The ATP is very carefully controlled to make sure that the money goes only to basic research projects. Every project must be approved by the National Academy of Sciences as being a precompetitive project that is designed to lead to technological changes that will help companies nationwide. Though the program has only existed a few years, it is already starting to yield impressive results. For instance, one project to improve tolerances in metal fabrication has substantially improved the fit of auto body parts during assembly, resulting in dimensional variation at or below the world benchmark of 2 millimeters. We understand that many of our colleagues have a general antipathy for large businesses, but they should not allow their prejudice to color their reason.
Large companies have some of the best scientists and best research equipment in the world.
Limiting their access to ATP funds, as proposed by the Brownback amendment, would therefore limit the effectiveness of the program. We strongly urge our colleagues to reject this amendment.