Press Statement - February 2, 1998

Media contact:

Mary Hanson

(703) 306-1070

Statement by Dr. Neal Lane
Director, National Science Foundation

On President's Proposed NSF Budget for Fiscal Year 1999

The President's proposed 10 percent increase in the National Science Foundation (NSF) budget for Fiscal Year 1999 (to a total of $3.8 billion) is an unprecedented vote of confidence in the Foundation and in the importance of investing in science and engineering. It will allow us to advance the frontiers of research and education, and sets the stage for continued progress through learning and discovery in the 21st century.

Two years ago, we were worried about projected major cuts in R&D.; Today, we celebrate recognition of the critical role of science and technology in this society's future. This turnabout owes much to the research community's efforts to build public awareness.

This budget proposal -- which would be the largest-ever dollar increase in NSF's annual budget -- will help protect America's investment in improved health, security, productivity and quality of life. We know from countless surveys that this is what the American people want. It is the right thing to do, and the necessary thing to do.

More specifically, this increase will allow us to make substantial progress in computing and communications research - enhancing our ability to discover, collect, represent, transmit and apply information. It will permit us to improve math and science education for all Americans. It will lead to higher productivity, new capabilities, economic growth, better schools and a more capable and technologically advanced workforce. It will allow us to cultivate the best of university research and to extend the potential of our best researchers.

This is an age in which scientific advances and breakthroughs are engaging both researchers and the public as never before, opening doors we didn't even know existed. These additional resources will allow us not only to keep pace with the frontiers of science and engineering, but to extend them significantly -- from the extremes of the Earth's environment to the leading edge of the information revolution. It points to an exciting future, and an exciting time for U.S. science and engineering.

See also:

• NSF Fiscal Year Budget Request
• Statement by Dr. Richard Zare, Chairman, National Science Board
• Fact Sheet.