Space and Science

I am pleased to serve as Chairman Emeritus of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in the 113th Congress, following my Chairmanship of the Committee in the 112th Congress and my service as Ranking Republican Member in the 110th and 111th Congresses.  I have had the privilege of serving on this Committee since I was elected in 1980, and I have a great respect and appreciation for the role of science, space, and technology in keeping our Nation competitive.  Smart investments in basic research and development (R&D) and advancements in science and technology will keep the U.S. at the forefront of innovation, help drive economic growth, and improve the quality of life of all Americans. 

To that end, in addition to supporting aggressive oversight of programs to ensure the best use of taxpayer dollars, I support policies that will: 

• Maintain America’s leadership in space to preserve competitiveness and national security;
• Advance domestic energy solutions to move America toward greater energy security;
• Improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to equip students for high-tech jobs of the 21st century and maintain America’s leadership in the global economy;
• Strengthen the scientific integrity of agencies to ensure that proposed regulations are based on sound, transparent, and peer-reviewed science; and
• Bolster technological innovation to strengthen national and economic security, among others.

In the previous Congress, under my Chairmanship the Committee held 111 hearings, received testimony from almost 500 witnesses, and worked to pass numerous pieces of legislation through the House.  For more information about the Committee’s work last Congress, please click HERE.  For more information about the Committee’s work and schedule for the 113th Congress, please visit science.house.gov.

Part of America’s greatness lies in the vast opportunities available to our citizens.  Americans have always had the opportunity to turn a good idea into a successful business, and because of this, America has led the world in innovation.  Responsible science and technology policy can help America maintain this leadership, and I look forward to advancing those policies in this Congress.

Legislative Activity in the 113th Congress

Science, Space, and Technolgoy Hearing Highlights

Committee on Science, Space, and Technology website

The Science Committee has jurisdiction over multiple agencies: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Weather Service (NWS), Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science and energy R&D, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) science and R&D, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation and R&D, International Space Station (ISS) utilization and operation, Department of Transportation (DOT) R&D, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, among others.