U.S. Risks Its Standard of Living Without Boost to Research, House Science Chairman Says
Computerworld (12/18/08) Thibodeau, Patrick

U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, says the United States must increase basic research and development (R&D) funding or risk a decline in its standard of living. Gordon says that other nations are increasing their funding for R&D while the U.S. is remaining stagnant and even decreasing in some areas. The National Science Foundation reports that federal funding for basic research has not kept pace with inflation over the past two years. Gordon says the federal government must assume a larger role in basic research. The Obama administration is expected to support a $600 billion to $800 billion economic stimulus package next year. Gordon says it will be important that the stimulus package support “twofers,” projects that can deliver quick gains and increase employment but also lead to major technological advancements later. One potential twofer is research into lighter and longer-lasting batteries, Gordon says. Other projects could include fostering interoperability standards that will lead to improved healthcare IT systems; improving science, math, and technology education; and increasing funding for R&D programs that focus on managing electronic waste.

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