“Improved science and math education, scientific innovation, and new technology are imperative to our nation’s future economic success, as well as to our national security,” said Johnson. “During its 50 years, NSF has supported the research in physics, chemistry and economics, and contributed to such breakthroughs as the Internet, artificial skin to help burn victims and the discovery of new planets and black holes.  We turn to NSF to solve some of our most pressing problems; we can’t turn from NSF when we decide where to invest federal funds.  It’s time to give NSF the money it needs.” 

Major elements of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 include:

· Doubles the NSF budget over five years, while imposing strict, new management requirements to ensure that NSF continues to use taxpayer money wisely.  
· Authorizes the President’s Math and Science Education Partnership Program.  
· Authorizes the training of master teachers as part of the Partnership program
· Authorizes new research into plant biotechnology 
· Authorizes the Tech Talent program to address the decline in the technical workforce and to improve undergraduate math and science education.  

Rep. Johnson continued, “A huge setback our country will face in the next few decades is the shortage of a home-grown technology educated workforce.  To avoid this shortage we need to supply American students with the opportunity to become world leaders in math and science.  The doubling of funding for NSF will help us reach that goal.  Additionally, the National Mathematics and Science Partnership component of this legislation establishes programs that target elementary age students and will provide a stepping stone for our youngest minds to begin their journey through the world of science and discovery.” 

In addition, Rep. Johnson’s support for the National Science Foundation was exemplified through his support for House Congressional Resolution 108, an honorarium for the NSF and 50 years of service to this nation.