About the Committee on Science's Democratic Caucus

Led by Representative Bart Gordon of Tennessee, the 20 Members of Congress composing the Democratic Caucus of the House Science Committee are tenured, knowledgeable and committed to careful oversight of the Committee's far-reaching jurisdiction.

That jurisdiction includes all non-defense Federal scientific research and development (R&D;) at a number of Federal agencies, including (either completely or in part): National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Science Foundation (NSF), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Fire Administration, and U.S. Geological Survey.

The Democratic Caucus, along with our Republican colleagues, is responsible for overseeing research and development programs at all of these Federal agencies.

Members of the Science Democratic Caucus understand that scientific advancement is one of the keys to U.S. competitiveness in a global marketplace. Though Federal budgets have not been kind to R&D; in recent years, Democrats are committed to increasing awareness of the importance of a sustained R&D; commitment as well as responsible Federal budgeting. We understand that productivity drives economic growth and new technology drives productivity. If we don't invest in tools that help our businesses and manufacturers compete, they can't create jobs.

The Science Committee was established in the wake of the Russian launch of Sputnik in 1957 and in the beginning the Committee was primarily focused on space exploration. In 1959, the Committee became the first new permanent committee established in the House since 1892. Over the years, the Committee's jurisdiction grew from just space issues to include all non-defense Federal scientific research and development [ House Rule X(1)(o) ]:

1. All energy research, development, and demonstration, and projects therefor, and all Federally owned or operated nonmilitary energy laboratories.
2. Astronautical research and development, including resources, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
3. Civil aviation research and development.
4. Environmental research and development.
5. Marine research.
6. Measures relating to the commercial application of energy technology.
7. National Institute of Standards and Technology, standardization of weights and measures and the metric system.
8. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
9. National Space Council.
10. National Science Foundation.
11. National Weather Service.
12. Outer space, including exploration and control thereof.
13. Science Scholarships.
14. Scientific research, development, and demonstration, and projects therefor.

The Committee also has special authority to "review and study on a continuing basis laws, programs, and Government activities relating to nonmilitary research and development." [ House Rule X(3)(k) ]

The Science Committee established four subcommittees in the 109th Congress:

1. Subcommittee on Research - The Research Subcommittee monitors NSF and matters before the Subcommittee include improving science and math education, enhancing the nation's computer security, improving information technology research and development and research into natural disasters. The Subcommittee's Ranking Democrat is Rep. Darlene Hooley of Oregon.
2. Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics - NASA is the primary concern of the Space Subcommittee, including space exploration and the International Space Station. In addition, the Subcommittee oversees civilian aviation research at FAA and the Department of Commerce. Leading the Subcommittee Democrats is Rep. Mark Udall of Colorado.
3. Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards - This Subcommittee's primary jurisdiction is EPA, NOAA, NIST, and technology programs at the Department of Commerce. Recent issues before this Subcommittee include climate change research, establishing standards for voting machines, marine sciences and ensuring sound science in environmental regulations. Rep. David Wu (from Oregon) is Ranking Democrat.
4. Subcommittee on Energy - The Subcommittee is charged with overseeing research and development programs at DOE. Issues that the Subcommittee deals with range from alternative sources of energy, renewable energy, nuclear energy, and cutting edge science performed at DOE's national labs. The Ranking Democrat is Rep. Michael Honda of California.