    [Budget Supplement]
    [Creating Opportunity and Encouraging Responsibility]
    [10. Promoting Science and Technology]
    [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------

      American history clearly demonstrates the importance of American leadership in science and technology to the
    future of our Nation. Investments in science and technology drive economic growth, generate new knowledge,
    create new jobs, build new industries, ensure sustained national security, and improve our quality of life.

                                          President Clinton
                                          November 1995

      ----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Technological innovation has accounted for at least half of the
    Nation's productivity growth in the last 50 years. We enjoy the fruits
    of this innovation every day in the many technologies we have come to
    depend on for our way of life, including lasers, computers, x-rays,
    teflon, weather and communication satellites, jet aircraft, microwave
    ovens, solar-electric cells, and human insulin. The development of these
    technologies has created new industries and millions of high-skilled,
    high-wage American jobs. Thus, technology has become a major engine of
    economic growth, a significant contributor to our national security, a
    generator of new knowledge, and a critical tool in protecting our health
    and environment.
      Because our investments in science and technology (S&T) have paid such
    rich dividends, sustaining U.S. leadership in S&T is a cornerstone of
    the President's vision for America. The budget maintains vital
    investments in S&T by adding funds for basic research in health sciences
    at the National Institutes of Health, for basic research and education
    at the National Science Foundation, for research at other agencies that
    depend on S&T for their missions, and for cooperative projects with
    industry and universities.
      As the President has said, we need to balance the budget in a way that
    boosts economic growth and encourages public and private investment in
    innovative S&T. This budget continues the record of S&T investment and
    economic stimulation that has helped to keep the economy strong over the
    last three years.

    The Federal Role in S&T

      The post-Cold War era is one of intense global economic competition.
    Our country also faces new national security challenges, including
    threats from environmental degradation, emerging infectious diseases,
    the proliferation of nuclear and biological weapons, and regional
    conflicts.
      Thus, the Federal Government has an indispensable role to play in
    investing in S&T--a role critical to the country's economy, national
    security, environment, health, and other social needs. This is
    especially true when the risk is too great for individual companies to
    make the needed investment, or when the public benefit is large but
    private return is small. Our Nation also must support a balanced mix of
    S&T investments (i.e., basic research, applied research, and technology
    development), since the steps involved in technological innovation are
    so profoundly interwoven.
      The Administration has initiated or expanded public-private
    partnerships to spur innovations with broad economic impact. These
    partnerships have traditionally served our Nation well, not only in
    building transportation infrastructure (e.g., highways, airways,
    harbors, and railroads), but in nurturing new types of technological
    infrastructure (e.g., information highways, global positioning
    satellites, and environmental monitoring
    [[Page 96]]
    systems). The partnerships
    enable the private sector to translate new knowledge into novel
    technologies that benefit its bottom line and society at large.

