[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E161-E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REINTRODUCTION OF THE AERONAUTICS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                           REVITALIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, today the Distinguished 
Gentleman from Virginia Mr. J. Randy Forbes and I reintroduced bi-
partisan legislation designed to revitalize an industry that is 
essential to maintaining this country's economic growth, technological 
superiority, and military preeminence.
  Since Orville and Wilbur Wright pioneering flight almost 100 years 
ago, aviation technology in the United States has reached a level of 
success and development unparalleled in world history. According to a 
recent report on ``The National Economic Impact of Civil Aviation,'' 
the total economic impact of civil aviation exceeded more than $900 
billion and 11 million jobs to the U.S. economy in the year 2000, 
roughly 9 percent of the total U.S. gross domestic product. However, 
despite the historical strength of this industry, it is clear that the 
United States is involved in a difficult struggle to maintain our 
preeminence in the aerospace field, both commercially and militarily.
  In January of 2001, the European Union unveiled its plan for gaining 
dominance in the global aerospace market entitled, ``European 
Aeronautics: A Vision for 2020.'' This plan lays out an ambitious, $93 
billion, 20-year agenda for winning global leadership in aeronautics 
and aviation. In stark contrast to the vision set by the Europeans, the 
U.S. has cut by half its expenditures on aeronautics research & 
development (R&D) over the past two decades. This downward trend has 
coincided with a similar trend in the U.S. share of the world aerospace 
market, which declined from about 70 percent of the global market to 
less than 50 percent now. In fact, the recently completed report of the 
Presidential Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry echoed 
these concerns and stated that ``The United States must maintain its 
preeminence in aerospace research and innovation to be a global 
aerospace leader in the 21st century,'' and that ``government policies 
and investments in long-term research have not kept pace with the 
changing world.'' In fact, the Commission recommended that ``the 
federal government significantly increase its investment in basic 
aerospace research, which enhances U.S. national security, enables 
breakthrough capabilities, and fosters an efficient, secure and safe 
aerospace transportation system''.
  It was as a result of these negative trends and the importance for 
the long-term economic and security interest of the United States, that 
Mr. Forbes and I joined with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to 
introduce the Aeronautics Research and Development Revitalization Act 
of 2003. This bill, which last year received strong support in the 
other body as well as in the House, establishes a broad-based agenda to 
reinvigorate America's aeronautics and aviation R&D enterprise and 
maintain America's competitive leadership in aviation by:

       Reversing the trend of declining Federal investments in 
     aeronautics and aviation R&D by doubling funding over five 
     years. Funding is increased to $900 million in 2006 
     (approximately the level they were in 1998), and $1.15 
     billion in 2008.
       Following the recommendations of the FAA's Research, 
     Engineering and Development Advisory Committee, doubling 
     funding over 5 years to $550 million in 2008.
       Establishing a focal point for aeronautics R&D by re-
     establishing an Office of Aeronautics reporting directly to 
     the NASA Administrator.
       Establishing an R&D initiative to develop technologies 
     within a decade to build commercial no-noise, low-emissions, 
     and be highly-energy efficient.
       Establishing an R&D initiative directed at reinvigorating 
     the nation's rotorcraft R&D that will address the nation's 
     civil and military needs for decades to come.
       Addressing the need for a long-term Federal R&D effort to 
     develop technologies for an environmentally-friendly, 
     commercially-viable supersonic transport capable of flight 
     over land.
       Including independent review mechanisms to ensure that the 
     agency is pursuing technology concepts in a cost-effective 
     manner.
       Authorizing the establishment of one or more university-
     based centers for research in aviation training for flight 
     crews and air traffic controllers as new technology and 
     procedures are added to the nation's infrastructures.
       Establishing a program of scholarships to help replenish 
     the nation's pool of aeronautical engineers.
       Tackling the problem of delays in and unreliability of the 
     air transportations system directly by authorizing funds for 
     NASA to work with NOAA on research to improve significantly 
     the reliability of 2 to 6 hour aviation weather forecasts.
       Providing a significant funding to allow increased 
     attention to environment and energy-related projects and for 
     research on increasing the capacity, efficiency and safety of 
     the air traffic system.

