Gingrich to Testify Before Senate Science, Technology, and Space Subcommittee; Former Speaker to Promote Investment in Science

5/21/2002

From: Rick Tyler of Gingrich Communications, 202-414-4427

News Advisory:

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich will testify before the U.S. Senate Sub-Committee on Science, Technology on Wednesday, May 22, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) will preside.

In his remarks, Gingrich will call on the Committee to increase the National Science Foundation's budget to $15 billion per year, expand the National Nanotechnology Initiative to $1.1 million in the coming year and to instruct the National Institutes of Health to invest at least three percent of their research efforts into nanoscale activities.

He will warn that our failure to invest in science and to reform math and science education should be viewed as a significant threat to our national security. In addition, he will explain how the explosion of knowledge in nanoscale science and technology and in quantum behaviors represents a profound transformation in our understanding of the natural world. He will urge every member of Congress to take time to learn the basics of nanoscale activities and the potential of quantum behaviors because of their profound affect on biology, chemistry, physics and the basic building blocks of every aspect of life and civilization. Moreover, he will relate the importance of government investments in these areas specifically to health, the environment, productivity, and national security.

Gingrich will report that the United States produces too few high school students proficient in college math and science and too few college graduates capable of graduate work in science and math. He will state that to meet our educational challenges in math and science, K-12 and in undergraduate collegiate education must be thoroughly overhauled with a focus on results rather than intentions. Reforming education in these areas is a matter of national security priority and if we fail, we should expect to decline as a power and to fall behind other countries within a generation.

He will also recommend that Congress should contract with the National Academy of Sciences for paid analysis and advice instead of attempting to recreate the Office of Technology Assessment.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 22 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C.

Notes: Sen. Wyden will preside Other Panel II Witnesses: -- John Podesta, visiting professor of law, Georgetown Law Center -- Dr. Alan I. Leshner, chief executive officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science -- Thomas McCoy, vice president of research, Montana State University -- Dr. Marsha R. Torr, vice president for research, Research Office, Virginia Commonwealth University