    Science and Technology Highlights

      Under the 1996 budget resolution, Congress would cut support to S&T
    programs by about 30 percent by the year 2002.\1\ At a time when
    increased global competition threatens U.S. markets, and when Japan has
    proposed doubling its investments in S&T, the President believes we
    cannot afford such deep cuts. In his budget negotiations with the
    bipartisan congressional leadership, the President has repeatedly
    reaffirmed his commitment to economic prosperity, education, health, the
    environment, and national security. S&T investments are critical to
    these goals. The budget fulfills his commitments by:
      \1\American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1995.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Increasing Total Funding for Science and Technology: This budget marks
    the fourth straight year that the President has proposed increases in
    S&T investments. Table 10-1 shows the proposal to invest roughly $73
    billion in research and development (R&D), over $1 billion more than in
    1996.\2\ In keeping with previous efforts, the budget also provides an
    increasing share for civilian R&D investments, with those investments at
    47 percent of the total. Table 10-2 lists selected S&T highlights.
      \2\Research and development (R&D) is a widely-accepted measure of
    investment in S&T.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Boosting Funding for Basic Research and Health Research: The budget
    proposes $14 billion for basic research, a $278 million increase over
    1996, including a four percent increase for the National Science
    Foundation. Given the importance of basic and applied health science
    research, the budget boosts funding at the National Institutes of Health
    by four percent.
      Strengthening University-based Research: University-based research is
    key to America's future; simultaneously, it provides new knowledge and
    new technology, and it trains the next generation of scientists and
    engineers. The budget proposes $13 billion for university-based
    research, an increase of $155 million over 1996. It also proposes $22
    billion for merit-reviewed research (six percent more than in 1996),
    which comprises 31 percent of the R&D budget.
      Investing in Innovation to Create New Jobs and Industries: Under this
    Administration, many of the new jobs have been high-tech, high-wage jobs
    in industries like biotechnology and computing--jobs that didn't exist a
    decade or two ago. The budget maintains a strong investment in
    technology to foster these high-priority civilian S&T industries and
    jobs. Funding continues or expands for high-performance computing
    research; for the Advanced Technology Program, which works with industry
    to develop high-risk, high-payoff technologies; for a Manufacturing
    Extension Program to help small business battle foreign competition by
    adopting modern technologies and production techniques; and for other
    programs.
      Increasing Environmental Research: S&T investments are critical for
    enhancing environmental quality. While we are making progress on many
    pollution fronts, emerging global environmental problems pose new risks.
    The budget maintains vital research to provide safe food, clean air, and
    pure water. It supports research into new environmental technologies to
    provide better environmental protection at lower cost, while generating
    jobs and exports. It supports programs to increase energy efficiency and
    the development of renewable energy sources that cut demand for foreign
    oil, and partnerships with industry to develop cars that use less fuel.
    The budget invests in programs that preserve biological diversity and
    help us understand and prepare for changing climate conditions and
    natural disasters. These investments also provide a sound scientific
    basis for rational rule-making on, and the cost-effective implementation
    of, environmental regulations. (For more details, see Chapter 9.)
    [[Page 97]]

                                    Table 10-1.  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS
                                     (Budget authority, dollar amounts in millions)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Dollar    Percent
                                                        1993      1995        1996        1997     Change:   Change:
                                                       Actual    Actual    Estimate\1\  Proposed   1996 to   1996 to
                                                                                                    1997      1997
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    By Agency:
      Defense.......................................   38,898    35,350      35,428      35,523       +95       +*%
      Health and Human Services.....................   10,472    11,519      12,118      12,621      +503       +4%
      National Aeronautics and Space Administration.    8,873     9,390       9,334       9,359       +25       +*%
      Energy........................................    6,896     6,481       6,689       6,269      -420       -6%
      National Science Foundation...................    2,012     2,431       2,430       2,516       +86       +4%
      Agriculture...................................    1,467     1,542       1,479       1,499       +20       +1%
      Commerce......................................      793     1,164       1,086       1,260      +174      +16%
      Interior......................................      649       668         622         582       -40       -6%
      Transportation................................      613       667         622         679       +57       +9%
      EPA...........................................      511       554         508         585       +77      +15%
      Other.........................................    1,308     1,315       1,134     \2\1,786     +652      +57%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
      Total.........................................   72,492    71,081      71,450      72,679    +1,229       +2%

    By R&D Theme:
      Basic research................................   13,362    13,805      14,059      14,337      +278       +2%
      Applied research..............................   13,608    14,273      14,251      14,862      +611       +4%
      Development...................................   42,795    41,118      41,238      41,042      -196       -*%
      Equipment.....................................  ........      743         701         696        -5       -1%
      Facilities....................................    2,727     1,142       1,201       1,742      +541      +45%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total.......................................   72,492    71,081      71,450      72,679    +1,229       +2%

    By Civilian Theme:
      Basic research................................   11,951    12,629      12,940      13,181      +241       +2%
      Applied research..............................    9,130    10,566      10,560      11,135      +575       +5%
      Development...................................    7,269     8,488       8,297       8,096      -201       -2%
      Equipment.....................................  ........      599         554         546        -8       -1%
      Facilities....................................    1,979       975         996       1,446      +450      +45%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal....................................   30,329    33,257      33,347      34,404    +1,057       +3%

