republicans on reducing cost. However, with many Republicans still concerned over increased spending, duplicative programs, and a shift in priorities, the new bill was defeated, failing to achieve the two-thirds majority needed in order to pass under an expedited process.

Today, the original bill, H.R. 5116, was brought back to the House floor, with the Majority employing a rarely used procedural tactic to gut the most substantive and cost-saving provisions from the Republican MTR. The MTR, which passed by an overwhelming margin, originally did the following:

· Eliminated funding authorizations beyond 2013, saving $38.2 billion;

· Struck the new programs in the bill, saving $1.3 billion;

· Froze funding for all existing programs at current levels for 2011-2013 unless there is no deficit, saving $8 billion;

· Provided special consideration to schools that make STEM education programs available to disabled veterans and gave special consideration to schools chartered to serve disabled students;

· Prohibited any Federal employee who has been disciplined for downloading, viewing, or exchanging pornographic material from receiving a salary on the taxpayer dollar; and

· Ensured that institutions receiving Federal funding allow military recruiters on their campuses.

Today’s procedural tactic effectively divided the MTR into nine separate sections requiring the House to vote on each. Democrats defeated all but two: the ‘porn provision,’ as described above, and the ‘military recruiters on campuses provision,’ which both passed by recorded vote. All of the other provisions were stripped from H.R. 5116, including the compromise represented in last week’s bill, which reduced the authorization period.

Estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to cost $86 billion, H.R. 5116 authorizes nearly $23 billion above currently appropriated levels. Republicans offered several amendments throughout the legislative process, in addition to the MTR, attempting to reduce the increased spending, but all were defeated.

“Given the current state of our national economy and the fact that our nation’s budget deficit has increased 50% since the last authorization three years ago, we must be mindful of our spending if America is to continue to compete globally,” Hall noted.

Finally, the issue of giving institutions serving disabled veterans special consideration for STEM grants, an issue of great importance to Ranking Member Hall, was also removed from the bill, by a vote of 197-215.

“I am disappointed that the compromise language for disabled veterans was voted down,” Hall said. “On the eve of Memorial Day, I cannot understand how my colleagues can vote against giving disabled veterans the same treatment that other underrepresented populations enjoy.”

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LEGENDARY ASTRONAUTS OUTLINE SHORTFALLS OF OBAMA’S SPACE FLIGHT PLANS, NASA BUDGET

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pictured left to right: Mr. Neil Armstrong, Mr. Eugene Cernan, Mr. Thomas Young

Washington D.C. – In a hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, legendary Apollo Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Eugene Cernan, along with former CEO of Lockheed Martin, Mr. Thomas Young, discussed their serious concerns with President Obama’s plan for building a successor to the Space Shuttle, which is scheduled to retire at the end of this year.

PUBLIC HEALTH THREATENED BY POOR AGENCY PROCESSES

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – May 20, 2010 - Today in a hearing, members of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee examined the policies and procedures used by the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) to assess, validate and release public health documents. Witnesses discussed specific instances where these offices have relied upon flawed science and incomplete data to draw critical public health conclusions.

“While the work the Agency does is crucially important, it is also very difficult,” noted Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA). “Determining causation and making health risk determinations is not always black-and-white, but despite the complexity of their work, the public deserves to have an Agency they trust.”

A report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examining ATSDR’s clearance policies and procedures regarding release of its public health documents was released today. The report was requested by both Republican and Democratic members of the Subcommittee.

Ms. Cynthia Bascetta, the Director of Health Care Issues at the GAO, testified today that the policies and procedures ATSDR established for preparing and releasing its public health documents lack “critical controls to provide reasonable assurance of product quality.” Further, GAO found that the roles and responsibilities of the agency’s management regarding the development of ATSDR’s products, their oversight and eventual clearance are not well defined. The agency also lacks a comprehensive risk assessment process for evaluating priorities regarding its development, review and release of public health documents.

Also testifying at the hearing was Dr. Mark Edwards, Charles P. Lunsford Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Edwards highlighted faults in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report issued in the aftermath of the DC lead crisis, to ease DC residents concerns regarding lead exposure from tap water. Subsequent review by Dr. Edwards, as well as a yearlong review by the Subcommittee, found fundamental flaws in this report.

“It became abundantly clear that the processes by which scientific products are tasked, developed, reviewed, distributed, and communicated are woefully inadequate,” said Ranking Member Broun.

Testifying today on behalf of the CDC, Dr. Robin M. Ikeda, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Director of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury and Environmental Health, said today that “Although we have assembled a strong record of accomplishment—protecting health near hazardous waste sites, advancing science through our health studies and the work of the environmental health laboratory, and educating health professionals and the public-- NCEH and ATSDR constantly seek to strengthen our ability to prevent harmful exposures and protect the public.”

The following witnesses also testified today before the Subcommittee:

Mr. Stephen Lester, Science Director, Center for Health, Environment & Justice; and

Dr. John P. Wargo, Professor, Environmental Risk Analysis and Policy, Yale University

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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‘COMPETES’ FAILS TO GET TWO-THIRDS VOTE NEEDED AFTER BIPARTISAN CHANGES WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE NEW BILL

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – The House of Representatives today defeated H.R. 5325, a bill reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act, after language that was overwhelmingly approved on the House floor last week was stripped from this version of the bill. Prior to a vote on the COMPETES Reauthorization last Thursday, a Motion to Recommit (MTR) offered by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) passed the House by a vote of 292 to 126, resulting in the Democrats’ decision to pull the bill from consideration.

COMMITTEE EXAMINES WAYS TO ADVANCE THE NUCLEAR ENERGY “RENAISSANCE”

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

May 19^th, 2010 - The Committee on Science and Technology today held a hearing on nuclear energy research and development (R&D), with a focus on how the federal government can best advance new reactor design and development, particularly through support for small, modular reactors (SMRs) to complement existing large scale nuclear plants.

“There are numerous advanced nuclear designs and technologies that hold promise to address the longer-term cost, safety, and security challenges facing the nuclear industry, and the Administration’s R&D Roadmap provides a useful outline of Federal efforts in this area,” said Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) in a written statement. “I support strengthening this R&D effort, and am particularly interested in advancing the potential of small, modular reactors that are a focus of this hearing.”

Hall went on to note that “With electricity demand in the U.S. expected to grow by 30 percent in the next 25 years, nuclear energy provides a safe, reliable, and cost-competitive source of baseload power to meet this demand.”

There are currently 104 nuclear power plants in 31 states operating in our country, generating approximately 20 percent of the electricity produced. Nuclear plants in 2008 ran at a capacity factor of 91.5 percent compared to 73.6 percent for coal, 42 percent for natural gas and 40 percent for renewables.

Sitting in as the ranking Republican for today’s hearing, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) discussed the need for the U.S. to increase support for our domestic nuclear industry. "It's clear that without significant changes in the way we approach nuclear power that we will watch China exporting their small and medium nuclear reactors around the globe,” Rohrabacher said. “By strengthening our R& D efforts on far reaching technologies, we can fill that market, as well as our own needs, with safe, clean, reliable, cost-effective, proliferation-resistant, American nuclear reactors, as long as we're not burdened by our own regulations.”

The Administration last month released the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Research and Development Roadmap. While supportive of this effort, Mr. Gary Krellenstein, Managing Director of Tax Exempt Capital Markets at JP Morgan Chase & Co., today discussed the need to take further steps in order to bring more reactors online. Krellenstein said that “while the Roadmap helps move the needle on addressing technology risk, both political and regulatory variables continue to give pause to investors in this space. Unless addressed,” he continued, “these risks will continue to undermine efforts to promote a domestic nuclear renaissance here in the United States.”

The four main objectives of the roadmap are to:

1. establish solutions that can improve reliability and safety of the current fleet of reactors and extend their life;

2. advance reactor technology to both improve affordability and performance;

3. develop sustainable nuclear fuel cycles; and

4. understand and minimize the risks of proliferation and terrorism.

Dr. Mark Peters, Deputy Director for Programs at Argonne National Laboratory, acknowledged that while all four objectives of the Administration’s Roadmap listed above are clearly important, “Argonne believes that the public sector has a proportionately larger role to play in the efforts supporting objectives 2, 3, and 4.”

In his Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Request, President Obama terminated funding for the Yucca Mountain Project, designated in 1987 as a permanent repository site for nuclear waste. Yucca Mountain represents an investment of nearly $10 billion.

“With respect to waste management,” Hall said in a statement for the record, “I have been very clear about my objections to the Administration’s attempts to shut down the Yucca Mountain Project, particularly given that the cancellation was done without serious consideration of alternative options.” Hall continued, “The Federal government is legally obligated to deal with this waste, and the current absence of a path forward threatens to jeopardize growing public support for expanding nuclear power while increasing taxpayer liabilities. This needs to be addressed as soon as possible.”

The following witnesses testified today before the Committee:

Dr. Warren P. Miller, Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy

Mr. Christofer Mowry, President and CEO, Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Dr. Charles Ferguson, President, Federation of American Scientists

Dr. Mark Peters, Deputy Director for Programs, Argonne National Laboratory

Dr. Thomas L. Sanders, President, American Nuclear Society

Mr. Gary M. Krellenstein, Managing Director, Tax Exempt Capital Markets, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

For more information about today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

For additional information about Republican correspondence with the Administration regarding the Yucca Mountain Project, click HERE.

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HOUSE RECOMMITS ‘AMERICA COMPETES'
Bipartisan majority passes Republican improvements; Democrats pull bill prior to final vote

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – The House of Representatives today overwhelmingly voted to recommit H.R. 5116, a bill reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act, due to several concerns raised by Republicans. A Motion to Recommit (MTR), offered by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), passed the House by a vote of 292 to 126, resulting in the Democrats’ decision to pull the bill prior to final passage.

VOLCANIC ASH POSES SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO AVIATION; WITNESSES URGE RESEARCH TO PROVIDE BETTER INFORMATION ON RISK MITIGATION

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – May 5, 2010 - In response to the recent eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics today held a hearing to discuss research needed to improve understanding of the impact of volcanic ash clouds on aircraft and aircraft operations. The Committee also discussed improving the reliability of models used to forecast the movement and dispersion of volcanic plumes, and steps federal research can take to minimize repercussions. The recent disruption caused by volcanic ash is the greatest experienced to date, stunting air travel in Europe for six days, causing a loss of at least $1.7 billion in airline revenue as well as affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide.

“The recent volcanic eruption in Iceland was a powerful example of the interconnected world we live in today,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX). “Travelers brace for almost anything, but delays due to the eruption of an Icelandic volcano are not something many would have predicted when they drove to the airport that day.”

Following Iceland’s volcanic eruption, several weaknesses became apparent including insufficient scientific data to establish the volcanic ash contaminant level below which air travel may be safe and permissible; inadequate data on the atmospheric location and concentrations of ash such that safe flying corridors can be determined on a real-time basis; and the damage, both immediate and long-term, that volcanic ash inflicts on aircraft, particularly their engines.

Testifying today on behalf of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Dr. Tony Strazisar said “To be safe, the current established practice is to avoid flight operations in the vicinity of known volcanic airborne debris. As a result, volcanic ash ingestion is not a leading cause of aircraft safety accidents or issues—in fact they are quite rare.”

NASA’s fleet of Earth-monitoring research satellites helped provide invaluable near-real-time information on volcanic cloud composition and location to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and European meteorological services.

Strazisar continued, “Detecting, monitoring and understanding volcanic ash clouds and their composition are critical first steps in addressing this issue… Certainly there will be a significant assessment of this issue by the global aviation community in the coming months and years.”

The following witnesses testified today before the Subcommittee:

Dr. Tony Strazisar, Senior Technical Advisor, Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

Dr. Jack A. Kaye, Earth Science Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

Ms. Victoria Cox, Senior VP, NextGen and Operations Planning, Air Traffic Organization, Federal Aviation Administration;

Captain Linda M. Orlady, Executive Air Safety Vice Chair, Air Line Pilots Association, International; and

Mr. Roger Dinius, Flight Safety Director, GE Aviation.

For more information about the hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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COMMITTEE APPROVES ‘COMPETES’ BILL AS REPUBLICANS OFFER 39 AMENDMENTS TO ADDRESS INCREASED COSTS, FUNDING PRIORITIES

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today in a markup, Republicans on the House Science and Technology Committee offered a total of 39 amendments, focused on addressing concerns over increased costs and a shift in priorities represented in H.R. 5116, a bill reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act.

BROUN ENCOURAGES BETTER MANAGEMENT OF VITAL RESOURCE
Hearing evaluates helium-3 supply crisis; negative impacts to various fields

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES NIST AUTHORIZATION DESPITE GOP CONCERNS

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – April 21, 2010 - The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation today approved by voice vote a committee print reauthorizing programs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as Republican members raised concerns regarding increased costs and a longer authorization period.

“NIST is an important and trusted arbiter of standards, weights, and measurers,” noted subcommittee Ranking Member Adrian Smith (R-NE). “While the question of reauthorization level will be debated, there is no question reauthorization of NIST is vital to every sector of our economy.”

In an attempt to decrease the overall cost of the authorization, Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) offered an amendment that would maintain the previous three-year authorization period for NIST, rather than increase it to five-years. Citing the current economic environment, Broun explained that the committee print under consideration goes beyond even the President’s request. Broun said that his amendment would give Congress more flexibility to evaluate the effectiveness of programs at NIST, and allow for better oversight over how taxpayer dollars are being spent. In a recorded vote, the amendment failed along a party line, 7-5.

An amendment offered by Ranking Member Smith was approved today by voice vote. The amendment adds a new section clarifying that cybersecurity standards developed for private industry by NIST will be voluntary. Beyond this amendment, Smith mentioned further issues he would like to resolve prior to consideration by the full committee next week.

A manager’s amendment, which also passed by voice vote, elevates the Director of NIST to be an Under Secretary of Commerce, a change that was recommended to the Committee in recent oversight hearings. Smith said that “Given NIST’s stature, it is appropriate we elevate the Director of NIST to be an Under Secretary of Commerce… provided the director is not saddled with new duties and continues to concentrate his efforts on running the agency.”

This markup represents the third and final subcommittee markup leading up to the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which is scheduled for full Committee consideration next Wednesday, April 28 at 10:00am.

