The Science Committee has jurisdiction over all non-defense federal scientific research and development (R&D;). Federal agencies that fall under the Committee's jurisdiction (either completely or partially) include: 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 Science Committee is responsible for overseeing research and development programs at all of the above agencies. In doing so, the Committee monitors these programs to ensure that Federal tax dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently and that America's Federal science and technology enterprise maintains its world preeminence.

Additionally, the Committee also tackles some of today's toughest issues and proposes ways in which research and development can solve some of our nation's most pressing problems.

The Science Committee is divided up into four subcommittees:

1. Subcommittee on Energy - The Energy 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.
2. 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 the Committee include climate change research, establishing standards for voting machines, marine sciences and ensuring sound science in environmental regulations.
3. 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.
4. Subcommittee on Space - 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.

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.

To find a complete version of the Committee's history click here.

The Science Committee offers unpaid internships year-round. There is no application deadline for these internships and the schedule is very flexible. To submit an application click here.

Click here to find information on the status of bills referred to the Science Committee. You can also find bill summaries, bill co-sponsors and legislative action at the Library of Congress' website "Thomas - Legislative Information on the Internet."

The Science Committee hearing records are generally compiled 2-3 months following the hearing. The official record includes a transcript of the hearing, additional materials and any post-hearing questions submitted by Members. Hearing records are available online by clicking here or at your local Library of Congress Federal Depository.

Unless otherwise specified, all Committee hearings are open to the public. Seating is on a first come - first served basis and some hearings fill up quickly. To see a current schedule of Committee hearings click here.

Additionally the Committee broadcasts all its hearings live on the internet. The broadcast generally begin a few minutes before each hearing's scheduled time and can be accessed by a link on the Science Committee home page. Archived broadcasts of past hearings can also be found by clicking here.

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