Eddie Bernice Johnson

We need a strong nano-EHS research program to protect the public and to ensure that any nanotechnology regulations will be grounded in science not perception.

The investment in the NNI is one of the reasons that the United States is the global leader in nanotechnology research and development.

Without a strong EHS research program on nanotechnology, we will be left with uncertainties surrounding potential risks for people and environments.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

As a former nurse, I recognize the need to understand and mitigate the potential risks to new technologies, including nanotechnology.

I applaud the current Administration's increased emphasis on EHS.

As a long-time member of the Committee, I am proud that the Committee recognized a need for an increased level of investment and better interagency coordination in this area almost 15 years ago.

I believe that their inclusion is a useful start to addressing this complex set of issues.

I am pleased that the Subcommittee is holding it.

Thank you very much. I want to welcome our witnesses to this morning's hearings, and I look forward to your testimony.

I would caution against legislating further in this area until we have a better understanding of the issues involved.

Orbital debris, or space junk, as it is sometimes called, is not science fiction. It is a reality.

Dealing with the increase in orbital debris will not be easy.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I would first like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Sullivan.

I look forward to working with you, Mr. Secretary, and my colleagues across the aisle to address the concerns we have.

Now, there are times when I hear a lot about my colleagues talking about picking winners and losers...

I continue to strongly support research to make today's technologies safer, cleaner and more efficient.

I fully understand that the Administration is working on a tough budget environment and that trade-offs and compromises have to be made.

Today it is the emerging energy technology sectors that I believe can most benefit from government support.

But in the Office of Science, can you provide a clearer explanation for the proposed funding level...

If we don't move from fossil energy to all-of-the-above or other alternatives, I want to ask the Secretary, are we running the risk of not having enough energy for the people on this planet if we just depend on fossil fuels?

Thank you for holding this hearing to explore the use of prize competitions to spur innovation and technology breakthroughs.

While tough choices have to be made, cuts to our federal R&D enterprise weakens the country's ability to be a leader in innovation.

Our competitors have the same tough budget choices to make, yet they are not just maintaining their R&D investments, but doubling and tripling down.

We ought to let the Corps keep the recreation fees, avoiding the appropriation process, which starves the Corps of Engineers recreation programs.