IP: FYI #133 - New Science Legislation

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

FYI
The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Science Policy News
Number 133: November 6, 1997


Senate Bill Introduced to Double Federal Research Spending


New legislation introduced in the Senate finds that "an increased
level of investment in basic scientific, medical, and pre-competitive
engineering research by the Federal Government is
essential to maintaining the position of the United States as the
technological leader of the world," and seeks to double federal
research spending in these fields over the next ten years.


Senator Phil Gramm (R-Texas) introduced S. 1305, the National
Research Investment Act of 1998, on October 22.  Three original
cosponsors joined him: Joseph Lieberman (D-Connecticut), Pete
Domenici (R-New Mexico), and Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico.)  Under
this bill, funding for basic non-defense scientific, medical, and
pre-competitive engineering research could rise from an estimated
$34 billion in FY 1999 to $68 billion by FY 2008.


This legislation is a refinement of a bill written by Gramm earlier
this year (see FYI # 11.)  Four Republican senators cosponsored his
first bill.  The new legislation should attract more support by
senators on both sides of the aisle.  Having Senate Budget
Committee Chairman Domenici  as a cosponsor will be very helpful in
attracting Members concerned about federal spending.


Gramm and Lieberman discussed their legislation at the October 22
press conference announcing the Unified Statement on Research (see
FYI #127.)   S. 1305 is similar in many respects to the Unified
Statement.  Both seek to double federal research spending in ten
years.  The bill applies only to civilian research, which, Gramm
and Lieberman contend, avoids potential political and legislative
problems.  Agencies and departments covered by S. 1305 are NIH,
NSF, NIST, NASA, NOAA, CDC, DOE ("to the extent that the activities
are not defense-related activities"), USDA, VA, Smithsonian
Institution, Dept. of Education, and EPA.  The bill sets
authorization levels for ten years.  Under each authorization, the
bill specifies NIH's levels, with other budgets splitting the
remainder.


Authorization legislation such as S. 1305 does not provide actual
funding.  Rather, it sets guidelines and spending caps for
appropriations bills.


Members of Congress introduce bills for a variety of reasons. 
Some, such as the thirteen appropriations bills, are  "must pass." 
Other bills are to effect policy change, or to garner publicity for
their sponsor.  Legislation can also serve as a  rallying point --
a means to send a message to other Members and a president about
the importance of a program or activity. 


The four cosponsors of S. 1305 are sending a message about the role
of the federal government in  supporting research.  This message
becomes stronger as the list of cosponsors becomes longer.  Members
of Congress look to their constituents when determining what bills
to cosponsor.


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Richard M. Jones
Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
fyi () aip org
(301) 209-3095
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"Photons have neither morals nor visas"  --  Dave Farber 1994
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