Jim Sensenbrenner: “I rise in support of H.R. 1273, the National Science Foundation Act of 1997. It is particularly appropriate that the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1273, the National Science Foundation Act of 1997. It is particularly appropriate that the House consider this legislation at this time because this week is National Science and Technology Week. This House can be proud of the work of the Members on both sides of the aisle in developing the blueprint of the 105th Congress for strong support of research, development, and science education. The National Science Foundation provides funding to over 19,000 research and education projects in science and engineering annually. It does this through grants and cooperative agreements to more than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 schools, businesses and other research institutions in all parts of the United States. The foundation accounts for about 25 percent of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research. This 2-year authorization improves our investment in America by strengthening our commitment to the National Science Foundation. The bill authorizes approximately $3.5 billion for fiscal year 1998. The bipartisan support for this bill demonstrates the committee's belief that the support of basic research will provide America with the lead role for science in the future. It is through basic research that we will make the fundamental discoveries that will become the economic drivers in the 21st century.”