Statement in Opposition to H.R. 1

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) released the following statement in opposition to H.R. 1, a continuing resolution that threatens American innovation, and diminishes investments in rebuilding America.

February 16, 2011

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1. While I agree with my Republican colleagues that we need to address our nation’s deficit, the budget cuts being proposed would do more harm than good for our economy. Specifically, the legislation’s cuts to science and technology research would impair our ability to compete globally.

H.R. 1 would dramatically reduce investments in the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). These agencies conduct cutting-edge science and technology research that keeps America innovative and competitive. The budget cuts will not only create significant job losses today but also stagnate our economic growth in the future.

As a resident of Silicon Valley, I know firsthand what investments in science research and development can do for our economy, and I urge my colleagues to join me in opposing H.R. 1.

Click here to see a detail fact sheet outlining the cuts in H.R. 1.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her ninth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.