Posted on 10/11/2004 2:14:31 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
President Bush believes that science is key to protecting our nation, strengthening our economy, and improving our lives. During this administration, we have seen a dramatic increase in science funding that will ensure America's continued dominant status as the world's leading innovator and drive new scientific discovery and technological innovation. These investments will lead to advances in national and homeland security, job creation, and quality of life for all Americans.
We lead the world in government funding for research. America currently spends 21/2 times more on federally funded research and development than all the European Union countries combined, and three times more than Japan. Our scientists collectively have the best laboratories in the world, the most extensive infrastructure supporting research, the best opportunities to pursue new lines of investigation, and the most freedom to turn their discoveries into profitable ventures if they wish.
The budget request for $132 billion for federal research and development activities for fiscal year 2005 marks a 44 percent increase since 2001 and the highest percentage of discretionary funds invested in science since the Apollo space program. Funding for basic research is at an all-time high of $26.8 billion in the 2005 fiscal year, compared with $21.3 billion four years ago. Private investment, more than twice public spending, has been supported by the President's tax relief, which extended the research and experimentation tax credit through 2005 - a credit he wants to make permanent.
This administration has supported research and development in many important areas including clean energy, nanotechnology, broadband, information technology, homeland and national security, space exploration, education, biomedical research, and climate change. Less than a year ago, the President signed into law the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, aimed at being instrumental in developing new medical breakthroughs, new applications for managing our environment, enhanced products, and improved manufacturing methods.
In addition, President Bush understands the importance of strong math and science skills in a globally competitive economy. The President has asked for $120 million more for the Department of Education's Math and Science Partnership program to promote strong teaching skills for elementary and secondary math and science teachers; expanded student loan forgiveness for math and science teachers who teach in low-income schools; and for the Presidential Math and Science Scholars Fund to provide college scholarships of up to $5,000 to low-income students studying math or science.
President Bush also values the role of science in the policy-making process, looking to the best sources of technical expertise - both inside and outside the government - for policy advice. This administration has repeatedly sought independent assessments through organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), which has reviewed air pollution policy, fuel economy standards, and the use of human tests for pesticide toxicity - all at the administration's request. Reviews of dioxin and perchlorate are ongoing. The administration's climate change science program is based on an NAS report requested by the President in the spring of 2001, and NAS continues to review our programs and strategic research planning in this field. Advice from the NAS and the work of the myriad advisory boards and councils have strongly informed policy and shaped government decisions.
Science continues to expand in scope and power under President Bush's leadership, and is linked more strongly than ever to technologies essential for national security, economic strength, job growth, environmental improvement, and quality of life. This administration has committed generous resources to this vital endeavor because President Bush believes science, like security, is a gift to future generations.
---------------------------------------------------------
John H. Marburger 3d is science adviser to President Bush and director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Contact the Office of Science and Technology Policy at info@ostp.gov.
This stupid paper makes me want to MOVE out of this g-d forsaken corrupt city even more.
Guess you did not much care for the oped they printed, I just posted it, it is for Kerry of course.
Is the author the same John Marburger who served as President of SUNY Stony Brook?
Yes.
So this was the 'guest' column they paired with their absurd 'Bush v science' editorial.
Good, but we need more...
I'd like a rebuttal that goes into the decades worth of politicization of science by the left, and how the left has used junk science to advance their agenda.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.