    By Defense Theme:
      Basic research................................    1,411     1,176       1,119       1,156       +37       +3%
      Applied research..............................    4,478     3,707       3,691       3,727       +36       +1%
      Development...................................   35,526    32,316      32,612      32,615        +3       +*%
      Equipment.....................................  ........      458         476         481        +5       +1%
      Facilities....................................      748       167         205         296       +91      +44%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Subtotal....................................   42,163    37,824      38,103      38,275      +172       +*%

    By R&D Share:
      Defense.......................................   42,163    37,824      38,103      38,275      +172       +*%
      Civilian......................................   30,329    33,257      33,347      34,404    +1,057       +3%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total.......................................   72,492    71,081      71,450      72,679    +1,229       +2%

    Percent civilian................................      42%       47%         47%         47%        NA        NA

    R&D support to universities.....................   11,674    12,445      12,573      12,728      +155       +1%
    Merit (peer) reviewed R&D programs..............  ........   21,895      21,160      22,406    +1,246       +6%
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NA = Not applicable.

    *Less than $500 thousand or 0.5 percent.

    \1\Includes Administration's proposed adjustments to 1996 continuing resolution levels.

    \2\Includes total funding for several projects as part of a Government-wide transition to upfront funding of
      fixed assets.

    [[Page 98]]
                                 Table 10-2.  SELECTED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
                                     (Budget authority, dollar amounts in millions)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Dollar    Percent
                                                        1993      1995        1996        1997     Change:   Change:
                                                       Actual    Actual    Estimate\1\  Proposed   1996 to   1996 to
                                                                                                    1997      1997
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    National Science Foundation.....................    2,734     3,229       3,220       3,325      +105       +3%

    National Institutes of Health...................   10,325    11,240      11,939      12,406      +467       +4%

    Environmental Protection Agency:
      Environmental technology initiative...........  ........       72          72          72        +*       +*%
      Science to achieve results....................  ........       48          95         115       +20      +21%

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration:
      International space station...................    2,262     2,113       2,144       2,149        +5       +*%
      Mission to Planet Earth.......................      917     1,344       1,289       1,402      +113       +9%
      New millennium initiative.....................       67       436         569         549       -20       -4%
      Reusable launch vehicle technology program....        0       129         159         266      +107      +67%
      Aeronautics inititiative......................      129       347         415         442       +27       +7%

    Department of Energy:
      Stockpile stewardship.........................    1,799     1,520       1,567       1,648       +81       +5%
      Science users facilities initiative...........  ........  ........        100         100        +*        +*
      Energy efficiency and pollution preventions
       R&D..........................................      350       447         417         548      +131      +31%
       Renewable energy R&D.........................      257       363         275         363       +88      +32%
      Fusion energy science program.................      340       361         244         264       +20       +8%

    Department of Commerce:
      NIST--Advanced technology program.............       68       341         300         345       +45      +15%
      NIST--Manufacturing extension partners........       18        74         100         105        +5       +5%
      NIST--Intramural research.....................      193       247         259         271       +12       +5%
       NOAA--Weather service modernization..........      474       576         604         742      +138      +23%
       NTIA--National information infrastructure....  ........       42          54          59        +5       +9%

    Department of Defense dual use application
     program........................................  ........  ........  ............      250      +250        +*

    USDA national research initiative...............       98       101          97         130       +33      +34%

    Department of Transportation intelligent
     transportation system..........................      155       217         208         337      +129      +62%