  The basic premise of the legislation is that the U.S. can best meet 
the R&D challenge mounted by the Europeans and others through focused 
R&D investments that will enable future aircraft and rotorcraft 
technologies that are extremely quiet, fuel-efficient, and low in 
emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The development of 
such aircraft will enable the U.S. aviation industry to dominate 
anticipated aviation markets, as well as create new markets in cities 
and regions whose airports have been underutilized because of perceived 
negative environmental impacts. In addition, the new aviation 
capabilities could allow innovative approaches to meeting the future 
demand for travel by the American public, open up new possibilities for 
the future national air traffic management system, and make aerospace 
technologies more environmentally friendly.
  This year marks the 100th anniversary of Ohio's own Wilbur and 
Orville Wright achieving the world's first successful powered flight, 
thus leading the way for 100 years of American domination in aviation. 
But now, facing new and serious challenges, leadership will be required 
to sustain our aerospace industry to make it as vibrant a symbol of 
America's might in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. This 
legislation is an opportunity for the country to signal its commitment 
to a strong and robust aviation sector and its intent to revitalize it 
in the face of new global challenges. America has long recognized that 
its long-term strength and security, and its ability to reach and 
sustain high levels of economic growth, depends on maintaining its edge 
in scientific achievement and technological innovation. If we lose our 
edge in the areas where we are most vibrant, as it is happening now, 
our economic prospects will be dimmed and our security will be 
threatened. Aviation was born in America nearly 100 years ago; it is 
not slipping to number 2 on our watch.

                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH HANNIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this moment to pay 
tribute to an outstanding Coloradan who has given countless volunteer 
hours in support of the National Weather Service Cooperative Weather 
Observer Program. Joseph Hannigan of Norwood, Colorado has consistently 
contributed his time and efforts to his country by carefully collecting 
and reporting weather data for his area. It is with great respect that 
I stand to

[[Page E162]]

honor a man who has dedicated so much of his own time to such a 
selfless service.
  The National Weather Service collects and maintains a database of 
daily climate reports that is among the best in the world. National 
Weather Service uses the data from that record to help forecast climate 
and weather changes and issue weather warnings. The National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration also uses the data to understand and 
predict climate trends. Estimates suggest that such climate predictions 
helped prevent up to one billion dollars in damage from the devastating 
effects of El Nino in California alone.
  But such an extensive and accurate database cannot be created 
overnight. Our country relies on dedicated volunteers like Joseph who 
take the time to make and report their weather observations as part of 
the Cooperative Weather Observer program. The roots of the program 
reach as far back as 1644, when Reverend John Campanius Holm recorded 
the American Colonies' first known weather observations. Then, in 1891, 
the Weather Bureau tackled the challenge given them to document climate 
conditions in the United States. For over one hundred years, the 
Weather Service has called on volunteers to gather the necessary 
measurements on weather factors such as temperature and precipitation. 
With over 11,000 volunteer observers contributing over one million 
service hours, it is significant to note that the National Weather 
Service has chosen to recognize Joseph Hannigan with their most 
prestigious recognition, the John Campanius Holm Award. Considering 
Joseph's 42 years of consistent service, he is deserving of an award 
named after the very first volunteer weather observer in the American 
Colonies. -Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to rise today to praise 
Joseph Hannigan for his dedicated service to the National Weather 
Service before this body of Congress and this nation. He stands out as 
an example of the cooperative spirit that has helped make this country 
great. From his efforts, combined with the work of countless others, 
our communities enjoy the economic, recreational, and safety benefits 
that an accurate and timely weather forecast affords them. I am honored 
to extend my gratitude to Joseph and the many other volunteers for what 
they have accomplished. Keep up the good work!

                          ____________________