[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E280-E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FULL-YEAR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

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                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense and

[[Page E281]]

     the other departments and agencies of the Government for the 
     fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other 
     purposes:

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I would like to 
talk briefly about the amendment number 260, offered by my friend from 
Ohio, Mr. Latta.
  This amendment would cut $10 million from the construction budget of 
the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
  NIST's buildings were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, and are no 
longer adequate for the research needed to support U.S. innovation and 
industrial competitiveness, particularly in emerging technology areas 
like nanotechnology and biotechnology.
  Independent analysis of NIST's maintenance needs recommends an annual 
investment target of $70 to $80 million to address critical deferred 
maintenance and bring the NIST facilities to fair condition.
  The CR already slashes NIST's construction budget to $58 million. 
This is an $89 million reduction (60%) below the FY 2010 enacted level 
and significantly below what NIST requires.
  Further cuts to the construction budget as proposed by the Latta 
amendment will erode basic repair and maintenance capability and 
hamstring NIST's ability to deal with emergencies like water or gas 
line breaks, storm damage, and power outages.
  Improving and maintaining its laboratory facilities is critical for 
NIST to continue to engage in cutting edge research, delivering high 
quality science and research to foster innovation and technological 
advancement for the benefit of U.S. industry.
  For these reasons, I must oppose this amendment and urge its defeat.

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