    National Science and Technology Council
     initiatives:
      High performance computing and
       communications:\2\
         Defense....................................      298       375         315         337       +22       +7%
         Health and Human Services..................       47        68          81          87        +6       +7%
         National Aeronautics and Space
         Administration.............................       82       131         116         104       -12      -10%
         Energy.....................................      100       119         121         125        +4       +3%
         National Science Foundation................      233       297         291         280       -11       -4%
         Commerce...................................       12        30          31          34        +3      +10%
        Environmental Protection Agency.............  ........       12          12           6        -6      -48%
         Transportation.............................  ........       24          23          43       +20      +87%
         Education..................................  ........       16          12          18        +6      +50%
         Veterans...................................  ........       24          21          16        -5      -24%
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal..................................      772     1,096       1,023       1,050       +28       +3%
       U.S. global change research program:\3\
         Health and Human Services..................        1         4           4           4        +*        +*
         National Aeronautics and Space
         Administration.............................      917     1,308       1,250       1,375      +125      +10%
         Energy.....................................      118       119         111         112        +2       +1%
         National Science Foundation................      124       169         163         170        +7       +4%
         Agriculture................................       55        60          56          59        +3       +5%
         Commerce...................................       66        57          60          69        +9      +15%
         Interior...................................       38        30          29          29        +*        +*
         Transportation.............................  ........        6           6           7        +1      +17%
         Environmental Protection Agency............  ........       23          25          19        -6      -24%
         Smithsonian................................  ........        7           7           7        +*        +*
         Tennesse Valley Authority..................  ........        2           1           1        +*        +*
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal..................................    1,319     1,785       1,712       1,852      +141       +8%
       Environment and natural resources............  ........    5,365       5,186       5,448      +262       +5%
       Partnership for a new generation of vehicles.  ........      223         241         288       +47      +20%
       Construction and building....................  ........      168         162         194       +32      +20%
       Educational technology.......................  ........      464         397         434       +37       +9%
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Less than $500 thousand or 0.5 percent.

    \1\Includes Administration's proposed adjustments to 1996 continuing resolution levels.

    \2\Listing by agency required by law.

    \3\Listing by agency required by law, subset of Environment and Natural Resources.

    [[Page 99]]
      Investing in a 21st-Century Education: Information technology has
    revolutionized America's businesses, but largely bypassed its
    classrooms. We must use this new technology to help children prepare for
    the challenges of the 21st Century. Building on the experience of
    earlier Federal investment in educational technology, the President is
    proposing a new Technology Literacy Challenge Fund to encourage States
    and communities, working with private sector partners, to develop and
    implement plans for adopting these technologies. (For more details, see
    Chapter 8.)
      Enhancing Programs to Keep Our Nation Secure: While the budget
    continues investments in defense research that ensure our strong, future
    military capabilities, it also fosters key programs to: keep nuclear
    weapons out of the hands of terrorists; achieve a Comprehensive Test Ban
    Treaty by using science-based techniques to ensure the safety and
    reliability of our nuclear weapons stockpiles; and bolster strong
    international S&T cooperation to improve global stability. The budget
    also supports the Dual Use Applications program, which puts the
    technical know-how and economies of scale from commercial industry at
    the service of national defense.

    Agency Highlights

      National Science Foundation (NSF): The NSF promotes science in service
    to society, primarily by awarding competitively-selected grants for
    research and education. Because most NSF awards go to our Nation's
    colleges and universities, they serve to both produce knowledge and
    train the next generation of scientists and engineers. The budget
    proposes $3.3 billion for NSF, a more than three percent increase over
    1996. Included are funds to address critical health, safety, and
    environmental impact issues at the Amundsen-Scott Station at the South
    Pole.
      National Institutes of Health (NIH): The budget continues the
    Administration's commitment to biomedical and behavioral research, which
    promotes the health and well-being of all Americans. The proposed $12.4
    billion for NIH is a $467 million, or four percent, increase over 1996.
    NIH's highest priority continues to be funding investigator-initiated,
    peer-reviewed research project grants. The budget includes increases for
    HIV/AIDS-related research, research into breast cancer and other health
    concerns of women, minority health initiatives, high performance
    computing, prevention research, gene therapy, and developmental and
    reproductive biology. The budget also includes funding for a new NIH
    Clinical Research Center, which would give NIH a state-of-the-art
    research facility in which scientists would bring their latest
    discoveries from the laboratory bench to the patient's bedside.
      Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
      Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI): The ETI is a partnership
    among government, industry, non-governmental organizations, and
    communities to protect public health and prevent pollution by promoting
    innovative environmental technologies, both in the United States and
    abroad. ETI supports regulatory reinvention efforts by allowing
    companies and communities to comply with environmental regulations by
    using the most cost-effective technology strategies possible. The budget
    proposes $72 million for ETI, and a total of $127 million for all of
    EPA's environmental technology efforts.
      Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program: The budget proposes $115
    million (21 percent more than in 1996) for the STAR program, which
    awards grants on the basis of rigorous peer review by extramural
    researchers. Under the program, EPA cooperates with NSF and the Energy
    Department to sponsor joint requests for grant applications.

