Science is the basis of human progress.  This field of knowledge allows us to understand the world around us and to continually transform and improve our quality of life.  Today’s essential technologies, such as mobile phones and air travel, are based on our understanding and mastering of scientific concepts like the electromagnetic spectrum and aerodynamics. 

 

            Since the Industrial Revolution, the United States has reaped the benefits of our investment in scientific research.  American scientists have been at the forefront of discoveries that have changed the world.  Barbara McClintock observed the transposition of genes, breaking new ground in molecular genetics. 

 

            John Von Neumann’s work in mathematical logic laid the foundation for computers.  And Richard Feynman expanded the theory of quantum electrodynamics.  These are just a few examples of the American scientific contribution to world knowledge. 

 

            Our panel today reflects a cross-section of America’s exceptional scientific leadership.  This team represents a complete sweep of the 2006 scientific Nobel prizes, for the first time in more than 20 years, an impressive and well deserved accomplishment.  Their hard work and persistence are largely responsible for this achievement.  At the same time, I am sure our distinguished witnesses would agree that some credit is due to the American scientific enterprise.  Our strong educational system and research infrastructure lies at the heart of this enterprise. 

 

            For decades our nation, which accounts for only 6 percent of the world’s population, has produced more than 20 percent of the world’s doctorates in science and engineering. 

 

            However, our system is in jeopardy.  The National Academies’ Rising Above the Gathering Storm report warns that the nation is at risk of falling behind our international competition.  According to the 2006 National Science Board Science and Engineering Indicators, 78 percent of science and engineering doctorates are earned outside of the United States.  Almost half of the masters degrees awarded in computer science in this country went to foreign students. 

 

We must take corrective action to ensure the United States does not lose ground in science and technology.  Just last week the Senate passed S. 761, the America COMPETES Act.  The legislation received  88 votes in the Senate. 

 

            That strong showing reflects how united this body is in recognizing the need to bolster the nation’s competitiveness.  The bill calls for reinvestment in our scientific endeavor through increased funding for the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.     S. 761 also encourages broader participation in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, particularly by women and underrepresented minorities. 

 

            The accomplishments of this panel are impressive, and if we are hoping to replicate their achievement 20 years hence, the United States must seek continuous improvement in our science enterprise.  I look forward to incorporating the recommendations of this esteemed panel into our legislative work this Congress.

 

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