Brown Says Physics Research Bill Dead (For Now); Discusses Other Issues

At a wide-ranging roundtable discussion yesterday, House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman George Brown (D-CA) offered his views on science policy and funding this year. Some of the matters he discussed:

H.R. 4908, THE HYDROGEN, FUSION, AND HIGH ENERGY AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS RESEARCH ACT: Brown talked with Senator J. Bennett Johnston (D-LA) last week, and they agreed that it would be “impossible” to get this bill through the Senate before the target adjournment date of October 7. It would be “better not to even try and finish it this year,” Brown said. The current thinking is to take up a new bill early next year (all legislation dies at adjournment.) Brown commended Johnston for his efforts, and said that the senator wants a full Senate floor debate on the ITER program to avoid an SSC-type outcome.

SCIENCE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 1995: Brown characterized the new budgets for NSF and NASA as a “tremendous success.” He sees a shift in momentum for the space station, describing its full funding as a “heartening experience.” In a change from what has sometimes been a strained relationship with the appropriations committees, Brown spoke of their “very good working relationship” this year. Yet, Brown continued, “I’m not very happy” about overall FY 1995 federal science funding. He cited the real dollar increase in defense RDT&E funding, declaring “we’re retreating” from a realignment of military and civilian spending. Saying that it was a matter of spending priorities, and not just the cap on discretionary spending, Brown cautioned “we’re in deep trouble” unless some defense spending moves to civilian programs.

EARMARKING: Brown discussed his efforts to curb this practice at length, saying the “big test” will be in the number of earmarks in the forthcoming defense appropriations conference report. He said that appropriators are “violating the rules” when they earmark. The committee has a “carefully planned program to keep the heat on” next year, he said, continuing, “the best way to get at this problem is to make it transparent.” His efforts have had, Brown declared, “no support from the [House] leadership.”

H.R. 3254, NSF AUTHORIZATION ACT: No action will occur on this bill before adjournment; it will also die. When asked about the damage that would occur as a result, Brown said, “we [the science committee] lose our credibility and status as an effective part of the congressional system.” Brown said he was “extremely unhappy” with the outcome of his committee’s legislation this year.

SCIENCE FUNDING ASSISTANCE TO RUSSIA: Brown characterized efforts to provide funding to Russia as “extremely frustrating, highly unsuccessful.” He wants to see the administration act on an endowment with a steady flow of interest as a financing mechanism to avoid the unevenness of appropriations.