Barry Loudermilk: “I thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman, for yielding this time and for his leadership on this issue. Mr.…”

“I thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman, for yielding this time and for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, last month the Congressional Budget Office released an updated deficit projection for fiscal year 2016. The CBO now expects that our deficit will be $544 billion this year, which is an increase from the original projection of $414 billion. Now, more than ever, Congress needs to work diligently to reduce spending and balance the Federal budget. However, it is equally important for us to make sure that every taxpayer dollar that is spent is used responsibly. That is why I am an original cosponsor of the Scientific Research in the National Interest Act. It will help ensure that the National Science Foundation, one of our Nation's most critical research agencies, is using its funding in the most beneficial way possible. This bill requires the NSF to explain how each of its grants further America's best interests. This could be done through advancing STEM education, national defense, economic competitiveness, public health, or other key priorities. By requiring the NSF to justify its research, this bill will help crack down on frivolous government programs. And, yes, Mr. Chairman, there are frivolous government programs. For example, the NSF is currently spending $374,000 of taxpayer money on a study of the ups and downs of senior citizens' dating experiences.…”