[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 10, 2016

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the state of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3293) to 
     provide for greater accountability in Federal funding for 
     scientific research, to promote the progress of science in 
     the United States that serves that national interest:

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chair, I want to state my support for H.R. 3293, the 
Scientific Research in the National Interest Act. This bill, in an 
effort to enhance transparency and accountability at the National 
Science Foundation (NSF), would include a determination by the NSF that 
any grant or cooperative agreement by the NSF promotes the progress of 
science by being in the national interest.
  Under this bill's broad definitions of what ``is in the national 
interest'', I expect that for virtually all successful grant 
applications, the NSF would have no difficulty in making the 
certification. Section 2(b)(2)(G)'s ``promotion of the progress of 
science for the United States'' is such a broad justification for 
determining if research is within the national interest, that it likely 
covers all current research being funded by the NSF and could cover all 
future directions that the Foundation would like to explore. Any 
research that advances the frontiers of knowledge and drives 
technological innovation promotes the progress of science for the 
United States.
  I would like to point out that all the justifications of Section 
2(b)(2) can be construed both broadly and liberally. For example, 
Section 2(b)(2)(A)'s inclusion of ``increased economic competitiveness 
in the United States'' could encompass all funding that promotes the 
progress of engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and 
mathematics in order to build and strengthen our national capacity for 
innovation and production.
  Section 2(b)(2)(B)'s ``advancement of the health and welfare of the 
American public'' could include research into biology, life, the 
natural world, and the environment. Behavioral and social science 
research could also fall under the ``advancement of the health and 
welfare of the American public'' justification as well, because 
behavioral and social science build fundamental knowledge of human 
behavior, interaction, and social and economic systems that underpin 
the health and welfare of our society.
  Section 2(b)(2)(C)'s ``development of an American STEM workforce that 
is globally competitive'' could be seen as promoting STEM education at 
all levels and in all settings, including both formal and informal 
settings. Having a well-informed workforce that has access to the ideas 
and tools associated with STEM education serves to enhance the quality 
of life of all citizens while promoting U.S. economic competitiveness, 
advancing the health and welfare of the American public, and supporting 
the national defense.
  To reiterate, I believe that Section 2(b)(2) of this bill is to be 
construed broadly and liberally. I believe that the inclusion of 
Section 2(b)(2)(G)'s ``promotion of the progress of science for the 
United States'' likely covers all current and future research engaged 
in by the NSF. Further, I believe that the fact that the Foundation is 
provided the discretion to make the determination allows the NSF ample 
room to continue its desired research. And I expect that for virtually 
all successful grant applicants, the NSF will have no difficulty in 
making this determination applaud Chairman Smith for his work on this 
important legislation.

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