Lois Capps: “I rise also in favor of this bill to reauthorize the National Science Foundation. As a new Member of the Congress, I…”

“I rise also in favor of this bill to reauthorize the National Science Foundation. As a new Member of the Congress, I must say that the bipartisan cooperation that has brought forward this legislation has been an example for the rest of the House to follow. I want to commend and thank the gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella], chairman; the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Gordon], ranking member; the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Sensenbrenner], chairman; and my esteemed colleague, the gentleman from California [Mr. Brown] for their outstanding work on this legislation. The bill before us today provides a healthy and worthy increase for the National Science Foundation. While I support the research community's call earlier this year for a 7-percent increase in science research and development, I am encouraged by the funding levels that this bill contains in these tight budgetary times. I have spent my professional life prior to coming here engaged in teaching and research, so I have a sincere appreciation for the critical role of research and education in our society. The National Science Foundation's mission to sponsor research and encourage new thinking and education is a critical element for our economic growth as we move into the 21st century.”