Saturday, March 8, 2014

Congresswoman Johnson Comments On President Obama's 2015 Budget

“Overall, the President’s budget request is a realistic, yet bold plan for action.  I look forward to further examining the proposals in the President’s budget that fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.  The future of American innovation and leadership rest on the investments we make today.  In that regard, I am happy to see the Administration take a more deliberative and transparent approach to our nation’s STEM education efforts.  Preparing our next generation for the jobs of tomorrow should be our top priority.

“Budget increases for some agencies and programs will help maintain U.S. leadership in science and innovation.  However, I am disappointed to see flat or even decreased funding in a number of key areas of the federal government’s R&D budget.  For example, the budget request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration fails to even meet the 2014 enacted funding level and, if enacted, will hinder the agency’s performance in the coming years. 

“To provide for additional investments, the President included a proposal to Congress titled, Opportunity, Growth and Security Initiative.  I support the goal of increasing our investments in R&D and STEM education and I hope to work with the President and my colleagues to further clean energy technologies and grid modernization, as well as advanced manufacturing initiatives and research on the impacts of climate change.” - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson