AIP FYI #2: Highlights of Science Policy and Budget Developments in 2002
A brief look back at some of the events reported on in FYI in 2002:
JANUARY: OSTP Director John Marburger predicts that war on terrorism will
not divert the conduct of science in the U.S. At a January astronomical
society meeting, Marburger says Bush Administration “values
discovery-oriented science.” DOE Secretary Spencer Abraham expresses
willingness to reconsider U.S. participation in the ITER fusion project. A
DOE high energy physics panel identifies proposed $5 – $7 billion linear
particle accelerator as centerpiece of twenty-year road map for field.
FEBRUARY: Bush Administration sends FY 2003 request to Congress with 8%
increase for federal R&D, primarily for DOD and NIH. House Science
Committee minority staff comments that overall civilian R&D portfolio
request is “business-as-usual.” Marburger states “life sciences may still
be underfunded relative to the physical sciences.” Science Committee
Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) later tells Marburger that if not for
defense and national security needs, “this committee collectively would be
madder than hell, to put it bluntly.” Incoming Director of the DOE Office
of Science, Ray Orbach, has an easy Senate nomination hearing.
MARCH: Appropriators roundly criticize Administration plans to cut USGS.
New NASA Administrator, Sean O`Keefe, is questioned closely at congressional
hearing about ultimate size of space station. First meeting of President’s
Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is held. Friendly and
low-key appropriations hearings held on FY 2003 DOE science request.
Science Committee hearing sets stage for higher NSF authorization. Move to
disband DOD’s JASON advisory panel draws concern. Science Committee hearing
on proposed cuts to ATP reveals congressional support for program.
APRIL: Administration publishes new ITAR regulations on university-based
space research. Science Committee states concern about balance in federal
R&D portfolio. Orbach speaks of 30-40% budget growth over next five years
as appropriate for his office. Proposed underground physics laboratory at
South Dakota’s Homestake Mine draws attention. House appropriators express
strong support for NSF funding. O`Keefe outlines his vision for NASA.
Marburger describes “balance” as a misleading and dangerous term when
looking at science funding. Space station configuration is subject of
congressional hearing and independent advisory committee report. Proposed
Administration ATP reforms characterized as controversial. Congressional
move to approve use of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.
MAY: O`Keefe tells appropriators that it is his “fondest hope” that a
larger space station is ultimately built. Senate appropriators speak out
against Administration’s proposed NSF budget. Senate hearing on Yucca
Mountain plan reveals range of opinion. House and Senate authorizers
recommend 1.4% to 2.8% increase in total defense R&D.
JUNE: By overwhelming recorded vote, House passes legislation to authorize
eventual doubling of NSF budget. Looking ahead, White House issues
memorandum guiding FY 2004 R&D priorities. Secretary of State Colin Powell
highlights role of science in foreign policy. Administration report
acknowledges human role in global warming. President sends homeland
security legislation to Congress containing prominent S&T role. House
appropriators approve almost 15% increase in FY 2003 defense S&T funding.
OSTP report finds neutron scattering demand exceeds supply. Senate
authorizers hold hearing on NSF, with no mention of bill mirroring House
bill.
JULY: Science Committee drafts S&T components of homeland security bill.
Appropriators recommend increased USGS budget, rejecting proposed
Administration cuts. Senate roll call vote clears another hurdle for the
Yucca Mountain repository. Advisory group offers recommendations on DOE lab
security. Senate appropriators vote for 9.2% increase in defense S&T. Two
hearings on climate change reveal much controversy, with one senator calling
Administration approach “baloney.” Senate appropriators approve big
increase for NIBIB at NIH, an almost 12% increase for NSF, and 2% increase
for NASA. Appropriators’ recommendations for DOE physics programs range
from cuts to 7.5% increase.
AUGUST: Senate appropriators reject proposed Administration cuts in ATP.
Teacher quality grant funding receives 8.8 % increase in Senate bill, but
specific funding for Education Department science and math teaching remains
low. Bill introduced in Senate to double authorization for NSF.
SEPTEMBER: PCAST prepares draft letter to President Bush urging significant
increases in federal research funding for physical sciences and some
engineering fields. A DOE fusion advisory panel releases consensus strategy
document identifying ITER participation as important step. A Senate
committee proposes consolidation of NSF and Department of Education math and
science partnership programs. A Senate nanotechnology bill is introduced.
House appropriators approve DOE bill with zero to 7.5% increases for various
physics programs.
OCTOBER: PCAST meets, with no public discussion of draft letter to
President Bush. Appropriators clear FY 2003 DOD bill with 16.2% increase
for defense S&T programs. DOD S&T advisory board recommends that
Administration allocate 3% of entire defense budget for S&T. House
appropriators recommend almost 13% increase for NSF in FY 2003. House
Science committee hearing on balancing homeland security with research and
education. House appropriators recommend 2.7% increase for NASA, with this
and Senate bill containing 11.3% to 15.9% increases for agency’s S&T budget.
Congress deadlocks on appropriations bills, and recesses after voting to
keep spending at FY 2002 levels until January. National Academies’
presidents issue statement on science and security.
NOVEMBER: Orbach appears before various DOE science advisory panels, laying
out ambitious schedules and offering strong support. Congress passes bill
authorizing doubling of NSF budget.
DECEMBER: President Bush signs Homeland Security Act containing S&T
provisions; Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory most immediately
affected. A forum in Washington addresses science and engineering workforce
issues. A fusion advisory panel approves plan to put fusion-generated
electricity on the grid in about 35 years. Administration seeks comments on
a new climate change plan. National Science Board releases a preliminary
infrastructure report. Months-long FY 2003 budget stalemate continues.
Richard M. Jones
Media and Government Relations Division
The American Institute of Physics
fyi@aip.org
(301) 209-3094