For more information on today’s markup, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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HALL REMAINS SKEPTICAL OF OBAMA SPACE FLIGHT PLAN

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today, following President Obama’s speech in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on his plans for our Nation’s space program, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) expressed strong concerns with the President’s direction for NASA.

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES REAUTHORIZATION OF NSF PROGRAMS: Republican Amendment to Reduce Cost Fails by Recorded Vote

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – April 14, 2010 - The Subcommittee on Research and Science Education today approved a Committee Print, reauthorizing research and development (R&D) programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), despite Republican concerns regarding increased costs and new programs included in the authorization.

“This is an agency known for its responsible budgeting and respected for its merit-review and evaluation processes,” noted Subcommittee Ranking Member Vernon Ehlers (R-MI). “Overall, I believe the bill we are considering today further strengthens the National Science Foundation and improves our nation’s ability to compete globally.”

“However, I have a few reservations about some of the provisions we are considering today,” Ehlers continued. “Many of my colleagues are concerned that the authorized levels of funding for the NSF may be excessively high in light of our current economic situation, as well as the recent infusion of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”

In an attempt to decrease the overall cost of the authorization, Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) offered an amendment that would reduce the authorization period from five years to three years. Citing the current economic environment, Neugebauer explained that shortening the authorization period would reduce the overall price of this bill by over $20 billion dollars, a savings of over 44%. It would further give Congress more flexibility to come back in three years and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and allow for better oversight over how taxpayer dollars are being spent. In a recorded vote, the amendment failed along a party line, 7-4.

Two additional amendments offered by Rep. Neugebauer were voted down by voice vote. One attempted to strike language that was seen as picking winners and losers in particular areas of research at NSF. The other attempted to maintain existing law of requiring 50% matching funds for institutions receiving Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship grants. The language included in the committee print reduces that matching requirement to only 30%, thus increasing the federal proportion of funding, and limiting the total amount of money available for potential recipients.

An amendment offered by Subcommittee Chairman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), authorizes a new pilot program for the NSF to hand out cash prize awards for breakthroughs in any area of research supported by the Foundation. Republicans questioned whether NSF was an appropriate agency to incentivize research with cash prizes, based on the agency’s historical role in supporting basic research, as opposed to applied research. Republicans further questioned whether NSF already has the statutory authority to offer prizes, without a new section explicitly authorizing them. Despite these concerns, the amendment was agreed to by voice vote.

This markup represents the second Subcommittee markup leading up to the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which the Chairman suggested will be ready for full Committee consideration by the end of April.

For more information on today’s hearing or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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REPUBLICANS RAISE CONCERNS WITH ENERGY TITLE OF COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION: Members offer several amendments to address costs, funding priorities

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 25, 2010 - Today in the first subcommittee markup of the America COMPETES Act reauthorization process, Republicans offered a total of seven amendments, in an attempt to address growing concerns over increased costs and a shift in priorities in the energy title. The energy title that was marked up today includes the reauthorization of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E), and the Obama Administration’s proposed Energy Innovation Hubs.

“As I look at the authorization levels in this bill, I can’t help but think that we’re letting our enthusiasm for these programs get the better of us,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC). “While robust funding for critical work at the Department of Energy is necessary and a long-term commitment of this Subcommittee, now is the time to exercise restraint and fiscal responsibility.”

In an attempt to reduce the bill’s overall authorized spending level by $18 billion and ensure the committee exercises its oversight responsibility by re-examining COMPETES programs in three years, Rep. Mario Diaz Balart (R-FL) today offered an amendment to strike the bill’s authorizations for 2014 and 2015. Democrats objected, and the amendment was not agreed to. In support of the amendment, Inglis said, “I think it is important that we give the program more time to show its successes and limitations and hesitate to offer it such a lengthy authorization.”

In a further attempt to constrain ballooning costs, Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) offered an amendment to lower the overall authorization level for the Office of Science closer to the administration’s request level. Ms. Biggert withdrew her amendment upon receiving assurances from Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) that he would work with her prior to consideration by the full Committee to lower some of the authorization levels.

Beyond spending concerns, Republicans also offered amendments to maintain the focus of the Office of Science to remain on basic research. This bill language suggests a shift away from the Office of Science’s basic research and discovery mission and toward an increased focus on technology development, demonstration, and commercial application activities. Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), Vice Ranking Member of the Committee, successfully offered an amendment explicitly adding language ensuring that the focus would continue to be on basic research. Ehlers also offered a second amendment, which was not agreed to, that would have struck the specific authorization levels for research activities within the Office of Science. This amendment was an attempt to avoid picking “winners and losers” among the Office’s major program areas.

“It seems we are encouraging the Office of Science to move away from its foundational research focus and towards the development of marketable technologies,” Inglis noted. “I am concerned that an emphasis on technology development will overrun and diminish the critical basic discovery science mission.”

Republicans have continually praised the importance of basic research at the Office of Science. The possibility that ARPA-E could compete for funding with the Office of Science, has been a criticism since the Committee first authorized ARPA-E in 2005. Today, Inglis again attempted to ensure that the Office of Science would continue to be a top priority by offering an amendment disallowing ARPA-E from being appropriated more money, unless the Office of Science is adequately funded. The amendment was not agreed to.

Finally, Republicans called attention to concerns associated with the effort to statutorily establish the administration’s Energy Innovation Hubs. This is a new initiative recommended by Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu and is intended to create breakthroughs in particularly troublesome areas of energy technology. Republicans today raised concerns that, in addition to authorizing significant additional spending activity, these Hubs could duplicate ongoing work at DOE and signaled a desire to address these concerns as the legislation advances through the Science and Technology Committee.

For more information on today’s markup, or to see the roll call votes, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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REPUBLICANS SKEPTICAL OF OBAMA SPACE FLIGHT PLAN

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Pictured above: Witnesses (L-R) Mr. Douglas Cooke and Mr. A. Thomas Young

Washington D.C. – Today in a hearing before the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics that explored the Administration’s proposed changes to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Exploration Program, several Republicans expressed strong concerns about President Obama’s plan to cancel the Constellation system.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN PROMOTE U.S. MANUFACTURING BY IMPROVING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 17, 2010 - Witnesses today told members of the House Science and Technology Committee that the federal government can support and maintain more U.S. manufacturing companies by promoting a business-friendly environment in which to prosper.

“All of us recognize the magnitude of importance that a robust federal research and development (R&D) enterprise has on our economy, our national security, and our ability to be globally competitive; however, we also need to understand our current economic reality,” said Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). “It could be argued that some of our economic woes are a result of manufacturers, not unlike the ones before us today, being overregulated and forced to take their business outside of the United States, costing everyday Americans their jobs. I’m sure the same is true for U.S. manufacturing R&D efforts, as well.”

Pointing to inherent inefficiencies of federally-funded R&D projects, Mr. Wayne Crews, Vice President for Policy and Director of Technology Studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, discussed how market driven innovation is often better than R&D supported by the federal government. "The positive message is that most of America's wealth has not been created yet,” Crews said. “But to fulfill that optimism, recognizing limitations of politically driven research and development compared to what capital markets and economic liberalization can achieve is vital." As opposed to federally funded research programs, Crews said that “the gains from removing barriers to private research could yield far greater benefits.”

Several witnesses today also discussed the negative impact of federal regulations on U.S. manufacturing. Mr. Debtosh Chakrabarti, President of the chemical manufacturing company PMC Group, said that the cost of regulatory compliance is significant in the chemical manufacturing industry, and diverts money that could have been invested in R&D. Chakrabarti also noted that “Cap and Trade” legislation, in particular, would have a significant impact on costs.

Echoing this point, in a statement submitted for the hearing record, the National Petrochemical and Refinery Association says that increasing regulations are forcing companies to decrease their R&D budgets and shift resources in order to comply with regulations. The statement said that “Taxes, an increasing number of overly burdensome regulations, and a flawed domestic energy policy are adversely impacting [the petrochemical] industry and allowing other countries to forge ahead of us in research and development, production, and international trade.”

The following witnesses also testified:

Dr. Susan Smyth, Director, Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, General Motors;

Dr. Len Sauers, Vice President, Global Sustainability, Procter & Gamble; and

Dr. Mark Tuominen, Director, National Nanomanufacturing Network.

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT U.S. DEPENDENCE ON CHINA FOR MINERALS ESSENTIAL TO TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – March 16, 2010 - Today in a hearing, witnesses discussed the increasingly important role of rare earth minerals, or “rare earths,” in manufacturing technologies that are critical to promoting renewable energy and to national security. China is estimated to produce around 95 percent of the world’s supply and is in a position to exploit that competitive advantage.

“While China recently eased its export quotas for rare earths, over the past three years they have steadily cut export quotas, saying they need additional supplies to develop their own domestic clean energy and high-tech sectors,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA).

Rare earths are used in the manufacturing of renewable technologies such as wind turbine magnets, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and hybrid vehicle batteries. They are also used in technologies critical to national security like lasers, aircraft engines, and fiber-optics.

With a near-monopoly in supplies of rare earths, the Chinese government threatens to limit exports and has tried to persuade manufacturing firms to locate their facilities in Inner Mongolia. A witness today representing the main American supplier, Molycorp Minerals, discussed his recent efforts to seek funding to restart its mining operation. The Mountain Pass mine closed in 2002 due to low prices as China expanded into the market and from a late start on renewing its environmental permits in California.

Other witnesses discussed how the U.S. can ensure that it has access to rare earths in the future, what industrial information is needed to guarantee continued availability of critical minerals, what role the federal government should play, and what further research and development needs to be done in the area.

Ranking Member Broun concluded, “I hope today’s hearing will call attention to the current state of dependence our nation finds itself in.”

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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EHLERS RAISES CONCERNS WITH K-12 STEM EDUCATION IN NSF BUDGET PROPOSAL

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – March 10, 2010 - While supportive of the overall increase in funding proposed in the fiscal year (FY) 2011 National Science Foundation (NSF) budget, today in a hearing Subcommittee on Research and Science Education Ranking Member Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) raised concerns with the budget’s K-12 educational activities.

“I am disappointed with the funding provided in the request for K-12 educational activities within the Education and Human Resources (EHR) Directorate,” Ehlers said. “Although the NSF has defended the successes of the Math and Science Partnerships program, no increase is requested for this program, or for the Noyce Program, which also focuses on training teachers for K-12 positions. Several other programs focused on our innovative workforce, such as the Advanced Technological Education program, are also flat-funded.”

“As we consider reauthorization of the COMPETES Act,” Ehlers continued, “these NSF programs have the potential to make great impacts on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in this country. The current budget, despite providing for the doubling of the overall NSF budget, does not emphasize the importance of STEM education to our country’s economic competitiveness.”

The FY 2011 NSF budget request includes targeted investments in the areas of innovation, cyber-learning, and graduate education. It also proposes restructuring programs aimed at broadening participation at the undergraduate levels in science and engineering. With the America COMPETES Act set to be reauthorized by Memorial Day, 2010, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education Republicans will continue to recognize NSF’s valuable and essential contributions to our Nation’s basic research and development needs and will remain focused on ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of STEM education at all levels.

Testifying today before the Subcommittee were Dr. Arden Bement, Jr, Director of NSF, and Dr. Steven Beering, Chair of the National Science Board.

For more information on today’s hearing or to read witness testimony, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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REPUBLICANS SKEPTICAL OF SUDDEN SHIFTS IN DIRECTION IN EPA, NOAA BUDGET PROPOSALS

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 10, 2010 - Today in a hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee, Republicans expressed concerns to representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding dramatic shifts in direction and priorities reflected in their respective fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget requests.

Addressing Dr. Paul Anastas, EPA Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Hall (R-TX) expressed his concerns with the agency’s recent “endangerment finding,” which Hall said could dramatically alter the U.S. economy. The endangerment finding states that carbon dioxide endangers public health and welfare, and was finalized by the EPA last December.

In response to this finding, Hall introduced House Resolution 954, expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that scientific protocols, data collection methods, and peer review standards for climate change research are necessary to preclude future infringements of the public trust. Several Republicans today fervently questioned the underpinning science that went into the endangerment finding, pointing to emails and documents leaked by the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit (CRU).

“Our trust in what the experts have called the ‘gold standard’ of climate science is severely shaken,” Hall said. “The fact that the Administrator did not conduct her own extensive review of the scientific literature as is required for adjustments to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards raises a red flag. It makes us question why such a thorough review was not undertaken; why similar protocols were not followed for a decision of this magnitude. There are many questions we have about this decision, not the least of which is its validity.”

Hall warned that “Decisions made without the appropriate or, for that matter, legally required justification, often result in obvious and not so obvious unintended consequences. When determining how to spend taxpayer dollars, one expects the Administration would provide detailed analysis, information, and transparency.”

The budget proposal for NOAA also moves the agency in dramatically new directions. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced their decision to dissolve the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), thereby terminating a 16-year effort between NOAA, NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) to create a single next-generation system of weather satellites.

“The decision to split the program into two parts comes as a bit of a surprise,” Hall told Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of NOAA. “This Committee has been engaged from the beginning on this issue, and it will need to exercise substantial oversight before we can approve of moving forward.”

Republicans also raised concerns about the recent announcement regarding the creation of a NOAA Climate Service. NOAA’s announcement indicated that the agency would be creating a new line office and reorganizing research by moving labs, data centers and observing networks into this new office.

“I am not supportive of this change,” Hall said, “And as Ranking Member, I believe that this Committee should have an opportunity to examine this proposal in detail. I do not think it is appropriate for a change of this magnitude to be decided on solely by the Appropriations Committee through a reprogramming request. I am also uncomfortable with the idea that this budget requests $47 million under the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research budget line when this funding is intended to go to the new line office.”

For more information about today’s hearing, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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MEMBERS DISCUSS WAYS TO IMPROVE STEM EDUCATION WHILE PURSUING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 4, 2010 - In a hearing today to look at potential reform of K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, House Science and Technology Committee Republicans linked the importance of educating, motivating, and inspiring our Nation’s children in these areas at an early age with our ability to remain the world leader in innovation, while stressing that it must be done in a fiscally responsible manner.

