Rodney Frelinghuysen: “I oppose the amendment of the gentleman from Georgia. His amendment would cut $158 million from the Office of Science…”

“I oppose the amendment of the gentleman from Georgia. His amendment would cut $158 million from the Office of Science within the Department of Energy in favor of deficit savings. I should say for the record we cut approximately $220 million from last year's number. So we've substantially reduced this account. Let me just say, too, that the basic science program within the Department conducts research with a staggering potential for benefits for our Nation. Cutting the program further, which is what he seeks, threatens our long-term energy security, hurts American scientists and industry, and I think to some extent blemishes our credibility as a worldwide leader in basic science programs. I therefore oppose this amendment, urge others to do likewise, and I yield back the balance of my time.”