      National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
      International Space Station: The Administration proposes continued
    funding of the International Space Station at $2.1 billion. In less than
    two years, NASA will launch the first segments of this ambitious
    undertaking among the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia.
    NASA and the Russian Space Agency have reconfirmed their commitments to
    the program and have conducted precursor research on two Space Shuttle
    flights to the Russian MIR space station, with another seven planned
    through 1998.
      Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE): MTPE is NASA's effort to observe,
    understand, and predict natural and human-induced changes
    [[Page 100]]
    to the
    environment. The budget proposes $1.4 billion for MTPE, nine percent
    more than in 1996. MTPE programs include the Earth Observing System
    satellites and information system, the Landsat satellite, and a broad
    range of scientific research and data analysis activities. NASA is also
    exploring new ways to obtain environmental data using very small
    spacecraft and purchasing data sets from industry.
      New Millennium Initiative (NMI): The NMI represents a fundamentally
    new way for NASA to develop and operate robotic space missions. The
    initiative has transformed space missions from occasional, decade-long,
    multi-billion dollar undertakings to more frequent, cheaper, and
    exciting projects that have reinvigorated a broad section of the space
    science community. The budget proposes $549 million to support over 25
    missions, either in orbit or under development.
      Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Program: The RLV technology
    program develops technology designed to significantly cut the cost of
    getting into space. The budget proposes $266 million in preparation for
    a 1996 decision whether to proceed with the X-33, an experimental flight
    vehicle whose costs would be shared with industry.
      Aeronautics Initiative: The budget proposes $442 million for NASA
    aeronautics initiatives, a seven percent increase over 1996. These
    initiatives are partnerships with industry and include advanced subsonic
    technology and high speed research that may revolutionize the next
    generation of airplanes.

      Department of Energy (DOE):
      Stockpile Stewardship: The President's commitment to a Comprehensive
    Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is closely linked to the Administration's plan to
    maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile
    through scientific experiments and computer modeling (i.e., no explosive
    testing of nuclear weapons). The budget proposes $1.6 billion for these
    efforts in 1997, a five percent increase over 1996, reflecting the
    President's commitment to provide sufficient funding for this program
    next year and over the next decade. Closely linked to this program, the
    President also is committed to funding a comprehensive R&D program over
    the next decade to improve treaty monitoring capabilities and
    operations. President Clinton hopes to complete and sign the CTBT in
    1996.
      Science User Facilities Initiative: The budget proposes continuing
    this $100 million initiative begun in 1996 to supplement the operations
    and capabilities of DOE's major basic research facilities. The 1996
    funding has generated an increase in hours of operation ranging from 20
    to 100 percent at various DOE facilities; additional staff support for
    the university, government, and industry researchers; and upgraded and
    expanded instrumentation.
      Energy Efficiency and Pollution Prevention R&D: The budget proposes
    increases for research on technologies that use natural gas and
    electricity more efficiently; new manufacturing processes that offer
    higher productivity as well as lower energy and environmental costs; and
    innovative transportation and energy conversion processes. The budget
    proposes $548 million, $131 million more than in 1996.
      Renewable Energy R&D: The budget proposes $363 million, $88 million
    over 1996, for research and technical assistance to foster world-class
    competitive renewable electricity and fuels industries, including solar
    thermal and photovoltaic, wind and geothermal power, transportation
    fuels, and energy from biomass crops and wastes. The development of
    alternative energy sources represents a critical environmental and
    economic issue for the next century.
      Fusion Energy Sciences Program: DOE continues to support basic
    research and experimentation in plasma and fusion sciences, with the
    long-term goal of harnessing fusion as a viable energy source. The
    budget proposes $264 million, roughly an eight percent increase over
    1996, and provides for increased basic research activities, the
    investigation of tokamak alternatives, and continued operation of the
    three major U.S. experimental machines. The budget proposes continued
    U.S. participation in the design of the International Thermonuclear
    Experimental Reactor.
    [[Page 101]]
      Department of Commerce (DOC):
      National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST promotes
    U.S. economic growth by working with industry to develop and apply
    technology, measurements, and standards. NIST employs a unique
    combination of innovative programs. The Advanced Technology Program
    (ATP) is a rigorously competitive, industry-led, and cost-shared R&D
    program that fosters technology development, promotes industrial
    alliances, and creates jobs. The budget proposes $345 million for ATP to
    support roughly $120 million in new awards and continue commitments to
    over 500 companies. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
    provides the Nation's 381,000 smaller manufacturers with technological
    information and expertise that could improve their operations. The
    budget proposes $105 million for MEP to support 75 extension centers
    nationwide. The budget proposes $271 million for NIST laboratories to
    support important measurement research with industry in areas such as
    semiconductor metrology, advanced materials, and biotechnology. The
    budget also proposes $105 million for technology facilities, $80 million
    of which to construct a new Advanced Technology Laboratory to support
    cutting-edge research.
      National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National
    Weather Service Modernization: The largest modernization in the National
    Weather Service's history is well underway. The budget requests $742
    million to support this multi-year effort to develop and deploy cutting-
    edge technology, including advanced radar equipment, other ground
    observing systems, and geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites that
    will greatly improve the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather and
    flood warnings.
      National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
    National Information Infrastructure (NII) Grants Program: The budget
    requests $59 million in grants to help develop the NII, which provides
    the infrastructure that enables computers to connect to one another and
    to information systems across the country. These grants help fund
    demonstration projects to show how information technology can improve
    the delivery of educational, health, and other social services.