“We have a difficult task in front of us with this forthcoming legislation,” said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph M. Hall (R-TX), referring to the America COMPETES Act, which the Committee will be reauthorizing this year. “On the one hand, we know that making the appropriate investments in research, development, technology, and math and science education –is essential to our future economic prosperity. This country has long been the leader in innovation, and I have no doubt that we will continue to be so. At the same time, we are faced with the blunt reality that we must strike a delicate balance between adequately funding our Nation’s priorities while at the same time exhibiting fiscal restraint to reduce our ever increasing deficit.”

Hall continued, “In the last COMPETES bill, we made great strides to improve K-12 STEM education in this country. As such, I believe we need to give those programs time to succeed before creating new ones. It is not so much the case that we need to ‘reform’ K-12 STEM education by continuing to seek new and innovative ways to capture our students’ attention as this Nation is full of good, solid examples of teachers, schools, and communities that are getting it right. Rather, we need to be able to figure out a better way to share these successful programs, the tools they use, and the various entities that came together to create them so that they can be replicated across the country, without being heavy-handed on the federal end. I know one size does not fit all, but there are many good programs out there already in existence.”

Recommendations made by the witnesses to improve K-12 STEM education included the importance of establishing partnerships between universities, industry, informal education organizations, and communities; extending grants to programs that have proved successful, while eliminating those that have yet to demonstrate success; and encouraging STEM field students to pursue vocations in education by providing better compensation and garnering more respect for the title of an educator.

The following witnesses testified before the Committee today:

Ms. Ellen Futter, President, American Museum of Natural History;

Dr. Gordon Gee, President, Ohio State University;

Dr. Jim Simons, Founder and Chairman, Math for America; and

Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, President and CEO, Battelle Memorial Institute.

For more information about today’s hearing, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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REPUBLICANS QUESTION ENERGY SECRETARY CHU ON R&D BUDGET, ENERGY SECURITY

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 3, 2010 - Today in a hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee featuring Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, Republicans questioned the research and development (R&D) priorities in the Administration’s fiscal year (FY) 2011 energy budget request.

Skeptical of the Administration’s approach to pursuing energy security, Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) questioned the Administration’s decision to zero out all funding for fossil fuel research. “While I recognize and generally support efforts to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, any serious approach to strengthening American energy independence must be comprehensive and include all energy resources such as nuclear, solar, wind and other alternatives, which should be complemented by a comprehensive effort to expand traditional sources of domestic energy, primarily oil and natural gas.”

In order to further support all energy resources, Republicans urged Secretary Chu to eliminate regulatory barriers that hamper our domestic energy production and hinder advances in efficiency. Members said it is not enough to invest in R&D if regulatory impediments prevent the opening up of new areas for domestic energy production, delay licensing for new nuclear facilities, and act as barriers to wider use of alternatives. Couple this with the Administration’s efforts to ration carbon use through “cap and trade” and the result will be higher energy costs, reduced job growth, and increased dependence on foreign energy sources, they argued.

While supportive of the Administration’s stated desire to promote the nuclear energy industry in America, several Republicans questioned the analysis behind the Administration’s determination that Yucca Mountain is not a workable option. When asked whether there was scientific analysis behind the decision to eliminate Yucca Mountain as an option, Chu said that there was no single body tasked with that responsibility and no specific analysis was performed prior to the decision to withdraw, with prejudice, the Yucca Mountain license application.

The FY 2011 budget request for the DOE is $28.4 billion, which represents a $1.8 billion increase over FY 2010. While supportive of investments in the basic research activities that drive American innovation, Ranking Member Hall said that “In our current economy we need to be more judicious with taxpayer dollars.” Hall concluded expressing his concern “with where this budget is taking us and the ways the Administration is choosing to direct energy research dollars.”

For more information about today’s hearing, please visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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HALL SUPPORTS RESOLUTION TO HALT BACKDOOR ENERGY TAX: EPA’s ‘endangerment finding’ is an attempt to circumvent Congress in imposing job-killing regulations

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – March 2, 2010 - Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today became an original cosponsor of a resolution putting a stop to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) attempt to establish a backdoor national energy tax. The resolution of disapproval would prevent the implementation of job-killing regulations based on the EPA’s recent endangerment finding, making carbon dioxide a regulated pollutant under the Clean Air Act.

Ranking Member Hall released the following statement:

“I am very alarmed that the EPA and Obama Administration are forging ahead before Congress has finalized any legislation, and are taking further additional steps to promote Federal regulations of carbon dioxide. The EPA’s endangerment finding has been rushed out the door by this administration and the EPA, without regard to its overall economic impacts and despite the EPA’s own acknowledgement that their proposal will cause job losses in the United States.

“Further, there is growing concern and evidence that scientific data, from which global warming theories emerged, has been manipulated, enhanced or deleted. The IPCC data was used by the EPA as part of the data that went into their endangerment finding.

“Recent events have uncovered extensive evidence from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia in England, which involved many researchers across the globe discussing the destruction, alteration and suppression of data that did not support global warming claims. Leaked email exchanges detail attempts to alter data that is the basis of climate modeling. These exchanges reveal actions that constitute a serious breach of scientific ethics.”

Ranking Member Hall along with a group of House Republican leaders today introduced a joint resolution of disapproval that would prevent the EPA from moving forward with regulations based on the endangerment finding.

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MEMBERS QUESTION OBAMA PLAN FOR HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS QUESTION OBAMA’S SCIENCE ADVISOR ON R&D BUDGET PRIORITIES

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today in a hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee, Republicans expressed a number of concerns to Dr. John Holdren, President Obama’s chief science and technology advisor, regarding the proposed fiscal year (FY) 2011 research and development (R&D) budget.

HOUSE APPROVES CYBERSECURITY R&D BILL

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – February 4, 2010 - The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2009, by a vote of 422-5. The bill reauthorizes various unclassified computer and network security programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

“This is an important first step,” said Committee Member Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the bill’s lead Republican sponsor. “Every critical infrastructure is tied to cyber networks whether it be our utilities, power grids, financial institutions, air traffic controllers. Virtually every sector is vulnerable. I hope as with 9/11 we don’t turn a blind eye and have a denial of service attack before we address this issue.”

The bill improves cybersecurity in the Federal, private, and public sectors through better coordination and prioritization of federal cybersecurity research and development (R&D) activities, strengthening of the cybersecurity workforce, coordination of U.S. representation in international cybersecurity technical standards development, and reauthorization of cybersecurity related programs at the NSF and NIST.

“We are all aware that the importance of cybersecurity has grown dramatically in recent years, as most of the critical systems upon which we depend—from telecommunications to electricity to banking and commerce— rely on secure and reliable computing,” said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX). “I also want to note my appreciation for what this bill doesn’t do. It avoids calling for any activities that could amount to being regulatory in nature, which could actually be counterproductive to security.”

The House Science and Technology Committee unanimously reported this measure out of Committee on November 18, 2009. The legislation has since been endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce along with a number of computing and software companies and universities.

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RANKING MEMBERS PRESS ADMINISTRATION TO JUSTIFY CANCELLING YUCCA NUCLEAR STORAGE SITE

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – February 4, 2010 - Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph M. Hall (R-TX) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA) today sent a follow-up letter to The Honorable Steven Chu, Secretary of Department of Energy, after his first response in June 2009 failed to adequately speak to the pertinent issues in question. Specifically, Chu’s response failed to address a comprehensive analysis of effects on the American taxpayer. This latest letter questions the Administration’s commitment to nuclear power and calls for further explanation and documentation regarding the Administration’s decision to abandon the development of the Yucca Mountain site as a nuclear waste repository.

“Despite a nearly $10 billion investment, clear congressional direction and legal obligation, and robust scientific study and oversight, the Administration continues to take unexplained actions that could ultimately sacrifice the project,” the lawmakers wrote. “The recent announcement of the Blue Ribbon Commission raises more questions than it answers, as you have declined to comment on the nature of the commission’s charter.”

According to the Department’s own timeline, the commission will not issue recommendations until near the end of the Administration’s term.

Reps. Broun and Hall say this process and timeline “highlights the highly illogical nature of terminating the only existing option before assessing potential alternative options, and suggests that political decisions have overridden the need for a systematic and scientific review of all options.”

The lawmakers ask Chu “to set the record straight and work with Congress to ensure the resurgence of the only energy source capable of providing significant quantities of affordable, safe, carbon-free electricity.”

A full copy of the letter, along with the May 7, 2009 letter can be found HERE

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WITNESSES SAY SAFETY, COSTS, AND CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT REMAIN CHALLENGES FOR NASA: Subcommittee Members Critical of Administration’s Plan for Human Spaceflight

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – February 3, 2010 - Today, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to discuss key issues and challenges facing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as seen by the agency’s “watchdogs”—the NASA Inspector General, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP).

“The role of watchdogs is critical in our government,” said Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX), addressing the witness panel. “We have a similar role here in Congress, and when we can, would like to partner with you to make each of our jobs more effective to accomplish our shared goals.”

Although none of these organizations drive policy at NASA, having just received President Obama’s 2011 budget request cancelling the Constellation System, Members on both sides of the aisle today raised many concerns about the direction of NASA and the future of human spaceflight.

“The President’s recent budget proposal is a radical departure for how NASA does business,” Olson noted. “The impacts to the workforce and to the relationship between the government and its contractors is about to change.”

Addressing Vice Admiral Joseph W. Dyer [U.S. Navy, retired], Chair of ASAP, Olson said “Your recent annual report provided critical insight on the path our nation should be pursuing in regard to human space flight.” For the hearing record, Olson read a passage from the ASAP report regarding the Constellation program. The report concluded that: “To abandon the program of record [NASA’s Constellation System] as a baseline for an alternative without demonstrated capability or proven superiority is unwise and probably not cost-effective.”

When asked today about risk involved with the Ares 1 rockets, Admiral Dyer said, “If the goal is to minimize the gap between the Shuttle and the follow-on, the Ares 1 offers the safest, quickest opportunity and probably the most cost effective one. If the Nation is willing to accept a wider gap, more risk, and a higher cost, then other opportunities avail themselves.”

Echoing concerns about the budget proposal, Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Ranking Member of the full Committee, said that “Congress expects and demands that the executive branch offer solid justification for their plans and programs, but for the life of me I cannot understand how this Administration can rationalize its decision to scrap Constellation and simply start anew, especially given the strong support it has received in Congress.” Hall called it “naïve to assume that a do-over will somehow deliver a safer, cheaper system faster than the current path we’re on.”

The following witnesses testified today before the Subcommittee:

Hon. Paul K. Martin, Inspector General National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Ms. Cristina T. Chaplain, Director, Acquisition and Sourcing Management Government Accountability Office

Vice Admiral Joseph W. Dyer [U.S. Navy, retired], Chair, Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For more information about the hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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WITNESSES DISCUSS PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF NEW, MORE INVASIVE PASSENGER-SCREENING PROCESSES

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

– February 3, 2010 - Today the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing in which witnesses discussed the reality of threats to national security and the development of new passenger-screening processes that could prevent future attacks.

In light of the December 25^th bombing attempt, the Subcommittee sought to review effectiveness of current screening systems, and an expansion of the development of new technologies is both appropriate and necessary. Committee Members reviewed the airline passenger screening-related research, development, testing, and deployment activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, the DHS University Centers of Excellence, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy National Laboratories

Subcommittee Ranking Member Adrian Smith (R-NE) said, “The attempted Christmas Day bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was yet another reminder that Al Qaeda and its affiliates continue to pursue all means to attack innocent Americans, and we must continue using all means available to us– military, intelligence, and technological – to remain ahead of this threat.”

Smith continued, “One particular technology which has received widespread coverage in light of the Christmas incident, and which I have heard concerns from numerous constituents about is whole-body scanners, which allow airport screeners to see concealed contraband underneath passengers’ clothes. While the desirability of this technology is understandable from a security standpoint, I look forward to learning how technological advances in other fields such as explosives detection and behavioral sciences will mitigate the need for these intrusive scanners.”

Explosives, which remain the most prevalent threat to transportation security, to critical facilities, and to individuals are very difficult to detect. Materials that appear threatening in screening processes, also known as confusers, particularly when coupled with the plethora of explosive material readily available, compound this threat.

Despite the evidence of threats to national security, some concerns discussed in the hearing centered on public acceptance of more invasive passenger-screening processes, and the level of usability offered.

Smith further stated “While it is vital we continue seeking the most effective technological means to ensure Americans remain safe from attack, we must also ensure that new technologies don’t needlessly intrude on passengers’ privacy. There are more than 700 million airline passenger boardings in the United States every year, and we must find the best possible means to ensure the interdiction of all those who would do us harm while continuing to protect the privacy of the vast majority who are innocent.”

The following witnesses testified today before the Subcommittee:

Mr. Brad Buswell, Deputy Undersecretary of the Science and Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security;

Dr. Penrose Albright, Principal Associate Director for Global Security at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory;

Dr. Bert Coursey, Program Manager of the Coordinated National Security Standards Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and

Dr. Sandra Hyland, Senior Principal Engineer at BAE Systems.

For more information about the hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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BROUN CALLS ON U.N. TO INVESTIGATE INTEGRITY OF IPCC IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER HALL QUESTIONS PRESIDENT’S DECISION TO CANCEL CONSTELLATION

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s budget request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):

“In these tough economic times, we must prioritize federal spending to generate the greatest return on our investment. Our space program has contributed as much or more than any civilian government program to securing America’s technological and economic leadership in the world. If the President’s budget is enacted, the U.S. could lose a highly skilled and educated workforce, the cooperation of our international partners, and our competitive edge globally...

REPUBLICANS QUESTION WITNESSES ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION OF ARPA-E

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – The Committee on Science and Technology today held a hearing to review the progress of the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), originally authorized in the America COMPETES Act of 2007. The new agency, within the Department of Energy (DOE), has not been funded through regular appropriations, but did receive initial funding from the Stimulus Act in early 2009.

REPUBLICANS QUESTION BUSINESS LEADERS ON U.S. INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS POLICIES AND OBSTACLES: Witnesses Discuss how Current Tax and Regulation Structure Affect U.S. Ability to Compete

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – January 20, 2010 - The Science and Technology Committee today held its first in a series of planned hearings leading up to reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act. Today’s distinguished panel specifically examined the role that science and technology play in promoting economic security and maintaining U.S. competitiveness.

