Vol.24, No. 02 | Sept. 11, 1998 |
By Ellen S. Smith
A quarter of a billion dollars in funds for Columbia researchers may be augmented when Congress finishes its annual funding bills in late September or early October.
In contrast to the 104th Congress last year, the 105th Congress has been very pro-science. University research and subsequent spin-offs are seen as important economic engines for our country and the world. Thus, Congress enters its annual funding cycle with a positive attitude toward funding for science.
Science funding is allocated in a number of different bills. The House has completed more bills than the Senate. Once each chamber votes on bills, House and Senate members with jurisdiction over the annual funding bills will meet to iron out their differences. According to an analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), basic research allocated in House bills would increase by 7.4 percent, while all research and development would increase only by 1.1 percent.
The fiscal year in 1999 (Oct. 1, 1998 - Sept. 30, 1999) funding for research and development must be passed by Oct. 1, and sets the annual funding levels for all science agencies. This year's recommended increases in science funding are even more positive than would appear at first glance. Increases are allocated even in the face of tight caps (as a result of last year's balanced budget agreement) on the amount of funding that is allowed for annual spending. The President's own budget proposal for the fiscal year had included even higher levels of science funding, but the numbers assumed a large tobacco settlement. Among those fighting for science this year were Gov. George Pataki (a Columbia Law alumnus). He joined 50 other governors from states and territories in writing to all members of Congress detailing support for university-based research. The July 28 letter stated:
"Now more than ever, our information-based economy is driving the need for continued innovation that, in large part, results from the advancement of basic, university-based research... We are united in our support for university research." A news release regarding the letter was sent to press by The Science Coalition, of which Columbia is a founding member - an alliance of 400 organizations, institutions and individuals working to sustain and increase federal funding for university-based scientific research.
Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.), will shortly be releasing his study detailing a recommended plan for science in the 21st Century. A physicist, Rep. Ehlers was charged with producing this study by House Committee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) For additional information, contact Ellen S. Smith, assistant vice president for public affairs and director of federal relations, at ess9@columbia.edu.