Quotes from House Floor Debate on H.R. 4908
Below are selected quotes from the House of Representatives’ floor debate on H.R. 4908, the Hydrogen, Fusion, and High Energy and Nuclear Physics Act of 1994 (see FYI #131):
GEORGE E. BROWN (D-CA): “H.R. 4908...is, for a number of reasons, a very important bill.... The first and most fundamental reason is that the bill represents a hopeful change in Congress’ dismal record over the past 20 years in passing energy-related authorization bills. For example, the programs authorized in the high-energy physics and nuclear physics portions of this bill- programs which account for well over $1 billion in Federal spending- have not been fully authorized since 1981.”
MARILYN LLOYD (D-TN): “Despite the positive features of this bill, and there are many, I still have strong reservations about the [spending] cap on energy research [which includes fusion research] that has been inserted into the bill.... In the future I think we should strongly oppose the use of thoughtless approaches, such as the caps, as we look at future legislation.”
SHERWOOD BOEHLERT (R-NY): "...I think that we must maintain our existing programs at a world class level, along with joining the international scientific community in development of the large hadron collider [LHC] in Europe. Contrary to what the doomsayers were saying upon the demise of the superconducting super collider, the future of high energy physics in America is bright indeed because we are taking an enlightened approach to that future.”
HARRIS FAWELL (R-IL): “While the subcommittee received conflicting and sometimes contradictory testimony at the August 2 hearing [on Title II, the Fusion Energy Research Program], I believe that four principal themes were expressed: First, the DOE and the mainstream fusion community strongly support the TPX and ITER;... Second, there was a widespread acknowledgement of the need for advanced materials testing facilities;... Third, there was widespread support for more research on alternative fusion concepts, that is, on nontokamak magnetic fusion concepts, inertial confinement fusion energy concepts emphasizing heavy ions as a driver, and more exotic concepts, such as electrostatic concepts;... And fourth,... ITER is doomed to failure without significant changes to its management structure.”
ROBERT WALKER (R-PA): “I think maybe it might be well if I, hopefully along with the chairman of the committee, could do a letter to DOE explaining the intent of the [spending] caps is...not aimed at in any way undermining other valuable efforts that are underway.... I think to some extent there has been a misunderstanding within some of the scientific community about the nature of the caps, because actually the caps are well above any kind of anticipated appropriation levels.”
HERBERT KLEIN (D-NJ): “Mr. Chairman, this legislation is a vital step in securing a safe and sustainable energy future for the 21st century. Rarely do we have the opportunity to engage in policymaking that is so forward looking.”
