[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE SCIENCE RESEARCH BILL IS A SHAM

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                          HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 1995

  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my deep disappointment 
with the passage today of H.R. 2405, the so-called Omnibus Civilian 
Science Research Authorization Act of 1995. This bill unfortunately 
reflects the new realities in Washington, and it shows how far astray 
the new majority will go in its efforts to feed the insatiable hunger 
of the far right.
  In the name of science, the GOP juggernaut rejected an amendment that 
would have deleted a provision in the bill prohibiting the EPA from 
studying indoor air pollution. This amendment wouldn't have added one 
cent to the amounts authorized in the bill. But the majority apparently 
wants to micro-manage to the point that it, not scientists, will decide 
what scientific endeavors will be undertaken.
  Another amendment would have removed a prohibition barring the 
weather service from carrying out studies of long-term climate and 
global change. The head in the sands majority opted for ignorance and 
voted to prohibit crucial future studies.
  These are just two examples of the medieval thinking that pervades 
this legislation, Mr. Speaker. While other nations are increasing their 
research budgets, we are not only slashing funding for it, but actually 
prohibiting much of it. This is folly, Mr. Speaker, and I deeply regret 
this sad instance of narrow Neanderthal thinking on the part of the 
majority in the House of Representatives.

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