[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 74 (Friday, June 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               INVESTING IN AMERICA'S FUTURE ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 5, 2002

       The House in Committee of the Whole House of the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4664) to 
     authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 
     2005 for the National Science Foundation, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4664, the 
Investing in America's Future Act, which authorizes the National 
Science Foundation (NSF) and places the foundation on a track to double 
it's budget in five years and to bolster undergraduate science, math, 
and engineering education. This measure authorizes a 15 percent 
increase in funding for the NSF for the next three years, starting with 
$5.5 billion in FY 2003, increases funding for major research 
equipment, and requires NSF to submit reports to Congress that will aid 
in the management of the foundation.
  The NSF has the mission of supporting science and engineering in 
general and funding basic research across many subject areas. The 
majority of the research supported by the NSF is conducted at our 
nation's colleges and universities. The monies from NSF help with 
scholarships, fellowships, and the recruitment and training of our next 
generation of researchers and scientists. This funding ensures that 
America's scientists are competitive in the global marketplace.
  NSF funding is a critical factor in determining whether students 
pursue postgraduate degrees in science and engineering. Doubling the 
NSF's budget will strengthen science research, development, and 
education. America's future directly depends on research conducted at 
our nation's schools. In fact, just this morning I meet with a group of 
researchers in my district, from Johns Hopkins, that rely on grants 
from NSF to conduct research. Many medical and technology breakthroughs 
have occurred because of the NSF funded basic research.
  Millions of dollars have been given to schools and school districts 
in my state of Maryland and across the nation. Mr. Chairman, I am 
pleased that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and 
minority education and outreach programs will benefit from the across-
the-board increase in NSF's budget. Two HBCU's, Morgan State and Coppin 
State, in my district, will be able to continue and expand programs at 
their institutions because of NSF support. Additionally, the Maryland 
State Department of Education has used NSF funds to improve school 
curriculum and encourage bright and talented students to pursue careers 
in the sciences.
  I would also like to thank the Science Committee and Congresswoman 
Eddie Bernice Johnson for all of her hard work and her unfailing 
support of NSF. She has been a champion for the doubling of NSF's 
budget.
  Being the leader in math, science, and engineering research is 
important for our nation and the world. In order to achieve this goal, 
federal investment is imperative. This is a good bill because it does 
invest in America's future and deserves the support of all of my 
colleagues.

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