      Department of Defense (DOD) Dual Use Applications Program: The budget
    includes $250 million for the Dual Use Applications Program (DUAP). DOD
    would solicit projects as Government-industry partnerships, and select
    those that meet military needs. The DUAP is built around a three-year
    process of transition from technology concept to product demonstration.
    This new program builds on the Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP), a
    highly successful experiment that proved DOD could acquire superior
    commercial technologies for military needs through cost sharing,
    Government-industry partnerships.
      Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Research Initiative: The
    budget proposes $130 million for the National Research Initiative (NRI),
    a 34 percent increase over 1996, to support research on a broad range of
    topics, including integrated pest management, biological control of
    pests and diseases, human nutrition, plant genome, water quality, food
    safety, sustainable agriculture, and agricultural systems. NRI is unique
    in USDA's research portfolio because its awards are based on merit
    review evaluations by scientific peers.
      Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
    Initiative: The budget includes $337 million for the ITS initiative, an
    increase of 62 percent over 1996. Under ITS, the Administration would
    work with 75 of the Nation's largest and most congested metropolitan
    areas to develop and deploy modern information technology for highway
    and transit systems.

    National Science and Technology Council Interagency Initiatives

      High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC): The budget
    proposes $1 billion, a three percent increase over 1996, for research
    and development in information and communications technologies that
    build on HPCC's accomplishments over the past five years.
    [[Page 102]]
      Environment and Natural Resources: The budget proposes $5.4 billion, a
    five percent increase over 1996, for research to address environmental
    issues ranging from local to regional to global, including: air quality,
    biodiversity and ecosystems, global change, natural disaster reduction,
    resource use and management, toxic substances/hazardous and solid waste,
    and water resources/coastal and marine environments. The budget includes
    $1.9 billion for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, eight percent
    more than in 1996.
      Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles: The budget proposes $288
    million, a $47 million increase over 1996, for research to: 1) develop
    advanced manufacturing techniques that make it easier to get new
    automobiles and auto components into the marketplace quickly; 2) use new
    technologies for near-term improvements in auto efficiency, safety, and
    emissions; and 3) lead to production prototypes of vehicles that are
    three times more fuel efficient than today's cars, with no sacrifice in
    comfort, performance, or price.
      Construction and Building: The budget proposes $194 million, a 20
    percent increase over 1996, for research to develop better construction
    technologies to improve the competitive performance of U.S. industry,
    raise the life cycle performance of buildings, and protect public safety
    and the environment.
      Educational Technology: The budget proposes $434 million, or a nine
    percent increase over 1996, for research and development on education
    and training to improve learning in schools, workplaces, and homes.
    (See, for instance, ``Investing in a 21st-Century Education,'' earlier
    in this chapter.)