From: rsherme@diamond.nswc.navy.mil (Russel Shermer (R43))
Newsgroups: sci.research
Subject: fyi #149:  Recent Science Policy Developments
Keywords: science, policy, administration.
Date: 18 Nov 92 21:25:08 GMT
Reply-To: rsherme@chaos.nswc.navy.mil
Organization: NAVSWC DD White Oak Det. R43

Posted for:
Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact: Richard M. Jones
Phone: (202) 332-9661
Email: fyi@aip.org



Recent Science Policy Developments

FYI No. 149, November 18, 1992

Among recent science policy developments in Washington are the
following:

DEPARTMENTS OF ENERGY AND COMMERCE IN THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION:
At his November 12 news conference, President-elect Clinton
commented: "I have read...that some Cabinet appointments are
considered major and others are considered minor.  I don't know how
you would consider the Departments of Commerce and Energy in that
regard, but from the kind of economic policy I have laid out and
things that I think we have to do to change this country
economically, these are very major appointments."  Earlier, an
unnamed Clinton adviser was quoted: "The consensus is that trade,
industrial policy and technology policy all need to be brought
together.  But there is no consensus as to whether it should be
done through a revised and revamped Department of Commerce or
through other means."

CLINTON FY 1994 BUDGET DATES: It is going to be some time before we
know what the president-elect's proposed budget is for fiscal year
1994 (which begins on October 1, 1993.)  The budget is due on
February 1, eleven days after the inauguration.  It is expected
that only a bare bones 100-page budget summary, prepared by the
current administration, will be submitted, which may not even be
sufficient under the law.  In 1981, newly elected President Reagan
submitted his budget on March 10.

AT THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE:  The wheeling-and-dealing has
started for much sought-after seats on the House and Senate
Appropriations Committees.  It now appears that Rep. Louis Stokes
(D-Ohio) will become the new chairman of the House VA, HUD,
Independent Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee.  Stokes
represents Cleveland, Ohio, and it is expected that he will
emphasize urban affairs (HUD.)  The subcommittee's Ranking
Republican, Bill Green (R-New York), is not out yet: a partial vote
recount is underway with official results due on November 30.
Across the Capitol, Senator Phil Gramm (R-Texas) is deciding if he
should replace Senator Jake Garn as Ranking Republican on the VA,
HUD appropriations subcommittee.  Gramm supports the space station.

CLINTON ON DEFENSE CONTRACTING:  Although Clinton has expressed
support for increased federal spending on communications,
intelligence, and military R&D, it is expected that "Brilliant
Pebbles" research will bear a significant cut in funding.  One
defense contractor has predicted that civilian R&D will replace
military R&D, seen by some as a silver lining to any defense
cutbacks.

DEFENSE NUCLEAR WASTE LEGISLATION SIGNED:  President Bush has
signed into law a bill enabling the Department of Energy to begin
the Test Phase at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico.
Demonstration in the 2,150 feet underground salt deposits will
begin in approximately ten months.

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Public Information Division
American Institute of Physics
Contact: Richard M. Jones
(202) 332-9661
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