6 March 2001 The Honorable Jim Nussle Dear Mr. Chairman: As you and your colleagues develop America’s budget priorities for FY 2002, the undersigned professional, academic and industry organizations urge you to make federal investment in basic science and engineering research a priority by providing a strong allocation for general science, space and technology (Function 250) in the FY 2002 Budget Resolution. Last year Congress made bipartisan commitments to strengthen science, engineering and long-term growth by significantly boosting basic research investments in agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, and the Department of Energy. It is vital to sustain such strong federal investments in FY 2002 and beyond because they are critical to fostering technological progress in research-intensive industries. Although private firms have increased their total R&D spending in recent years, only a small portion of their spending goes to basic research. Increasing the federal investment in basic research is particularly important today to help reverse declines in federal spending relative to the U.S. economy over the last decade. The return on research investment to the economy and society is remarkable. Over the last 50 years, advances in science and technology have produced more than half of our nation’s economic growth. No other federal investment generates a greater long-term return to the economy and society than does basic research, prominent economists agree. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan has said that "the phenomenal performance of the U.S. economy, with its strong growth, low inflation, low unemployment, and high business profits is due in large part to technological innovations that have caused productivity growth to accelerate." Federal research also helps educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers, which is especially critical today to help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the new economy. According to a recent poll, more than 85% of Americans believe it is very important that the U.S. maintain its role as a world leader in research. Therefore, we hope that as you craft this year’s Budget Resolution, you will help keep America on the path of technological progress and economic prosperity by continuing the strong investments made last year in Function 250 research programs. Thank you for considering our views. Sincerely, Academy of Surgical Research CC: Speaker J. Dennis Hastert | Top of Page | Policy Log | Public Policy Forum | IEEE-USA | Last Update: 12 March 2001 Copyright © 2001, The
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