“It’s been nearly three years since we sat in this room with Norm Augustine and ‘officially’ kicked off what was to become the America COMPETES Act, and my message hasn’t changed much since then: If America is going to remain on top in the evolving world economy, we must be dedicated to encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, while simultaneously cultivating a scientifically and technologically astute future workforce,” said Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX).

“Encouraging private sector innovation through tax credits, a positive regulatory environment, and other such programs will improve the American economy, make us more competitive globally, and bring new products and jobs to the American people,” Hall continued. “I believe it is prudent for us to ensure that we are reaping the benefits of the numerous initiatives already set forth in America COMPETES before creating others.”

While today’s witnesses unanimously supported the goals of COMPETES and encouraged reauthorization, they also discussed how increasing federal research and development (R&D) can only benefit our economy so much if we don’t have the proper business and tax incentives in place. Testifying on today’s witness panel, Mr. John Castellani, President of Business Roundtable, said that our current tax and regulatory structure acts as a disincentive to manufacturing businesses and entrepreneurs.

Echoing these concerns, Ms. Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness, gave an example of how the U.S. often doesn’t reap the benefits of its own innovation. She explained that the U.S. was responsible for all of the technological breakthroughs that led to flat-panel technology, yet no flat-panel products are currently being manufactured in the U.S.

Further, Mr. Tom Donohue, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that the U.S. must minimize regulations that push manufacturers to other countries, while improving STEM education and our domestic high-tech workforce. “In the wake of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, our nation is engaged in a vigorous debate on how to create jobs, foster long-term growth, and enhance our global competitiveness,” Donohue said. “There are many different voices, viewpoints, and plans, but almost everyone agrees on one thing: The fate of our economy, the hopes of our children, and the viability of the American Dream begin and end with education.”

In August of 2007, the America COMPETES Act passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 367-57 and was signed into law by President George W. Bush. The bill, which passed out of the Science and Technology Committee with bipartisan support, implemented many of the recommendations of the 2005 National Academies’ report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, and were also consistent with the Bush Administration’s American Competitiveness Initiative. Among other things, it put R&D funding at the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science on a path to doubling and it also increased investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

As many of the provisions and programs in the America COMPETES Act are set to expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2010, the Science and Technology Committee plans to reauthorize COMPETES in the coming year.

The following witnesses testified today before the Committee:

Mr. John Castellani, President, Business Roundtable;

Mr. Tom Donohue, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce;

Governor John Engler, President, National Association of Manufacturers; and

Ms. Deborah Wince-Smith, President and CEO, Council on Competitiveness.

For more information on today’s hearing, or to read witness testimony, visit the GOP Science and Technology Committee website.

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111-91

HALL DISCUSSES COMMITTEE AGENDA, PRIORITIES FOR SECOND SESSION

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – January 19, 2009 - Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today issued the following statement discussing the Committee’s agenda for the second session of the 111^th Congress:

“This morning Chairman Gordon held a press conference to disclose the Science Committee’s proposed agenda for 2010, along with the Majority’s top legislative priorities. I applaud the Chairman for setting ambitious goals and I share his commitment of reauthorizing NASA in the coming year and ensuring America remains competitive by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

“Our nation’s space agency is at a critical juncture and Congress must prioritize the funding necessary to achieve its missions. Keeping NASA on track for great achievements will be vital to maintaining America’s leadership role in space, as well as our competitive edge in innovation. I expect a very busy schedule of oversight and legislative hearings along with markups this year as we will also be reauthorizing the America COMPETES Act, legislation aimed at making the U.S. more competitive in the global economy by improving STEM education, as well as bolstering scientific research. The integrity and transparency of scientific research is at the cornerstone of American innovation and competitiveness.

“While overall supportive of our Chairman’s agenda, as Ranking Member one of my primary goals will continue to be ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently. In the current economy it is imperative that we keep a critical eye toward costs and set priorities that will get the most out of limited taxpayer dollars. I, along with my Republican colleagues on the Committee, will continue to assess legislation that creates new government programs and offer amendments to ensure that Federal programs are cost effective and run in a transparent and efficient manner.”

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111-90

RANKING MEMBERS CALL ON AGENCIES TO PRESERVE ORIGINAL CLIMATE DATA

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA), Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX), and Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC) sent letters to both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requesting that the agencies maintain all original climate change research data and documents.

HALL TO SIGN DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION ON EPA ENDANGERMENT FINDING

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER HALL STATEMENT ON CHAIRMAN GORDON'S RETIREMENT

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In response to an announcement made today by Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) that he will be retiring at the end of the 111th Congress, Ranking Member Ralph Hall made the following statement:

"It has been a great privilege working with Chairman Gordon on both the Science and Technology Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee. Bart is a good friend and has been an excellent and fair Chairman. On many occasions he has personally reached across the aisle in his efforts to tackle issues that are vital to our nation's scientific endeavors. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Gordon in the coming year and wish him all the best in his retirement."

REPUBLICANS CONCERNED OVER POTENTIAL COPENHAGEN CLIMATE AGREEMENT
Resolution underscores scientific misconduct of climate researchers, need for better scientific standards

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Today, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), along with eleven Committee Republicans, introduced H. Res. 954, a Resolution expressing the Sense of the House of Representatives that certain scientific protocols and standards be honored prior to the United States considering any official action to address climate change.

WITNESSES SAY HYDROKINETIC ENERGY COULD BE COST COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER RENEWABLES

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

S&T RANKING MEMBERS REQUEST HEARINGS TO INVESTIGATE CLIMATE EMAILS

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Today, Science and Technology (S&T) Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Ranking Member Paul Broun (R-GA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC) sent a letter to Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), requesting a formal investigation of the emails recently leaked by the University of East Anglia’s Climate Research Unit (CRU). The S&T Committee has jurisdiction over federally-funded climate research.

LEAKED CLIMATE EMAILS HIGHLIGHT TROUBLING PATTERN OF MANIPULATION
Rep. Broun Continues to Press Administration to Reconcile Rhetoric with Action on Scientific Integrity

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CREW SAFETY MUST REMAIN TOP PRIORITY AS PLAN FOR MANNED SPACE FLIGHT EVOLVES
Witnesses discuss challenges facing commercial crew services

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MEMBERS QUESTION DOT GOAL OF PROMOTING “COMMUNITY LIVABILITY”

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO FUTURE INTERNATIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL SUPPORTING CYBERSECURITY

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE APPROVES IMPORTANT LEGISLATION SUPPORTING U.S. FIREFIGHTERS

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

IMPROVEMENTS IN RADIATION DETECTION HAVE BEEN MARGINAL, COMMITTEE TOLD

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS QUESTION ALTERING EARTH’S CLIMATE THROUGH “GEOENGINEERING”

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HALL CONGRATULATES WINNING TEAMS OF LUNAR LANDER CHALLENGE AT NASA AWARD CEREMONY

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Left to right: George Nield (FAA) Charlie Bolden (NASA); Doug Comstock (NASA); David Masten (Masten Space Systems); Phil Eaton (Armadillo Aerospace); Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-4); Peter Diamandis (X PRIZE); Mitch Waldman (Northrop Grumman)

Washington D.C. – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today recognized Armadillo Aerospace of Rockwall, Texas and Masten Space Systems of Mojave, California for winning the Lunar Lander Challenge. Major General Charles F. Bolden, Jr. (USMC-Ret), Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was on hand to award a total of $1.65 million in prizes to the two winning companies.

WITNESSES DISCUSS BENEFITS OF FUSION ENERGY; DEMONSTRATION REMAINS ELUSIVE

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EMPHASIZES NEED FOR STRATEGIC PLAN AT DHS S&T

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

OLSON STATEMENT ON FINAL AUGUSTINE REPORT

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES SAY KIDS SHOULD START ENGINEERING EDUCATION EARLY

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE CONSIDERS NIST ROLE IN ADVANCING CYBERSECURITY

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS SUPPORTING FIREFIGHTERS, REDUCING VULNERABILITY TO HAZARDS
Republicans Continue to Press Administration on FEMA ACORN Grant

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – The Science and Technology Committee today approved two critical bills reauthorizing programs that leverage Federal resources to reduce Americans’ vulnerability to hazards such as earthquakes, windstorms, and fires. The two bills, H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 and H.R. 3820, the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2009 both reauthorize successful programs that were created by the Science and Technology Committee over the years to support our Nation’s firefighters and help protect Americans from natural hazards.

While both bills passed out of Committee with strong bipartisan support, Republicans continued to raise questions regarding a controversial fire grant of nearly one million dollars issued on September 4, 2009 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Louisiana Branch of Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).

EHLERS SUPPORTS NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBERS QUESTION ACORN FEMA GRANT

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS SUPPORTING SOLAR, ENERGY-WATER R&D, PREVENTING ALGAL BLOOMS
Republicans Offer Amendments to Cut Costs, Preserve States’ Rights

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Today in a markup, Republicans on the Science and Technology Committee offered several amendments in an attempt to improve the three bills under consideration. While supportive of the intent of the bills, Republicans raised numerous concerns regarding duplication of research, inconsistency with States’ rights, unfunded mandates, and the overall cost. After an extended markup with several recorded votes, all three bills were approved by voice vote. In his opening remarks, Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) thanked the Chairman for working with the minority, but conceded that “we were not able to come to agreement on all of our concerns.”

ADMINISTRATION DRAGS FEET ON PURSUING SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
Rep. Broun Reiterates Call to Align Rhetoric with Action

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS RAISE CONCERNS OVER ENERGY AND WATER RESEARCH INTEGRATION BILL

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE CONSIDERS NIST ROLE IN SUPPORTING MEASUREMENT SCIENCE NEEDS OF BIOLOGIC DRUG INDUSTRY

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FUTURE OF U.S. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT UNCERTAIN WITHOUT ADDITIONAL FUNDS

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REGIONAL INNOVATION KEY TO COMPETITIVENESS, ECONOMIC GROWTH
Witnesses Say Northeast Texas is a Model for Success

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Witnesses (left to right): Dr. Cary Israel, Dr. Dan Jones, Mr. Patrick Humm, Dr. Martin Izzard, Mr. Bill Sproull, Mr. Tom Luce

McKinney, TX – The House Committee on Science and Technology (S&T) held a field hearing in McKinney, Texas, titled, Strengthening Regional Innovation: A Perspective from Northeast Texas. The hearing examined the importance of regional innovation centers to the U.S. economy and global competitiveness, and the roles of Federal, state, and local governments in supporting such centers.

GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS INCENTIVIZE RISKY INVESTMENTS – TAXPAYERS PAY THE PRICE, WITNESSES SAY

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE APPROVES BILL PROMOTING HYBRID TRUCK TECHNOLOGIES

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER LEGISLATION INTENDED TO CHANGE AMERICANS’ ENERGY-USE BEHAVIOR

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

AGING ELECTRIC DELIVERY SYSTEM MUST BE UPDATED, WITNESSES SAY

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CONGRESS HONORS 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pictured left to right - front: Ranking Member Ralph Hall, Apollo 11 crew member “Buzz” Aldrin; back: Space Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 607, Celebrating the Fortieth Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing.

WITNESSES DISCUSS RAISING THE PROFILE OF SPACE CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL NEEDS

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Witnesses pictured L to R: General [U.S. Air Force, retired] Lester L. Lyles, Ms. Patti Grace Smith, Ms. Debbie Adler Myers, Mr. Miles O’Brien

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to examine how we can enhance the relevance of space activities to address national needs.

REPUBLICANS VOICE NUMEROUS CONCERNS OVER R&D TITLE IN HIGHWAY BILL
Rep. Smith Questions Ambiguous ‘Community Livability’ Language

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today in a markup of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, Republican members voiced numerous concerns over the cost and priorities of H.R. 2569, legislation reauthorizing research and development (R&D) activities at the Department of Transportation (DOT).

BROUN OUTLINES ‘TROUBLING PATTERN’ OF EVENTS CONCERNING SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
Letter Asks OSTP Director John Holdren to Reconcile Actions with Administration Policy

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES SAY U.S. CAN RECLAIM LEADERSHIP IN RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY WITH FOCUSED R&D

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES DISCUSS CRITICAL LINK BETWEEN ENERGY AND WATER

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE APPROVES BILL REAUTHORIZING SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION PROGRAMS

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES STRESS BALANCE IN AWARDING FIRE GRANTS AS COMMITTEE MOVES TO REAUTHORIZE

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS DEBATE GOVERNMENT ROLE IN SECURING PRIVATE SECTOR NETWORKS

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER BROUN STATEMENT ON RADIATION PORTAL MONITORS AT DHS

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION, ADVANCE NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, AND MAKE NERPS PERMANENT

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

FOUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ASK NATIONAL ACADEMIES TO ASSESS CONDITION OF RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
Ask for “Top Ten” Actions Needed to Strengthen and Preserve America's Competitive Edge

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES ADVOCATE STABLE FUNDING AND ADEQUATE RESOURCES FOR NASA

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

TECHNOLOGY KEY TO NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE
Witnesses Discuss Need for Recycling, Reprocessing, and Storage

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER BROUN STATEMENT ON PROBLEMS WITH NPOESS WEATHER SATELLITES

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER HALL STATEMENT BEFORE THE U.S. HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT PLANS COMMITTEE

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MEMBERS QUESTION PRIORITIES AND COST OF ADMINISTRATION’S CYBERSECURITY INITIATIVE

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HALL TOURS KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, REITERATES SUPPORT FOR HUMAN SPACE EXPLORATION

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pictured above, from the left: Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX); Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX); KSC Director Bob Cabana; Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX); and Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX).

Washington, D.C. – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) toured the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Saturday as part of a Congressional Delegation to receive an update on NASA’s progress with the upcoming Constellation program and to witness the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on a mission to the International Space Station.

EPA’s IRIS: OLD PROBLEMS FIXED, NEW PROBLEMS CREATED
Concerns Remain Regarding Credibility, Transparency and Timeliness

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

GOVERNMENT, INDUSTRY MUST WORK TOGETHER TO ADVANCE CYBERSECURITY, WITNESSES SAY

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT WORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PARKS
Witnesses Support Legislation Making the Parks Permanent

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS SUPPORT SOUND SCIENCE BEHIND CLIMATE SERVICE
Numerous GOP Amendments Highlight Concerns over Legislation’s Implications in Cap and Trade Bill

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – In a markup last evening, Science and Technology Committee Republicans expressed numerous concerns over H.R. 2407, a bill creating an Interagency National Climate Service and a Climate Service Program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Republicans offered a total of 18 amendments in an attempt to improve and clarify the legislation, of which four were accepted. The bill subsequently passed out of Committee nearly along party lines.

