House Science Committee Agenda

An informal briefing this week by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee staff provided a good overview of high priority energy research and other science issues. The committee will revisit some issues as well as consider new matters of interest to the physics community this year.

There is much uncertainty about the Clinton Administration’s budget request, with no firm information about the Superconducting Super Collider, Space Station Freedom, or budgets for NSF, DOE, or NASA. The Office of Management and Budget is assembling the new budget this week, with agency reviews scheduled for next week. March 23 is the current target date for release of the detailed budget document.

The science committee will not directly be involved in setting the fiscal year 1994 budget, this being the responsibility of the appropriations committee. It will, however, examine a number of energy research issues of considerable importance (listed in the order that they were discussed):

DOE NATIONAL LABORATORIES: The committee will hold hearings on the future role of the national labs, with consideration given to a new mission statement. Jurisdiction for the labs is shared with two other House committees, opening up the possibility of legislative gridlock.

DOE CLEAN-UP: The committee is expected to take a close look at various DOE programs to clean-up the legacy of the Cold War. There is almost no authorization legislation for these programs which could cost between $100-$200 billion.

NASA AUTHORIZATION: The committee will draft an authorization bill for NASA this year.

NSF AUTHORIZATION: The five year authorization for NSF has expired. The committee will draft legislation guiding the agency’s programs.

DEFENSE CONVERSION: This initiative was identified as one of the major movers of money across spending categories.

“GREEN” TECHNOLOGIES: The committee will examine clean-up technologies and waste reduction manufacturing techniques.

ECONOMIC COMPETITION: The committee plans to move legislation by early April on technology programs, emphasizing Department of Commerce initiatives. The Clinton Administration has expressed particular interest in this legislation.

EARMARKING (PORK BARREL) LEGISLATION: Chairman George Brown (D-California) is intent on reducing the earmarking of scientific funding.

SCIENCE POLICY REVIEW: The committee plans to make a major review of the nation’s science policy over the last 40 years, looking ahead to the next ten years. Concern was expressed about the flat/reduced funding for many research programs. Attention will be given to the impact of facilities construction on research budgets (LIGO and the SSC were mentioned.) It was commented that there will be “no easy decisions” this year.

DOE HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS/NUCLEAR PHYSICS PROGRAMS: Hearings are expected on both programs this year, since reauthorizing legislation has not been passed in over a decade.

SSC: Chairman Brown’s historic strong support for the SSC was cited. The committee is expected to continue its review of this project.

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At the end of this briefing, attention was given to the great importance of constituent input on the above issues. Of the 55 members of the House science committee, 15 are freshmen who have never voted on federal science policy. This is reflected in the House of Representatives, which is about one-third new. There were also changes in the Senate.

As mentioned in previous editions of FYI, our office can send you a free brochure on Communicating With Congress. For a copy, please send a business-sized, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: AIP Office of Government and Institutional Relations; 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW; Suite 750; Washington, D.C. 20009