    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [April 9, 1997]
    [Pages 417-418]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Science and Technology
    April 9, 1997

    To the Congress of the United States:
        A passion for discovery and a sense of adventure have always driven
    this Nation forward. These deeply rooted American qualifies spur our
    determination to explore new scientific frontiers and spark our can-do
    spirit of technological innovation. Continued American leadership
    depends on our enduring commitment to science, to technology, to
    learning, to research.
        Science and technology are transforming our world, providing an age
    of possibility and a time of change as profound as we have seen in a
    century. We are well-prepared to shape this change and seize the
    opportunities so as to enable every American to make the most of their
    God-given promise. One of the most important ways to realize this vision
    is through thoughtful investments in science and technology. Such
    investments drive economic growth, generate new knowledge, create new
    jobs, build new industries, ensure our national security, protect the
    environment, and improve the health and quality of life of our people.
        This biennial report to the Congress brings together numerous
    elements of our integrated investment agenda to promote scientific
    research, catalyze technological innovation, sustain a sound business
    environment for research and development, strengthen national security,
    build global stability, and advance educational quality and equality
    from grade school to graduate school. Many achievements are presented in
    the report, together with scientific and technological opportunities
    deserving greater emphasis in the coming years.
        Most of the Federal research and education investment portfolio
    enjoyed bipartisan support during my first Administration. With the
    start of a new Administration, I hope to extend this partnership with
    the Congress across the entire

    [[Page 418]]

    science and technology portfolio. Such a partnership to stimulate
    scientific discovery and new technologies will take America into the new
    century well-equipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie
    ahead.
        The future, it is often said, has no constituency. But the truth is,
    we must all be the constituency of the future. We have a duty--to
    ourselves, to our children, to future generations--to make these
    farsighted investments in science and technology to help us master this
    moment of change and to build a better America for the 21st century.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    April 9, 1997.