MEMBERS EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER FUTURE OF HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT AT NASA

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS QUESTION OBAMA SCIENCE ADVISOR ON S&T BUDGET PRIORITIES

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, in his first appearance before the House Science and Technology Committee, Dr. John Holdren, science advisor to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), fielded a number of questions from Republican Members regarding priorities in the President’s fiscal year 2010 (FY10) budget request.

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES DRAFT BILL CREATING NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE
GOP Members Voice Concerns as Bill Moves Forward

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today approved by voice vote a draft bill creating a National Climate Service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At the hearing, Republican Members raised numerous concerns with the legislation, which they expect to be addressed as the measure moves to Full Committee.

DIAZ-BALART RECOGNIZES GREAT WORK OF NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
House also Passes Bill Supporting Networking and Information Tech R&D

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

MORE NUCLEAR, NO STORAGE? REPUBLICANS ASK CHU TO RECONCILE OBAMA POLICIES
Energy secretary says nuclear power must be ‘restarted’ as Obama budget puts Yucca in cold storage

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE MUST FOCUS ON REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS, WITNESSES SAY
Effort Would Require Extensive Federal Coordination Across Agencies

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

STIMULUS TRANSPARENCY REMAINS ELUSIVE
Metrics for Success Still Uncertain

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWS ROLE OF SCIENCE IN REGULATORY REFORM

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER HALL COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT’S SPEECH BEFORE NAS

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SPACE-FARING NATIONS MUST BETTER MONITOR AND MITIGATE SPACE DEBRIS, WITNESSES SAY

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the challenges faced by civil and commercial space users as the number of satellites and the amount of space debris orbiting Earth continues to grow.

WEATHER SATELLITES CONTINUE TO FACE COST OVERRUNS AND DELAYS

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES RESEARCH FUNDING FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES SAY BETTER SYSTEMS NEEDED TO MONITOR AND VERIFY GREENHOUSE GASES

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today the Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing to examine existing and planned federal programs focused on monitoring, measuring, and verifying sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHG), their atmospheric chemistry and their impacts on Earth’s climate.

HOUSE PASSES MCCAUL GREEN BUILDINGS LEGISLATION

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWS CLIMATE-RELATED TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
Smith Presses Obama Administration on Economic Costs of Cap and Trade

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C.– Today in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation examining research to mitigate the environmental impacts of transportation infrastructure, Ranking Member Adrian Smith (R-NE) raised concerns over the costs of President Obama’s proposal to institute a “cap and trade” regulatory regime to limit nationwide energy use.

TRADE REP KIRK ASKED TO OUTLINE, EXPLAIN PLANS TO PUNISH CO2 EMITTERS WITH TARIFFS
Republicans Warn Trade War will Kill U.S. Jobs

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON DC – Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Science and Technology Committee today wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking him to clarify the Obama administration’s position on emissions-related trade policy.

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES FEASIBILITY OF INCORPORATING BIOFUELS INTO JET FUEL

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics held a hearing to review the status of federal and industry research and development (R&D) efforts to develop and demonstrate the safe and cost-effective use of biofuels in civil aviation.

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES FEDERAL VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY R&D

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

BROUN HIGHLIGHTS LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN STIMULUS BILL

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

S&T REPUBLICANS QUESTION SECRETARY CHU ON FUTURE OF U.S. ENERGY

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, in his first appearance before the House Science and Technology Committee, Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu was asked about a number of energy policies under the Obama Administration and how these policies will likely affect America’s energy needs, as well as the economic and diplomatic implications of these policies.

FOLLOW THE GOP S&T COMMITTEE USING TWITTER

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES FUTURE OF CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGIES, FUTUREGEN PROJECT

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today held a hearing to discuss near and long-term strategies to accelerate development of advanced technologies to help reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) FutureGen program, first announced in 2003, was the first major initiative to promote research, development and demonstration of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies on a large scale.

SUBCOMMITTEE EXPLORES FORENSIC SCIENCE NEEDS

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

DESPITE PROGRESS, COST OVERRUNS CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE NASA
Olson Oversees First Hearing as Subcommittee Ranking Member

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Pete Olson (R-TX) kicked off his first hearing of the 111^th Congress. The hearing reviewed the status of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) efforts to improve the cost management of its acquisitions and programs.

COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO MAKE CLEAN WATER A PRIORITY

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Over the last few years, the Science and Technology (S&T) Committee has made a committed effort to coordinate and improve federal research and development (R&D) to enable the U.S. to better manage water supplies to meet social, economic, and environmental needs. Today, the Committee held a hearing to examine H.R. 1145, legislation to coordinate federal water research in order to address changing water use, supply, and demand in the U.S.

RANKING MEMBER HALL STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S BUDGET

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

RANKING MEMBER EHLERS PRAISES INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR ENGAGING YOUNG MINDS

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT NEED TO REFORM EXPORT CONTROLS

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today in a hearing of the House Science and Technology Committee, a panel of expert witnesses unanimously agreed that the current system of U.S. export control policies, under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations, are outdated and must be reformed.

SUBCOMMITTEE HEARS FROM WITNESSES CRITICAL OF DOT R&D EFFORTS

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES HALL PRODUCED WATER BILL AND LEGISLATION REAUTHORIZING NANOTECH INITIATIVE

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today unanimously approved H.R. 469, a bill introduced by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) that establishes a research, development and demonstration program to advance the beneficial reuse of waste-water produced in connection to oil and gas extraction, referred to as produced water. Additionally, the House passed H.R. 554, legislation reauthorizing the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Both bills passed the House in the 110^th Congress with vast support, but stalled in the Senate.

RANKING MEMBER HALL STATEMENT ON NASA FUNDING IN H.R. 1, THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

HALL ANNOUNCES SUBCOMMITTEE RANKING MEMBERS FOR 111TH CONGRESS
Rep. Vernon Ehlers Named Vice-Ranking Member

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Science and Technology Committee, today announced Subcommittee Ranking Members and the Committee’s Vice-Ranking Member for the 111^th Congress during an organizational meeting of the Republican Caucus.

HALL REELECTED AS RANKING MEMBER; LAYS OUT COMMITTEE PRIORITES

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ralph M. Hall (R-TX) was reappointed as Ranking Member of the House Science and Technology Committee. Ranking Member Hall has served on the Committee since he was first elected to Congress in 1980, and has been the Ranking Member for the last two years.

HALL RECOGNIZES WINNER OF THE LEVEL ONE LUNAR LANDER CHALLENGE

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today recognized Armadillo Aerospace for winning the first level of the Lunar Lander Challenge.

CONGRESS PUTS NASA BILL ON FAST TRACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE PASSES COMMITTEE BILLS PROMOTING HYBRID TRUCKS, SUPPORTING FIREFIGHTERS AND HONORING 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – This week, as Congress makes a final push before recessing for the election cycle, the House passed three important Science and Technology Committee bills with broad support. Earlier this week the House passed a resolution introduced by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) honoring the 50^th anniversary of the integrated circuit, and how this invention revolutionized the electronics industry. Last evening the House passed two pieces of Committee legislation, one promoting the development of hybrid heavy duty trucks, and the other supporting firefighter training.

H.R. 6323, the Heavy Hybrid Truck Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2008

Introduced by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), H.R. 6323 encourages hybrid research for trucks by offering manufactures grants to build, test, and eventually sell hybrid heavy duty trucks. In addition, the bill encourages the Department of Energy (DOE) to expand its advanced energy storage technology research to include hybrid trucks. H.R. 6323 passed the House last evening by voice vote.

Rep. Sensenbrenner: “H.R. 6323 is an example of a better approach for achieving energy independence. Cap and Tax programs will increase our energy costs. Worse, they will have little effect on climate change. When gas prices reached record highs, Americans responded. Our gas consumption fell. Lower demand should have caused gas prices to follow. Why did prices remain high? Because Asian consumption grew. We drove less. They drove more. Cap and Tax will have the same result. We’ll emit less. They’ll emit more. Global emissions will continue to rise even as the American share of those emissions falls. H.R. 6323 takes a different approach. It encourages the development of technologies that can reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These reductions will lower the cost of fuel and they can be exported, so they can reduce emissions worldwide.”

S.2606,to Reauthorize the Unites States Fire Administration (USFA)

S. 2606 is the Senate companion bill to H.R. 4847, which the House passed on April 3rd of this year by a vote of 412-0. The legislation reauthorizes the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for fiscal years 2009 through 2012 for the agency’s activities in training, fire education and awareness, data collection, research, and standards development and promotion. The mission of USFA is to limit economic and life loss due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. This organization provides vital assistance in the areas of training, fire education and awareness, and awards grants to a number of local fire departments across the country. The bill passed the House last evening by a vote of 418-2, and is now ready to be sent to the White House.

The lead Republican sponsor of the House bill, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) said: “S. 2606 authorizes USFA to continue its current operations and expand training and research in a fiscally responsible manner. The bill will provide firefighter training to over 80,000 firefighters per year and facilitate the delivery of education and training programs to firefighters through local training efforts. The United States Fire Administration is a vital link to these first responders and this agency has made substantial contributions to improving fire services throughout the country. S. 2606 will ensure that USFA remains vibrant and productive in the years to come.”

H. Res. 1471, Honoring the 50^th Anniversary of the Successful Demonstration of the First Integrated Circuit and its Impact on the Electronics Industry.

Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX): “On September 12th, 1958, in a Dallas lab of Texas Instruments, Jack St. Clair Kilby gathered a small group of coworkers to unveil a stunning achievement. Before them sat a thin piece of metal attached to monitoring equipment. When powered on, it became clear that the single piece of metal was doing the work of several simple electronic components including transistors, capacitors, and resistors. Jack had created the first microchip.

“This breakthrough, the integrated circuit, has revolutionized the world. Jack Kilby’s work, as well as fellow integrated circuit pioneers Geoffrey Dummer and Robert Noyce, heralded the beginning of an all encompassing transformation of modern society. Their work paved the way for the modern electronics industry. Electronic devices that once required a small building and teams of engineers working round the clock, now fit neatly in a pocket.

“Integrated circuits continue to be a cornerstone of the American economy and an important priority of our research and development institutions. 50 years after the first demonstration of an integrated circuit, it is fitting that Congress recognize this achievement and the importance of this sector now and in the future.”

Earlier this week, the House also passed H. Res. 1466, Honoring Dr. Guion S. “Guy” Bluford, Jr. and the 25^th Anniversary of his Historic Flight as the First African American in Space (Rep. Edwards (D-MD)); and H. Res. 1390, Expressing support for the designation of a 4-H National Youth Science Day (Rep. Cardoza (D-CA)).

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110-163

COMMITTEE CONTINUES CLOSE OVERSIGHT OF THE NEXTGEN AIR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING HONORING NASA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Photo (left to right): Honorable John Glenn; Mr. Norman Augustine; Dr. Maria Zuber.

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Science and Technology Committee today held a hearing commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Members at the hearing heard testimony from a distinguished panel of witnesses, including the Honorable John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth.

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS ADVANCING WATER CONSERVATION, COMMERCIAL HYBRID TRUCKS

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Science and Technology Committee unanimously approved two bills to enhance water conservation, and a bill to advance research and development (R&D) of commercial hybrid trucks.

DR. GINGREY STATEMENT ON PLUTONIUM ACCIDENT AT NIST, BOULDER

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE PASSES S&T BILLS COMMEMORATING NASA’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY, FIRST WOMAN IN SPACE

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEES EVALUATE CURRENT STATE OF HURRICANE RESEARCH, DISCUSS LEGISLATION

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

REPUBLICANS AMEND R&D BILL TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND OFFSHORE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology passed two bills, H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 and H.R. 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. Republicans at the markup offered amendments to H.R. 5618 to focus research and development (R&D) on ways to extract offshore energy reserves in an environmentally-sound way.

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES EFFICIENCY OF NATION’S TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO REAUTHORIZE WIDE ARRAY OF NASA PROGRAMS

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. - With broad support, the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, authorizing programs at NASA for fiscal year 2009 (FY09). The bill passed the House by a vote of 409 to 15.

SENSENBRENNER COMMENTS ON EPA’S SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING HUMAN HEALTH RISKS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES APPLICATION OF HYBRID TECHNOLOGY TO MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRUCKS

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES OCEAN ACIDIFICATION LEGISLATION

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE PASSES BILL TO REAUTHORIZE NASA PROGRAMS
Dr. Gingrey Offers Amendments to Allow NASA to Utilize Alternative Fuels

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Science and Technology Committee unanimously passed H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, authorizing programs at NASA for fiscal year 2009.

WATER SUPPLY ISSUES PROJECTED TO BE A GROWING CONCERN IN U.S.

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES STRESS IMPORTANCE OF STEM EDUCATION, APPLAUD EFFORTS IN TEXARKANA

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

TEXARKANA, TX – Today, witnesses at an official Science and Technology Committee field hearing, held in Texarkana, Texas, told members of Congress that improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education must be a priority in order for the U.S. to remain a global leader in cutting-edge technology and innovation.

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES LEGISLATION TO ADDRESSS GENDER BIAS IN S&E HIGHER EDUCATION
Rep. Reichert Introduces Resolution Honoring Female Scientists

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

NASA AERONAUTICS PROGRAM FACES CHALLENGES TO MEET FUTURE AIRTRAVEL DEMANDS

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE DISCUSSES CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR E-WASTE DISPOSAL

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

CONSTRUCTION OF ISS PROGRESSING, SUBCOMMITTEE EXPLORES RESEARCH CAPABLITIES

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES RESEARCH ACTIVITES AT DHS IN SUPPORT OF AVIATION SECURITY

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

FURTHER CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT NEEDED FOR RESURGENCE OF NUCLEAR POWER

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

COMMITTEE PREPARES FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY REAUTHORIZATION

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES RESTRUCTURED FUTUREGEN PROGRAM

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. CONGRESSMAN PAUL BROUN HOSTS DISCUSSION ON BORDER SECURITY

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Augusta, GA - U.S. Congressman Paul Broun (R-GA). today hosted a congressional forum on border security for the United States House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee at Augusta State University. The discussion included a panel of government, industry, and academic experts. The panel discussed the range of security threats at our nation’s borders and how science and technology can be a part of a strong border security strategy.

