[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      NEED FOR REESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, complex issues are facing Congress, many in 
the realm of science and technology. Current events are challenging our 
traditional understanding of medicine, engineering, science, 
environment, and telecommunications. Mail decontamination is just one 
issue where Congress needs better science advice.
  Thousands of people have been affected by anthrax in our mail--
millions more by the uncertainty and fear it has caused. Congress still 
has not received mail, severing a vital link to our constituents. Part 
of the reason for this delay is that there is no precedent for killing 
anthrax spores.
  If the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) existed today, we could 
expect to have already received information about rapid ways to 
decontaminate our mail. During its 23 years of existence, OTA provided 
Congress with well-respected, impartial analysis and advice, including 
valuable reports on terrorism, national security, and communication. If 
OTA existed today, they would have already completed reports useful to 
us in making decisions about the current war on terrorism.
  Congress needs better scientific information. We need unbiased 
analysis and advice on the impact and use of technologies. We need to 
understand how technology can be used to hurt us and how we can use it 
to strengthen and defend our nation.
  When OTA's funding was eliminated due to government downsizing in 
1995, Congress lost a valuable and unique resource. Please join me, 
along with 55 of my colleagues, in cosponsoring H.R. 2148, bipartisan 
legislation to reestablish the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA).

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