Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C.
American innovation is the engine of our economy. We should continue to shoot for the stars" said Cong. Lamar Smith (R-TX) upon being
elected to chair
the Texas-critical Science Space & Technology Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
I will promote scientific discoveries space exploration and the application of new technologies
to expand our economy and create jobs for American workers says Smith.
Established in 1958
the Science Space & Technology Committee has jurisdiction over all non-defense federal scientific Research & Development. Specifically the Committee has partial or complete
jurisdiction over the following federal agencies:
- NASA
- the Department of Energy (DOE)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- National Science Foundation
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
National Institute of Standards & Technology- FEMA
- U.S. Fire Administration
- United States Geological Survey among others.
Prior to winning the coveted slot Smith touches on some of his potential priorities if elected chairman of the Science Committee last month:
Through the work research and development of American innovators we can reach our goal of energy independence develop new technologies to save lives and discover new worlds in outer space. We need to remain innovative and focused on exploring science and expanding new technologies said Smith.
When first elected to Congress the Science Committee was my first choice. Long ago and far away I studied astronomy and physics in college and later earned my pilots license so I have had a long-standing i
nterest in subjects overseen by the Science Committee.
We can help future generations get there by encouraging kids to study in STEM fields of Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics.
Even though it has been almost 40 years since man last set foot on the moon we should continue to shoot for the stars. It is important that NASA have a unifying mission Smith said.
House Speaker John Boehner supported Smiths being elected to serve as
the Science Space & Technology Committees chairman:
Lamar Smith has been a strong leader on important issues facing the
American people. He is dedicated to promoting economic growth to helping put Americans back to work encouraging innovation and promoting national security.
I am confident that he will bring the same
strong leadership and work ethic to the Science Committee as Chairman" Boehner said.