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES BILL SUPPORTING FIREFIGHTER TRAINING THROUGH USFA

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SUBCOMMITTEE EXAMINES STATUS OF NASA’S HUMAN EXPLORATION INITIATIVE

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES: INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COLLABORATION MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

SENSENBRENNER CRITICIZES ATSDR REVIEW PROCESS

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WITNESSES: FY09 NASA SCIENCE BUDGET MAKES BEST OF LIMITED RESOURCES

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today Members of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics heard from Dr. Alan Stern, Associate Administrator of the NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD), along with a panel of leading research scientists on the fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget request for science programs. At the hearing, there was a common view among both witnesses and Subcommittee Members that overall, NASA needs more money for all of its programs, including those in the SMD.

ON COMMITTEE’S 50th ANNIVERSARY, BILL GATES ADDRESSES AMERICAN INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today in a hearing commemorating the 50th anniversary of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates testified on the state of American innovation and competitiveness, as well as the future challenges we face.

GINGREY APPLAUDS FY09 NIST BUDGET REQUEST, SUPPORTS ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR MEP PROGRAM

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington , D.C. – Today the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to evaluate the President’s fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget request for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

COHEN DISCUSSES PRIORITIES OF FY09 DHS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE BUDGET

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington , D.C. – Today the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to evaluate the President’s fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget priorities within the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES DOE FY09 BUDGET REQUEST

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington , D.C. - The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today heard from a panel of government and outside witnesses on the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget request for research and development (R&D) programs.

DR. EHLERS: NSF FY09 BUDGET REQUEST PUTS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D FUNDING BACK ON TRACK

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education evaluating the fiscal year 2009 (FY09) National Science Foundation (NSF) budget request, Subcommittee Ranking Member Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) expressed his concern that lack of funding from the FY08 appropriations bill will negatively impact the nation’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs, along with future U.S. international competitiveness.

DR MARBURGER: ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE REMAINS A TOP PRIORITY OF THE PRESIDENT

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today in a hearing, Dr. John Marburger, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), testified before the Science and Technology Committee on the fiscal year 2009 (FY09) Federal Research and Development (R&D) Budget, and also reflected on the progress that has been made since President Bush first took office almost eight years ago.

COMMITTEE EVALUATES FY09 NASA BUDGET REQUEST

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today in a hearing of the Science and Technology Committee, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin testified that the Administration’s fiscal year 2009 (FY09) budget request will allow the agency to continue to make steady progress, while prioritizing and streamlining its current programs.

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES HALL’S BORDER SECURITY BILL

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Washington , D.C. - Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation unanimously approved H.R. 3916, legislation introduced by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), which supports the development of technologies to assist our border patrol agents.

HALL COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT’S FY09 BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR SCIENCE AGENCIES

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today made the following statement regarding the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) budget request:

RANKING MEMBERS HALL AND FEENEY REFLECT ON COLUMBIA, LOOK FORWARD

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, February 1, 2008, marks the 5th anniversary of the Space shuttle Columbia disaster. Reflecting on this tragic day, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Member Tom Feeney (R-FL) made the following statements:

RANKING MEMBER HALL APPLAUDS PRESIDENT’S FINAL STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - Following this evening’s State of the Union address, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) made the following statement:

COMMITTEE MOVES OCEAN AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY BILLS

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., June 13, 2007 – Today, the Committee on Science and Technology passed two pieces of legislation, H.R. 2304, the Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007 and H.R. 2313, the Marine Renewable Energy Research and Development Act of 2007, both of which address research development, demonstration, and commercial application (RDD&CA) of technologies to advance renewable energies. H.R. 2304 explores technologies to tap geothermal energy from the earth’s core, and H.R. 2313 explores technologies to tap ocean energy. At today’s markup, numerous Republican amendments to both bills were agreed to, significantly enhancing the legislation.

RANKING MEMBER HALL: DEMOCRATIC ENERGY BILL IS A WASTED OPPORTUNITY

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – At a time when Americans are paying near-record prices for fuel, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today expressed his frustration with the energy bill being brought before Congress today that does nothing to increase domestic production, or reduce the price of energy.

WITNESSES SUPPORT HALL BORDER SECURITY LEGISLATION

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation held a hearing to evaluate current and future use of technology in securing America’s borders from terrorists, drug traffickers and illegal immigration. Witnesses agreed that there is no single solution to border security and supported H.R. 3916, legislation recently introduced by Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), which supports the development of technologies to assist our patrol agents. At the hearing, Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), one the bill’s sponsors, assured the Committee that H.R. 3916 would be put on the fast track when Members return in January for the next session of Congress.

ARECIBO OFFERS UNIQUE CAPABILITY TO CALCULATE RISK OF NEAR EARTH OBJECTS, WITNESSES SAY

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. – Today, Members of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics were told that the devastating consequences of a large asteroid striking the Earth, while unlikely, demand continuation of NASA’s surveying and cataloging of Near Earth Objects (NEOs). Members also learned that the Arecibo Observatory, located in Puerto Rico, provides a unique capability to precisely monitor the orbits of asteroids and comets that venture close to Earth. In 1998, NASA was tasked with detecting, tracking, cataloguing and monitoring NEOs, and while NASA has been largely successful in meeting the original goals of its mission, there are still numerous potentially threatening NEOs that go undetected.

NASA TO RELEASE PILOT SURVEY; HALL URGES BALANCE OF TRANSPARENCY, CONFIDENTIALITY

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - October 31, 2007 – Today in a hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, NASA Administrator Michael Griffin agreed to release data from a controversial airline safety study by the end of the year.

DESPITE PROGRESS, MORE CLARITY AND COORDINATION NEEDED TO IMPROVE DATA ON NANOTECH SAFETY

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - October 31, 2007– Today, the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to evaluate progress that has been made in the planning and implementation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which the Committee will be reauthorizing in the next session of Congress. Specifically the Subcommittee assessed funding at the NNI focused on environment, health, and safety (EHS) issues. An interim report outlining research priorities was released in August, but witnesses at today’s hearing acknowledged that greater attention and urgency must be paid to EHS research.

WASTEWATER FROM OIL AND GAS DRILLING COULD BE PUT TO USE, WITNESS TELLS SUBCOMMITTEE

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C., October 30, 2007 – Today the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to explore research to improve water-use, efficiency and conservation. Specifically, the witnesses were asked to comment on H.R. 3957, The Water-Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act of 2007.

RANKING MEMBER HALL CALLS FOR INCLUSION OF COAL TECHNOLOGY IN ENERGY PACKAGE

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) expressed concerns that coal technologies may not be included in discussions of an energy bill.

SENSENBRENNER ADMONISHES CHAIRMEN GORDON AND MILLER FOR OVERZEALOUS OVERSIGHT

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) October 26, 2007 – In response to House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller’s (D-NC) recent press release, Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member, Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) issued the following statement:

SUBCOMMITTEE CONTINUES OVERSIGHT OF WEATHER SATELLITE PROGRAM

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. - October 23, 2007 – Today the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to continue its rigorous oversight over the development of the next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, R series (GOES-R). The next generation satellites are in the development stages, in a joint endeavor between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Science Committee began closely monitoring the program under Republican leadership in the 109th Congress, in order to assure that these important satellites are launched on time, so that they can continue to provide storm tracking images to the National Weather Service.

HALL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BOLSTER U.S. BORDER SECURITY

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - October 22, 2007 – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today introduced important legislation to help keep U.S. borders secure. H.R. 3916 expands on current border patrol efforts by focusing on the development of technologies to improve our patrol agents’ ability to detect and prevent drug traffickers, terrorists, as well as illegal immigrants from entering the U.S.

SENSENBRENNER COMMENTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE HEARING

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C. - October 17, 2007 – Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) made the following statement today following a hearing entitled, Disappearing Polar Bears and Permafrost: Is a Global Warming Tipping Point Embedded in the Ice?:

COMMITTEE GRANTS FINAL PASSAGE TO ENERGY LEGISLATION

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - October 16, 2007 - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology advanced two bills for consideration by the full House.

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES NSB ACTION PLAN FOR STEM EDUCATION

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - October 10, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to discuss a recently released proposal by the National Science Board (NSB) to bring greater coherence to the nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education system. The proposal, entitled, A National Action Plan for Addressing the Critical Needs of the U.S. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education System, highlights two key challenges: coordination of STEM education efforts and improving teacher preparation.

WITNESSES SAY IN GLOBAL ECONOMY, U.S. CAN SUCCEED THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - October 4, 2007 – Today, in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, witnesses unanimously said that in order for the U.S. to succeed in the changing global economy and attract research and development (R&D) facilities, the U.S. must continue to develop its high-tech workforce and provide appropriate incentives to attract and sustain entrepreneurial ventures.

SUBCOMMITTEE LOOKS TO REAUTHORIZE U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC - October 2, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard from a panel of expert witnesses who discussed priorities for the upcoming reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

HALL WELCOMES REP. BROUN, ANNOUNCES NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - September 26, 2007 – Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), today announced the addition of Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) to the Committee’s Republican Caucus. In addition, Hall announced several changes to Subcommittee assignments.

COMMITTEE EVALUATES NIST’S ROLE IN HEALTHCARE IT Witnesses Caution Against Impeding Current Progress

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C. - September 26, 2007 – The Science and Technology Committee, today, held its first hearing examining the broad use and interoperability of health information technology (HIT), and the role the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) should play in implementing such a system. Specifically, witnesses were asked to comment on H.R. 2406, legislation introduced by Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), that expands NIST’s role in testing standards to create a nationwide HIT network.

COMMITTEE EXAMINES RESEARCH PRIORITIES TO IMPROVE BRIDGE SAFETY

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington D.C., September 19, 2007 - The U.S. House Committee on Science and Technology today held a hearing aimed at exploring the current state of bridge-related research and technology development, and to consider future research and development priorities to improve bridge safety.

SENSENBRENNER SUPPORTS DOE’S REQUEST TO REPROGRAM FUNDS

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, September 18, 2007 – Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) today sent a letter to the Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Energy (DOE) indicating his support for DOE’s request to reprogram approximately ten million dollars of funds, originally appropriated to a now-cancelled program, to three Bionenergy Research Centers. The three Centers are located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Madison, Wisconsin, and Berkeley, California. The Centers’ research is intended to accelerate basic research in the development of cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels to advance President Bush’s initiative to reduce U.S. gasoline consumption by 20% in the next 10 years.

SENSENBRENNER APPLAUDS NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM AT HURRICANE CENTER

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

(Washington, DC) – Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Ranking Member Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) made the following statement regarding the new management team at the Tropical Prediction Center’s National Hurricane Center:

GINGREY’S GREEN CHEMISTRY BILL PASSES THE HOUSE Bill helps eliminate hazardous effects of chemical manufacturing

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON - September 4, 2007 – The U.S. House of Representatives today voted to pass H.R. 2850, the Green Chemistry Research and Development Act. The legislation, introduced by Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Ranking Member Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA), strengthens federal efforts to find safer alternatives to today’s chemical products.

COMPETITIVENESS PACKAGE PASSES HOUSE

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., August 2, 2007 – Today, a comprehensive package of legislation, H.R. 2272, the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education and Science Act (COMPETES), passed the House by a vote of 367 to 57.

COMMITTEE TOLD THAT GLOBALIZATION OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES BENEFITS U.S.

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., July 26, 2007 – Today, a panel of expert witnesses from academia unanimously agreed that the internationalization of American universities benefits the U.S. by promoting innovation through a collaborative effort with foreign countries.

SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWS NASA’S PLANS FOR SPACE STATION AND SHUTTLE

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC, July 24, 2007 – The Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics today held a hearing to examine the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Fiscal Year 2008 budget request and plans for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) programs.

REPUBLICANS OBJECT TO PLAYING POLITICS WITH HURRICANE FORECASTING

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., July 19, 2007 – Republican Members today expressed objections to the majority’s holding an oversight hearing into an internal personnel issue involving the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Tropical Predictions Center (TPC). Mr. William Proenza was named Director of TPC in December, 2006 and by July, 2007 was placed on temporary leave by the NOAA Administrator because Mr. Proenza’s superiors, employees, and an Independent Assessment Team had all expressed concerns over his management style.

REPUBLICAN MEMBERS CONTINUE TO SEEK MARKUP OF RAHALL ENERGY BILL

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., July 12, 2007 – Today in a follow-up meeting to discuss further proceedings on H.R. 2337, the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007, introduced by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Science and Technology Committee Republicans reiterated their discontent with the majority’s decision to postpone and possibly forego markup. Several sections of the bill were referred to the Science and Technology Committee and were scheduled to be marked up yesterday, at which point Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) recessed the meeting, with the intent to negotiate with the House Natural Resources Committee rather than move forward with a markup.

GINGREY’S GREEN CHEMISTRY BILL APPROVED BY COMMITTEE

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2007 - The House Committee on Science and Technology today passed H.R. 2850, the Green Chemistry Research and Development Act. This legislation, introduced by Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation Ranking Member Phil Gingrey (R-GA), increases support for research into alternatives to today’s chemical products. The bill was agreed to by voice vote and now awaits consideration on the House floor.

REPUBLICAN MEMBERS OBJECT TO POSTPONEMENT OF RAHALL ENERGY BILL MARKUP

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., July 11, 2007 – Science and Technology Committee Republicans expressed concern today over the last minute decision by the majority to postpone marking up H.R. 2337, the Energy Policy Reform and Revitalization Act of 2007, introduced by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Several sections of the bill were referred to the Science and Technology Committee and were scheduled to be marked up today.

SUBCOMMITTEE EVALUATES NASA’S FY08 EARTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics heard from a panel of expert witnesses who discussed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) fiscal year 2008 (FY08) budget request and plans for the agency’s Earth science programs.

