John Doolittle: “this is a vital bill for the future of our country, and this bill provides a very balanced approach to research in the…”

“this is a vital bill for the future of our country, and this bill provides a very balanced approach to research in the scientific areas and to energy development and, indeed, renewable energy as well as vital water projects and infrastructure for this country to keep us economically sound. I would particularly like to commend the chairman and the staff in working with both sides here on this bill. It could do more if the resources were available; but given that they are not, we are making the best, I think, of what we have. I would like to single out the energy supply and conservation account which funds renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, nondefense environment, safety and health programs and energy conservation. These are funded at $1.7 billion. Over $360 million is provided for hydrogen and fuel cell research. This funding supports and expands the President's hydrogen initiative and promotes the Freedom CAR project. Hydrogen is the fuel source of the future and funding in this bill moves us closer to that goal. Thirdly, the committee recommends $3.6 billion for the Office of Science, an increase of $203 million over the budget request. Additional funds are provided for priority work on advanced scientific computing, high energy physics and operation of user facilities. Lastly, Office of Science funding provides for the basic building blocks of science and is the gateway to future scientific breakthroughs.…”