Observations on the Gramm-Lieberman Science Funding Bill

S. 1305, the National Research Investment Act of 1998, was one of the topics discussed at a conference this week in Washington. This legislation, authored by Senators Phil Gramm (R-Texas) and Joe Lieberman (D-Connecticut), would authorize the doubling of federal research spending over the next ten years.

One of the participants in a session on the outlook for future federal research spending was a member of Senator Gramm’s legislative staff, Mike Champness. Champness made the following observations:

Passage of S. 1305 is “going to be very difficult.” Champness remarked that it took “years and years” to get into the present funding shortfall, and it will take that long to remedy it. That explains, he said, the ten-year target in the bill.

Champness characterized S. 1305 as a “statement of principle” regarding future federal funding priorities. He called for a groundswell of public and congressional support for research that is both wide and deep.

S. 1305 differs from Gramm’s previous bill because of its bipartisan support. Having both Democratic and Republican original cosponsors will help to reassure other senators that it is “safe to get involved.” It is important that a strong consensus be built in Congress for increasing federal support for research.

Champness explained that while S. 1305 provides for support of applied research, it must be pre-competitive. Also important is the bill’s emphasis on peer review. Both features help to frame this legislation as serving the larger “national good.”

Funding must fall within the annual over-all budget caps agreed to by the President and Congress. Having Senate Budget Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) as one of the bill’s original cosponsors sends an important signal.

Regarding the bill’s omission of defense research, Champness discussed the problems of trying to externally order the military’s priorities (research, mission requirements.) In addition, concerns about congressional committee prerogatives and possible opposition from some Members less inclined toward defense spending led to S. 1305’s focus on civilian research.

Champness asserted that having many cosponsors for S. 1305 would influence spending decisions Congress will make next year. He told the audience that the “most important thing you can do” as constituents is to request senators to cosponsor this legislation. (In addition to the three senators named above, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) is also a cosponsor.)

Also participating in this session were speakers from the AAAS and the Office of Management and Budget. AAAS recently calculated that total federal R&D for FY 1998 increased 3.9% over last year. Basic research support increased by 4.0% (both figures subject to change as remaining appropriations bill are passed.) The OMB official predicted that previously forecasted dramatic cuts in federal support for R&D seem unlikely, as is a doubling of future federal support.