Political Quotes

“Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong bipartisan support of H.R. 363, Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research. Before my election to Congress, I spent my entire academic and professional career as a scientist, as a mathematician and an engineer. I was particularly concerned when I read the sobering conclusions of the National Academies' ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm'' about America's declining competitiveness in a science and technology-based global economy. The report calls for an immediate action to maintain America's competitive advantage, and I agree with those recommendations. We are already moving forward to carry out some of the report's recommendations in an effort to renew interest in scientific development. H.R. 363 will provide grants to support young researchers in the early stages of their careers to engage in the high-risk, high-reward innovative research that challenges existing assumptions. The bill also establishes a Presidential Innovation Award to stimulate scientific and engineering advances in the public interest. As a Nation, we face many daunting and almost overwhelming challenges, the solutions to which will require serious and dedicated scientific research.”