Promoting Electrotechnology Careers and Public Policy

August 4, 1998

The Honorable Trent Lott
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Lott:

On behalf of the IEEE-USA and the 220,000 U.S. members of the IEEE, I am writing to urge you to co-sponsor S. 2217, the Federal Research Investment Act, and urge the Senate leadership to bring it up for consideration as soon as possible.

S. 2217 was recently favorably reported by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation with strong bipartisan support. The bill will establish a long-term vision for Federal funding of fundamental scientific and pre-competitive engineering research. It would increase funding for research and development efforts from 2.11% to 2.6% of the total federal budget. It also calls for measures to ensure that Congress is effectively and efficiently investing Federal resources by including sections to provide financial and performance accountability.

Federal support for science and engineering research is a necessary investment for our nation. Advances that stem from federal support for research contribute to the growth in revenues that make it possible to realize a balanced budget. To sustain that growth in the years ahead, and to achieve other national goals of improving health, national security, and the standards of living for all Americans, we must make a commitment to science and engineering research a national priority. The Federal Research Investment Act would provide the foundation for our continued prosperity by doubling the federal investment in fundamental scientific, medical, and engineering research over twelve years. This investment would lead to an enhanced quality of life for all Americans and provide our nation with continued leadership in engineering, science, and medicine.

Because the level of discretionary spending is projected to shrink by about ten percent in real terms over the next five years under the balanced budget plan, we recognize that doubling funding for research over twelve years presents a serious challenge. However, we believe that giving a high priority to research funding is in fact consistent with the objective of balancing the federal budget. Therefore, we encourage the Congress and Administration to make a commitment to provide a strong level of support for all federally supported research activity that will provide public benefit.

Again, I hope that you will favorably consider cosponsoring S. 2217, the Federal Research Investment Act and urge the leadership to bring it to the Senate floor for consideration.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

John R. Reinert, D.M.
IEEE-USA President

(Note: Same letter sent to all members of the U.S. Senate)

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Last Update: August 8, 1998

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