August 26, 2002

 Hall stated that in the post nine-eleven world, “We have come to a moment in history in which we must recognize the value of science, not only as a major contributor to our quality of life, but also as the key to our future national security.  Without cutting edge research, we would not have been equipped to respond so rapidly and effectively to ... those heinous attacks in New York and Washington.”

 Hall noted the work of the Science Committee in adding a provision to the Homeland Security bill to create an Under Secretary for Science and Technology.  “It is critical that this new Department is organized in such a way that we can take advantage of all the relevant innovative research and technology that can be harnessed to help us fight this war,” he said. 

 Hall also addressed the expectations for scientific achievements in biomedical research and mentioned some of the highly sophisticated procedures that have helped improve quality of life.  “From the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), artificial hip or knee replacement, laser surgery, a defibrillator, or a mammogram, the list of these modern day medical wonders goes on and on.”

 “The same revolutions ... that have paved the way for a new approach to conquering disease have opened many new opportunities in national security, energy, manufacturing, and in just about every other area of our lives,” Hall stated.  “We must continue to drive home the message that basic research seeds future prosperity and that it is worth our increased investments, even in lean times.”

 Hall acknowledged the need for improved math and science education to ensure America’s leadership in research and technology and noted that the Science Committee had moved through the House two bills to help accomplish that goal.  The National Mathematics and Science Partnerships Act will authorize the centerpiece of the President’s proposal for K through 12 science education and includes a provision Hall introduced to support the use of educational technologies in the classroom.  The Tech Talent Act will help increase the number of students graduating in science, math, and engineering and improve the quality of undergraduate science education. 

 Hall also reiterated his strong belief in the importance of NASA and the International Space Station and the potential of the Space Station to deliver important new breakthroughs in medical research and other areas.  
 
 Finally, Hall addressed the need for a national energy policy and gave an update on the status of the Energy Bill, which is now in a House-Senate Conference.  “While we have many pressing issues before us these days, from the economy to fighting terrorism, I believe that implicit in our pursuit for both peace and economic prosperity, is our need to secure our future energy supply,” he said.

 Hall is a Conferee on the research provisions of the Energy bill.  He predicted that the bill will have a research program that is far-reaching and that recognizes the need for sensible conservation efforts along with new production.  The House energy bill contains Hall’s provision for an ultra-deep water drilling program, which he hopes will be included in the final Conference agreement.

 Hall also predicted that the final bill will include authorizations related to the design and development of Generation IV nuclear reactors, research related to getting the huge energy value out of spent nuclear fuel, solar and renewable programs, and a clean coal program.  He acknowledged that other provisions, such as Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, drilling in ANWR, electricity restructuring, and Climate Change provisions, are more problematic.  

 “However, I think even the Senate recognizes that much is at stake here, and with the elections coming up, the time is right to deliver a workable Energy Bill for final passage, rather than squander this opportunity.”