House Approves Bill to Improve and Increase Scientific Research

June 5, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Calling advanced scientific research “key to improving the lives of millions of Americans,” Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve the Investing in America’s Future Act, H.R. 4664. The measure, which will gradually double funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), was approved today with broad bipartisan support, 397-25.

“America’s scientific community cultivates everything from innovative health care to next generation defense technologies,” Dreier said. “It’s important the federal government provide initial support for the ground breaking work of our scientists so that it can be further developed in the private sector. When our scientific community has the resources it needs to innovate, the American people can see the benefits.”

The Investing in America’s Future Act represents a tremendous long term investment in scientific research by doubling the federal appropriations by the year 2005, through 15 percent increases over the next three years. Dreier noted that important projects like Cal Tech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) will be able to continue their excellent work with increased support from the National Science Foundation’s grants. Grants provided by NSF represent the single largest source of federal research and development (R&D) funding for Cal Tech, and 16 percent of the federal R&D funding for California’s universities.

“California leads the world in innovation and technology,” Dreier said. “I’m very pleased our state’s scientific pioneers will continue to enjoy federal support for their stellar and vital work.”