[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 151 (Tuesday, November 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION IN 
THE DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE AND JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                APPROPRIATIONS ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
commitment this Congress has made to the budget of the National Science 
Foundation, NSF. Over a 10-year period, we have increased NSF funding 
45.2 percent in real terms, and in a tough budget climate we are 
increasing NSF appropriations by 2.4 percent over last year.
  The NSF is perhaps the government's most efficient and effective 
agency. It provides the backbone of our Nation's basic research efforts 
and strengthens our institutions of higher education by funding that 
research at university campuses across the country. The NSF also 
supports science education in grades K-12 to ensure future generations 
of Americans are equipped to carry on our tradition of innovation and 
prosperity. Every dollar appropriated to the National Science 
Foundation is an investment in this country's future.
  Mr. Speaker, we need more investment in science, technology, 
engineering, and mathematics, STEM. This appropriation is a good first 
step. However, if this country is to keep pace and maintain its 
leadership in the global economy, we must greatly expand and improve 
STEM education for children and college students and continue to 
increase our support of American innovation.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this appropriation for 
the NSF and renewing this country's commitment to innovation and 
economic competitiveness.

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