[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 15, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H8295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           REASONS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD SUPPORT SCIENCE

  (Mr. EHLERS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about something we do 
not discuss very much in the House of Congress, and that is our 
scientific effort in this Nation. I think it is important to point out 
as we are in the appropriations process some of the reasons why it is 
important for the Federal Government to support science.
  First of all, over half of our economic growth today arises out of 
scientific research work done within the past 3 to 5 decades, over half 
of our economic growth just from that source alone. We are very pleased 
with our good economy. Let us recognize what the cause is and make sure 
we continue that effort.
  Secondly, our scientific research results in a great improvement of 
the quality of life in this Nation, not just in all the good things we 
enjoy every day of our lives in various ways, but, for example, health 
care. Some of the major devices and methods used in improved health 
care today arise out of research that was taking place when I was a 
graduate student 40 years ago. That involves for example MRI, magnetic 
resonance imaging, the use of lasers in surgery, and other purposes, 
straight out of the laboratories of the times when I was in grad 
school.
  It is imperative that we continue to support that research. Yet, when 
we passed the appropriation bill last week, we cut NASA by $2 billion. 
We cut the National Science Foundation. Earlier, we cut the Department 
of Energy research program. We cannot do that.
  As we proceed through the appropriations process, let us make sure 
that that money is restored, that we continue our research effort, and 
that we continue to provide the knowledge, the goods and services, and 
economic growth that we want in this country.

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