Press Statement - October 8, 1999

PS 99-20
Media contact:	Tim Clancy	(703) 292-8070	tclancy@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Rita R. Colwell
Director
National Science Foundation

On Support for NSF FY2000 Budget by VA, HUD and Independent Agencies Appropriations Conferees

I am delighted that VA/HUD Appropriations conferees have given such strong support to the National Science Foundation for FY2000. The action by the conferees will enable scientists and engineers across the nation to do 21st century science. It’s a win for the economy and the nation.

The conferees faced tough choices among many important spending priorities. Despite this pressure, the conferees -- led by House VA/HUD Chairman James Walsh and Senate VA/HUD Chairman Kit Bond, along with Congressman Alan Mollohan and Senator Barbara Mikulski -- demonstrated extraordinary leadership and a clear understanding of the importance of investing in science and engineering.

Let me also thank leaders in both the House and the Senate for their strong, bipartisan support and their willingness to let the conferees know that investing in long-term, fundamental science, engineering and education is critical to our nation’s future.

Special thanks go to Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Appropriations Chairman Ted Stevens, Ranking Member Robert Byrd, House Science Committee Chair James Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member Ralph Hall, Basic Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, Representative Vern Ehlers and all members who voiced their support for NSF during the appropriations process. Without their support NSF would not have been able to make priority investments in Information Technology, Biocomplexity in the Environment and 21st Century Workforce.