COMMITTEE MOVES ENERGY LEGISLATION; REPUBLICAN COAL-TO-LIQUID PROVISIONS DEFEATED

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., June 27, 2007 – Today, the Committee on Science and Technology approved four pieces of legislation aimed at promoting research and development (R&D) into alternative and renewable energies, codifying an Administration ineragency research program for climate change data management, and studying the potential for carbon capture and storage technologies. At the markup, Republicans offered numerous amendments, including two that would have created provisions supporting the use of coal-to-liquid technologies.

SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSES DRAFT SOLAR LEGISLATION, MANY QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing with witnesses representing the solar industry to discuss proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), promoting solar technologies. Numerous Republican members voiced their support for research into solar technologies, but were concerned with pushing legislation too fast, without first addressing several unanswered questions.

OFFSHORING OF HIGH TECH AMERICAN JOBS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, COMMITTEE TOLD

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON D.C., June 12, 2007 – Today, the Committee on Science and Technology heard from a diverse panel of experts on economic globalization and why American high tech jobs are being offshored to other countries.

DESPITE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, VERTICAL TAKE-OFF RESEARCH PROGRAM COULD YIELD BENEFITS

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2007 –The Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight today held a hearing to review the technical feasibility and merit of a research project funded through the Department of Defense called DP-2. The DP-2 program is a high-risk, high-reward research program aimed at developing an advanced vertical takeoff and landing technology. The program, however, has recently been criticized due to technical challenges and the lack of a successful prototype.

NASA-NOAA-DOD WEATHER SATELLITE PROGRAM BACK ON TRACK DUE TO GOP CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2007 –The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today held a hearing to review the status of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS), which is a joint civilian/military weather satellite program being developed in conjunction between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NPOESS has faced significant cost-overruns and major delays since its introduction in 1994, finally leading up to a statutorily-required DOD “Nunn-McCurdy” review and subsequent restructuring of the program in June 2006.

WITNESSES DISCUSS TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN REDUCING ILLEGAL FILE-SHARING AT UNIVERSITIES

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2007 – Today, the House Science and Technology Committee heard testimony from a panel of expert witnesses who all said that although currently there is no single solution to stop the illegal file-sharing of intellectual property at universities and college campuses, technologies can play a role reducing its occurrence.

HALL INTRODUCES COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY LEGISLATION

Fri, 25 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 25, 2007 – Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) last evening introduced a comprehensive energy package, H.R. 2483, Energy for America, which is a multi-targeted bill aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by making current energy sources cleaner and more efficient, while investing in next-generation energy technologies. Joining Hall as original sponsors are Committee Members Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX).

SENSENBRENNER CONCERNED OVER HANDLING OF NASA IG INVESTIGATION, TAPE DESTRUCTION

Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing to investigate the intentional destruction of the video recording of a meeting between the staff of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Inspector General (IG), Robert Cobb, and NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. Mr. Cobb has been the subject of an ongoing investigation of misconduct.

COMMITTEE MOVES LEGISLATION TO CREATE NEW ENERGY AGENCY, DESPITE REPUBLICAN CONCERNS

Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2007 – Today, the Committee on Science and Technology approved H.R. 364, Establishing the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), which establishes a new energy research and technology development agency within the Department of Energy (DOE), modeled after the successful Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) at the Department of Defense. In the markup, Republicans offered a number of amendments addressing the $4.9 billion price tag of the new agency, along with concerns over duplicative programs, and inadequate funding at DOE’s Office of Science.

HOUSE PASSES DIAZ-BALART HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS BILL

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2007 – Today, the House of Representatives passed H. Res 402, Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, a bill sponsored by Science and Technology Committee member, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL).

WITNESSES SAY NASA WORKFORCE MUST BE READY FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES

Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics heard from a panel of expert witnesses who addressed workforce challenges faced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), due to shifts in priorities in order to accommodate new mission challenges.

REPUBLICANS STRESS CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION SHOULD NOT INCREASE ENERGY PRICES

Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2007 – Today, the Science and Technology Committee held a hearing on the findings of the fourth assessment report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III, Mitigation of Climate Change. Witnesses, including three of the report’s authors, discussed different mitigation strategies, or ways to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, with probable and desired outcomes. The cost of these mitigation strategies were evaluated up to 5.5 percent of annual global gross domestic product (GDP).

HALL APPOINTS FEENEY TO TOP GOP POSITION ON SPACE AND AERONAUTICS SUBCOMMITTEE

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, May 15, 2007 – Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today announced the appointment of Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) to Ranking Member of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. Feeney replaces Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA), who recently accepted a position on the House Appropriations Committee.

WITNESSES DISCUSS ADVANCES, CHALLENGES IN CLEAN COAL TECHNOLOGY

Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment heard from a panel of expert witnesses about advances that have been made and challenges that remain in making coal a cleaner, more efficient source of energy. Coal is America’s most abundant domestic energy resource, and the development of these technologies could significantly reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

WITNESSES PROMOTE GREEN TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGIES

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard from a panel of expert witnesses who discussed different options for construction technologies and materials that would contribute to stormwater management and pollution control.

SUBCOMMITTEE MOVES BILLS TO IMPROVE U.S. ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH INNOVATION

Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment passed two pieces of legislation by voice vote aimed at increasing our nation’s investment in energy research and development (R&D).

CONGRESS PASSES BILL TO DOUBLE NIST FUNDING IN 10 YEARS

Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2006 – The House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1868, the Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007, which authorizes funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for three years, through fiscal year 2010. Within the Department of Commerce, NIST is a non-regulatory agency that plays a key role in supporting American competitiveness, and is one of the three agencies targeted for a doubled budget in ten years by the President’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), announced in early 2006. NIST supports American industry by developing tools to measure, evaluate and standardize, enabling U.S. companies to innovate and remain competitive.

BUDGET CHALLENGES CREATE DIFFICULT CHOICES IN NASA’S SPACE SCIENCE PROGRAM, CALVERT SAYS

Wed, 02 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2007 – Today in a hearing on the fiscal year 2008 budget request, the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics was told by a panel of expert witnesses that there is currently insufficient funding to support the many space science missions at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

SUBCOMMITTEE DISCUSSES CREATION OF ARPA-E TO RESEARCH ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – Today, the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment discussed the creation of an Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), which would perform revolutionary and transformational energy research and attempt to bridge the gap between laboratory research and the commercialization of developed technologies. Most of the witnesses agreed on the need for an ARPA-E, but cautioned that the entity should be allowed independence and freedom from the bureaucracies that normally exist in government agencies.

GINGREY PRAISES ADVANCES MADE POSSIBLE BY SBIR PROGRAM

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2007 – Today in a hearing, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony from a panel of expert witnesses on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Witnesses praised the program with examples of different technologies that have been developed through SBIR funding and also offered suggestions on how the program could be improved in the approaching reauthorization.

COMMITTEE PASSES NSF, NIST AUTHORIZATIONS PROMOTING AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HALL PRAISES PASSAGE OF BILLS THAT SUPPORT INNOVATION AGENDA

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, April 24, 2007 – Today, the House of Representatives passed two Science and Technology Committee bills aimed at advancing American competitiveness in the global economy. The two bills, H.R. 362, 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act and H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act both passed with broad bipartisan support.

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES NSF REAUTHORIZATION

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education approved by voice vote, H.R. 1867, A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010 for the National Science Foundation, and for other purposes. This legislation authorizes appropriations that are consistent with the President’s American Competitiveness Initiative, which was introduced in February 2006, with a goal of advancing American competitiveness and innovation. H.R. 1867 authorizes funding to keep the National Science Foundation (NSF) on track to double its research budget within ten years.

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES NIST AUTHORIZATION, ADVANCES AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation approved by voice vote H.R.1868, the Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act of 2007, which authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) through 2010. NIST plays a key role in supporting American competitiveness and is one of the agencies targeted for a doubled budget within ten years by the President’s American Competitiveness Initiative. NIST supports American industry by developing tools to measure, evaluate and standardize, enabling U.S. companies to innovate and remain competitive.

IPCC AUTHORS SAY ADAPTATION WILL BE NEEDED TO ADDRESS NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, April 17, 2007 – Today, in the first congressional hearing with authors of the Working Group II section of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fourth assessment report, Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability, the Science and Technology Committee was told that many different factors will determine the impacts of climate change and adaptation will play a significant role in reducing negative impacts.

CALVERT CONCERNED OVER NASA’S RESTRUCTURED ROLE IN DEVELOPING NEXTGEN

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, March 29, 2007 – Today in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, Ranking Member Ken Calvert (R-CA) expressed concern over NASA’s role in performing research and development (R&D) to advance the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).

SENSENBRENNER SKEPTICAL OF COORDINATED MUZZLING ALLEGATIONS

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC, March 28, 2007 – Subcommittee Ranking Member Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) dismissed allegations that the Administration is interfering with the integrity of federal climate scientists by submitting for the record the following statement on the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight hearing entitled, “Shaping the Message, Distorting the Science: Media Strategies to Influence Science Policy”:

INGLIS EVALUATES FY08 NOAA BUDGET REQUEST

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2007 – Energy and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC) today in a Subcommittee hearing, discussed priorities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) fiscal year 2008 (FY08) budget request.

GORE AND LOMBORG TESTIFY ON CLIMATE CHANGE
Committee Discusses Costs of Dealing with Carbon Emissions

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2007 – Today in a joint hearing, the Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality heard testimony from former Vice President Al Gore on the issue of climate change. Today’s hearing marks Mr. Gore’s first congressional appearance since releasing his Oscar-winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. Also testifying on the economics of climate change policy was Dr. Bjørn Lomborg, adjunct professor at Copenhagen Consensus Center of the Copenhagen Business School and one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

SUBCOMMITTEE AIMS TO IMPROVE NSF MISSION; EXPLORE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2007 – Today, the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held the first of multiple hearings to discuss pending legislation to reauthorize core programs and set new policy directions at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Testifying before the Subcommittee were Dr. Arden L. Bement, Jr., Director of the National Science Foundation and Dr. Steven C. Beering, Chairman of the National Science Board.

FY08 NASA BUDGET REQUEST INSUFFICIENT FOR SPACE EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2007 – Today, in a hearing with Dr. Michael Griffin, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Committee on Science and Technology discussed the President’s fiscal year 2008 (FY08) budget request, specifically raising concern that the budget falls $1.4 billion short of the recommended funding in the NASA Authorization Act, passed in 2005.

COMMITTEE EMPHASIZES NEED FOR ACTION ON AND SUPPORT OF U.S. INNOVATION, RESEARCH, COMPETITIVENESS EFFORTS

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

INGLIS TO DOE: INVESTING IN ALTERNATIVE FUELS ESSENTIAL TO NATION’S FUTURE

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2007 – At an Energy and Environment Subcommittee hearing today examining the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) fiscal year 2008 (FY08) research and development (R&D) budget request, Subcommittee Ranking Member Bob Inglis (R-SC) associated the budget request to a business investment in our Nation’s future.

SUBCOMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST HEARING; DISCUSSES NIST, MEP ROLE IN U.S. COMPETITIVENESS

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, February 15, 2007 – Today, in the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, witnesses discussed the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing US competitiveness. Although the work at NIST laboratories was praised for its contributions to American innovation, Subcommittee Ranking Member Phil Gingrey (R-GA) was critical of the Administration’s budget proposal to cut funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSES ADMINISTRATION’S FY08 R&D BUDGET PROPOSAL

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, February 14, 2007 – The House Committee on Science and Technology today heard from Dr. John Marburger, III, Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, on the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) budget proposal for Federal research and development (R&D) funding.

COMMITTEE TOLD EARTH-OBSERVING SYSTEMS AT RISK

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, February 13, 2007 – The House Committee on Science and Technology today heard from a panel of expert witnesses who warned that U.S. earth-monitoring capabilities are at risk in the coming decade. The hearing was organized to examine the findings of the first ever National Academies decadal survey on earth science, Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond.

HALL APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF BIOFUEL INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, February 8, 2007 – Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) today applauded the passage of H.R. 547, the Advanced Fuels Infrastructure Research and Development Act, which overwhelmingly passed the House by a vote of 400-3. The bill passed out of Committee with strong bipartisan support on January 31.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSES IPCC REPORT
Hall Urges Economically Responsible Actions to Deal with Climate Change

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HALL COMMENTS ON PRESIDENT’S PROPOSED FY08 R&D BUDGET

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, February 5, 2007 – Ranking Republican Ralph Hall (R-TX) today issued the following statement regarding the Administration’s fiscal year (FY) 2008 budget proposal:

IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT RELEASED Ranking Member Hall Looks to Advance Clean Energy Solutions

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, February 2, 2007 – Today, in Paris, France, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the first portion of its fourth climate change assessment report. The Working Group I portion of the report is a comprehensive assessment of our current knowledge of the physical science behind climate change. Ranking Republican Ralph Hall (R-TX) seized the opportunity to call for greater research and development into clean energy solutions. Next Thursday, the House Science and Technology Committee will hold the first congressional hearing on the report and will hear from several of the authors.

COMMITTEE ADVANCES FIRST LEGISLATION OF THE 110th CONGRESS
Methamphetamine Clean-Up Bill Now Set for Vote by Full House

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

HALL ANNOUNCES GOP COMMITTEE STAFF

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC, January 25, 2007 – Ranking Republican Ralph Hall (R-TX) today announced his staff for the 110th Congress. Hall officially became Ranking Member on January 3rd.

Science and Technology Committee Welcomes Members, Announces Subcommittee Chairs

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC, January 24, 2007 – Today, House Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) officially announced the full committee membership, subcommittee chairmen and subcommittees for the 110th Congress.

HALL SUPPORTS ENERGY INDEPENDENCE BY VOTING “NO” ON H.R. 6

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, January 19, 2007 – Ranking Republican Ralph Hall (R-TX) today voted against HR 6, The Clean Energy Act of 2007, arguing that it will not help advance America’s energy independence.

HALL CONGRATULATES NAS ON FIRST EARTH SCIENCE DECADAL SURVEY

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Washington DC, January 16, 2007 – Ranking Republican Ralph Hall (R-TX) today congratulated the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) on releasing its first ever decadal survey produced by and for the earth science community, titled Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond.

COMMITTEE GETS A NEW NAME; HALL ANNOUNCES AGENDA PRIORITIES

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON , DC - January 5, 2007- Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), yesterday, officially took the reins to serve as the Republican Ranking Member of the newly named Committee on Science and Technology in the 110th Congress.

