Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise today in support of the substitute amendment to H.R. 1806 and focus on one issue. The underlying bill would set a harmful new precedent by authorizing funding at the directorate level. Currently, funding levels for the National Science Foundation for each directorate are based on strategic priorities and science-based recommendations from the National Science Board. This is how it should be and how it remains under the substitute amendment. By setting authorization levels according to directorate, this bill would limit the flexibility NSF needs to set strategic priorities and adapt and capitalize on unanticipated discoveries. I share the concerns of many experts that the underlying bill would reduce authorized funding levels for specific directorates: the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences and the Directorate for Geosciences. Some of this funding has been used, for example, for Oregon State University to conduct research on ocean acidification. It has also been used critically to support the work in Oregon to develop our understanding of the risks posed by a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake. Other examples are around the country. In summary, the underlying bill diminishes the ability of the National Science Foundation to make strategic science-based decisions. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the substitute amendment.”