[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H6117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SCIENCE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans have 
forced the government to shut down, and it's a disservice to the 
hardworking professionals in the Federal Government and to the American 
people.
  Our Federal agencies have a long history of working hard on research 
and education programs that return huge payoffs to the American people, 
both in economic growth and societal benefits.
  Unfortunately, 97 percent of NASA employees are being furloughed, and 
all public NASA events and activities will be ended.
  The National Science Foundation will make no payments for the 
duration of this shutdown.
  The Department of Energy will furlough nearly 7 percent of their 
employees, jeopardizing research done all over our national 
laboratories.
  Most research activities at the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration will be 
suspended. Weather research and United States Geological Survey studies 
will also shut down.
  As ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
I want to highlight that our competitors in other countries surge ahead 
in their R&D as we shut ours down. We are closing the door to our 
future.

                          ____________________