HOUSE PASSES DROUGHT MITIGATION BILL
Bill Would Help Protect Nation’s Crops, Save Economy Billions

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

HALL DROUGHT BILL PASSES SUBCOMMITTEE WITHOUT OPPOSITION

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

House Committee on Science

CHAIRMEN HALL AND PALAZZO REFLECT ON NASA’S FALLEN HEROES

CHAIRMAN HALL RESPONSE TO STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS, MEMBERS NAMED

HALL ANNOUNCES GOP COMMITTEE MEMBERS

CHAIRMAN HALL ASSURES CLOSE OVERSIGHT OVER NASA HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT PROGRAM

CHAIRMAN HALL STATEMENT ON REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS

HOUSE APPROVES AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION, DESPITE GOP CONCERNS OVER RUSHED PROCESS, INCREASED SPENDING

BROUN STATEMENT ON ADMINISTRATION’S SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY MEMO

HALL ANNOUNCES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE VICE CHAIRMAN, I&O SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

HALL CONGRATULATES REP. JOHNSON ON BEING NAMED RANKING MEMBER OF THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

RALPH HALL NAMED CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WITNESSES DEBATE UNCERTAINTY IN CLIMATE SCIENCE AND LONG TERM CLIMATE MODELS

BROUN STATEMENT ON MISCHARACTERIZATION OF PEER REVIEW TO SUPPORT DRILLING MORATORIUM

HALL STATEMENT ON ELECTION RESULTS AND THE 112TH CONGRESS

BROUN: ADMINISTRATION’S PLEDGES ON TRANSPARENCY AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY RING HOLLOW

WITNESSES DISCUSS WAYS TO KEEP BUSINESSES IN AMERICA, IMPROVE COMPETITIVENESS

SENATE NASA AUTHORIZATION APPROVED BY THE HOUSE

COMMITTEE APPROVES NUCLEAR R&D BILL, BILL TO ADVANCE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF ‘RARE EARTHS’ Republican amendments successfully cut spending and support Yucca Mountain as an option for nuclear waste storage

HALL STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN ‘PLEDGE TO AMERICA’

REP. BROUN STATEMENT ON CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION

REP. BROUN: REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE PANEL ‘A GOOD START’ IN RESTORING CREDIBILITY TO IPCC

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN NUCLEAR R&D BILL

COMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN NASA AUTHORIZATION BILL, PUTTING SPACE AGENCY BACK ON TRACK

MEMBERS REITERATE REQUEST ON YUCCA MOUNTAIN Transparency still lacking

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILLS TO DEVELOP SAFER DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES AND RESTRUCTURE OIL SPILL RESPONSE EFFORTS

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS TO ENHANCE SAFE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, OIL SPILL RESPONSE EFFORTS

HALL STATEMENT ON NASA’S MISPLACED PRIORITIES

NIST MAKING PROGRESS DEVELOPING STANDARDS FOR ‘SMART GRID’ ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION Witnesses say consumer privacy must be protected

WEATHER SATELLITE DETAILS REMAIN ELUSIVE

SCIENCE OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE MINORITY SEEKS ANSWERS REGARDING BP OIL SPILL Actions by the Administration display pattern of political motivation

WITNESSES CHALLENGE ASSERTION THAT DRILLING MORATORIUM WILL IMPROVE SAFETY Administration Backs Out of Hearing at Last Minute

OBSTACLES REMAIN FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY Witnesses note economic and reliability challenges, call for improved weather forecasts

WITNESSES CALL U.S. ‘INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM’ ENVY OF THE WORLD

WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR BETTER PREPARATION AND RESPONSE TO OIL SPILLS Agencies admit that little is still known about the extent of the Gulf spill or the best options for cleanup

HALL STATEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL SPACE-X LAUNCH OF FALCON 9

‘COMPETES’ PASSES AFTER COMPROMISE LANGUAGE REMOVED; RARE PROCEDURAL TACTIC STRIKES SEVERAL BIPARTISAN CHANGES

LEGENDARY ASTRONAUTS OUTLINE SHORTFALLS OF OBAMA’S SPACE FLIGHT PLANS, NASA BUDGET

PUBLIC HEALTH THREATENED BY POOR AGENCY PROCESSES

‘COMPETES’ FAILS TO GET TWO-THIRDS VOTE NEEDED AFTER BIPARTISAN CHANGES WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE NEW BILL

COMMITTEE EXAMINES WAYS TO ADVANCE THE NUCLEAR ENERGY “RENAISSANCE”

HOUSE RECOMMITS ‘AMERICA COMPETES' Bipartisan majority passes Republican improvements; Democrats pull bill prior to final vote

VOLCANIC ASH POSES SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO AVIATION; WITNESSES URGE RESEARCH TO PROVIDE BETTER INFORMATION ON RISK MITIGATION

COMMITTEE APPROVES ‘COMPETES’ BILL AS REPUBLICANS OFFER 39 AMENDMENTS TO ADDRESS INCREASED COSTS, FUNDING PRIORITIES

BROUN ENCOURAGES BETTER MANAGEMENT OF VITAL RESOURCE Hearing evaluates helium-3 supply crisis; negative impacts to various fields

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES NIST AUTHORIZATION DESPITE GOP CONCERNS

HALL REMAINS SKEPTICAL OF OBAMA SPACE FLIGHT PLAN

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES REAUTHORIZATION OF NSF PROGRAMS: Republican Amendment to Reduce Cost Fails by Recorded Vote

REPUBLICANS RAISE CONCERNS WITH ENERGY TITLE OF COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION: Members offer several amendments to address costs, funding priorities

REPUBLICANS SKEPTICAL OF OBAMA SPACE FLIGHT PLAN

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CAN PROMOTE U.S. MANUFACTURING BY IMPROVING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT U.S. DEPENDENCE ON CHINA FOR MINERALS ESSENTIAL TO TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING

EHLERS RAISES CONCERNS WITH K-12 STEM EDUCATION IN NSF BUDGET PROPOSAL

REPUBLICANS SKEPTICAL OF SUDDEN SHIFTS IN DIRECTION IN EPA, NOAA BUDGET PROPOSALS

MEMBERS DISCUSS WAYS TO IMPROVE STEM EDUCATION WHILE PURSUING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

REPUBLICANS QUESTION ENERGY SECRETARY CHU ON R&D BUDGET, ENERGY SECURITY

HALL SUPPORTS RESOLUTION TO HALT BACKDOOR ENERGY TAX: EPA’s ‘endangerment finding’ is an attempt to circumvent Congress in imposing job-killing regulations

MEMBERS QUESTION OBAMA PLAN FOR HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT

REPUBLICANS QUESTION OBAMA’S SCIENCE ADVISOR ON R&D BUDGET PRIORITIES

HOUSE APPROVES CYBERSECURITY R&D BILL

RANKING MEMBERS PRESS ADMINISTRATION TO JUSTIFY CANCELLING YUCCA NUCLEAR STORAGE SITE

WITNESSES SAY SAFETY, COSTS, AND CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT REMAIN CHALLENGES FOR NASA: Subcommittee Members Critical of Administration’s Plan for Human Spaceflight

WITNESSES DISCUSS PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE OF NEW, MORE INVASIVE PASSENGER-SCREENING PROCESSES

BROUN CALLS ON U.N. TO INVESTIGATE INTEGRITY OF IPCC IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS

RANKING MEMBER HALL QUESTIONS PRESIDENT’S DECISION TO CANCEL CONSTELLATION

REPUBLICANS QUESTION WITNESSES ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION OF ARPA-E

REPUBLICANS QUESTION BUSINESS LEADERS ON U.S. INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVENESS POLICIES AND OBSTACLES: Witnesses Discuss how Current Tax and Regulation Structure Affect U.S. Ability to Compete

HALL DISCUSSES COMMITTEE AGENDA, PRIORITIES FOR SECOND SESSION

RANKING MEMBERS CALL ON AGENCIES TO PRESERVE ORIGINAL CLIMATE DATA

HALL TO SIGN DISAPPROVAL RESOLUTION ON EPA ENDANGERMENT FINDING

RANKING MEMBER HALL STATEMENT ON CHAIRMAN GORDON'S RETIREMENT

REPUBLICANS CONCERNED OVER POTENTIAL COPENHAGEN CLIMATE AGREEMENTResolution underscores scientific misconduct of climate researchers, need for better scientific standards

WITNESSES SAY HYDROKINETIC ENERGY COULD BE COST COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER RENEWABLES

S&T RANKING MEMBERS REQUEST HEARINGS TO INVESTIGATE CLIMATE EMAILS

LEAKED CLIMATE EMAILS HIGHLIGHT TROUBLING PATTERN OF MANIPULATION Rep. Broun Continues to Press Administration to Reconcile Rhetoric with Action on Scientific Integrity

CREW SAFETY MUST REMAIN TOP PRIORITY AS PLAN FOR MANNED SPACE FLIGHT EVOLVES Witnesses discuss challenges facing commercial crew services

MEMBERS QUESTION DOT GOAL OF PROMOTING “COMMUNITY LIVABILITY”

AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT TO FUTURE INTERNATIONAL SPACE DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES BILL SUPPORTING CYBERSECURITY

HOUSE APPROVES IMPORTANT LEGISLATION SUPPORTING U.S. FIREFIGHTERS

COMMITTEE APPROVES NUCLEAR R&D BILL, BILL TO ADVANCE DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF ‘RARE EARTHS’
Republican amendments successfully cut spending and support Yucca Mountain as an option for nuclear waste storage

MEMBERS REITERATE REQUEST ON YUCCA MOUNTAIN
Transparency still lacking

NIST MAKING PROGRESS DEVELOPING STANDARDS FOR ‘SMART GRID’ ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
Witnesses say consumer privacy must be protected

SCIENCE OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE MINORITY SEEKS ANSWERS REGARDING BP OIL SPILL
Actions by the Administration display pattern of political motivation

WITNESSES CHALLENGE ASSERTION THAT DRILLING MORATORIUM WILL IMPROVE SAFETY
Administration Backs Out of Hearing at Last Minute

OBSTACLES REMAIN FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
Witnesses note economic and reliability challenges, call for improved weather forecasts

WITNESSES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR BETTER PREPARATION AND RESPONSE TO OIL SPILLS
Agencies admit that little is still known about the extent of the Gulf spill or the best options for cleanup

HOUSE RECOMMITS ‘AMERICA COMPETES'
Bipartisan majority passes Republican improvements; Democrats pull bill prior to final vote

BROUN ENCOURAGES BETTER MANAGEMENT OF VITAL RESOURCE
Hearing evaluates helium-3 supply crisis; negative impacts to various fields

REPUBLICANS CONCERNED OVER POTENTIAL COPENHAGEN CLIMATE AGREEMENT
Resolution underscores scientific misconduct of climate researchers, need for better scientific standards

LEAKED CLIMATE EMAILS HIGHLIGHT TROUBLING PATTERN OF MANIPULATION
Rep. Broun Continues to Press Administration to Reconcile Rhetoric with Action on Scientific Integrity

CREW SAFETY MUST REMAIN TOP PRIORITY AS PLAN FOR MANNED SPACE FLIGHT EVOLVES
Witnesses discuss challenges facing commercial crew services

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS SUPPORTING FIREFIGHTERS, REDUCING VULNERABILITY TO HAZARDS
Republicans Continue to Press Administration on FEMA ACORN Grant

COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS SUPPORTING SOLAR, ENERGY-WATER R&D, PREVENTING ALGAL BLOOMS
Republicans Offer Amendments to Cut Costs, Preserve States’ Rights

ADMINISTRATION DRAGS FEET ON PURSUING SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
Rep. Broun Reiterates Call to Align Rhetoric with Action

REGIONAL INNOVATION KEY TO COMPETITIVENESS, ECONOMIC GROWTH
Witnesses Say Northeast Texas is a Model for Success

REPUBLICANS VOICE NUMEROUS CONCERNS OVER R&D TITLE IN HIGHWAY BILL
Rep. Smith Questions Ambiguous ‘Community Livability’ Language

BROUN OUTLINES ‘TROUBLING PATTERN’ OF EVENTS CONCERNING SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY
Letter Asks OSTP Director John Holdren to Reconcile Actions with Administration Policy

FOUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ASK NATIONAL ACADEMIES TO ASSESS CONDITION OF RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
Ask for “Top Ten” Actions Needed to Strengthen and Preserve America's Competitive Edge

TECHNOLOGY KEY TO NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE
Witnesses Discuss Need for Recycling, Reprocessing, and Storage

EPA’s IRIS: OLD PROBLEMS FIXED, NEW PROBLEMS CREATED
Concerns Remain Regarding Credibility, Transparency and Timeliness

SUBCOMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT WORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH PARKS
Witnesses Support Legislation Making the Parks Permanent

REPUBLICANS SUPPORT SOUND SCIENCE BEHIND CLIMATE SERVICE
Numerous GOP Amendments Highlight Concerns over Legislation’s Implications in Cap and Trade Bill

SUBCOMMITTEE APPROVES DRAFT BILL CREATING NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE
GOP Members Voice Concerns as Bill Moves Forward

DIAZ-BALART RECOGNIZES GREAT WORK OF NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER
House also Passes Bill Supporting Networking and Information Tech R&D

MORE NUCLEAR, NO STORAGE? REPUBLICANS ASK CHU TO RECONCILE OBAMA POLICIES
Energy secretary says nuclear power must be ‘restarted’ as Obama budget puts Yucca in cold storage

A NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE MUST FOCUS ON REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS, WITNESSES SAY
Effort Would Require Extensive Federal Coordination Across Agencies

STIMULUS TRANSPARENCY REMAINS ELUSIVE
Metrics for Success Still Uncertain

SUBCOMMITTEE REVIEWS CLIMATE-RELATED TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH
Smith Presses Obama Administration on Economic Costs of Cap and Trade

TRADE REP KIRK ASKED TO OUTLINE, EXPLAIN PLANS TO PUNISH CO2 EMITTERS WITH TARIFFS
Republicans Warn Trade War will Kill U.S. Jobs

DESPITE PROGRESS, COST OVERRUNS CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE NASA
Olson Oversees First Hearing as Subcommittee Ranking Member