Lamar Smith: “I thank my friend, the chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee for…”

“I thank my friend, the chairman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee for yielding me time. I thank the chairman, also, and his staff, especially John Martens, Leslie Albright, and Ashley Schiller, for working with the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I especially appreciate the chairman's support for prioritizing the funding of the basic research at the National Science Foundation. This research--especially in the areas of math and physical sciences, biology, computing, and engineering--holds the promise of breakthroughs that will trigger technological innovation, jump-start new industries, and spur economic growth. This bill ensures that NSF is transparent and accountable to American taxpayers about how their hard-earned dollars are spent and that NSF- supported research is in the national interest. The House CJS Appropriations bill also addresses concerns about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's costly satellite program. In addition, this bill encourages NOAA to include private sector involvement in the space-based weather industry. Finally, I thank Chairman Culberson for his reprioritization of NASA planetary science, which implements the Science, Space, and Technology Committee's NASA authorization reported in April.…”