Gordon’s Science Committee Agenda Focuses on Value (with audio)

Congressman Bart Gordon, who chairs the House Science and Technology committee, will release its legislative agenda today. The focus is on value. As more and more money is tied up in keeping the economy afloat, Gordon says he hopes to make those dollars go to work for science too.

The Murfreesboro Democrat wants to guide the much-anticipated infrastructure stimulus toward technology improvements.

“Broadband is something that’s important, and we can put people to work putting in broadband that will go to all Americans all across the country. And by doing that, then again, we become more efficient in the long term.”

Gordon wants his science committee to focus its shrinking pot of research dollars at practical science applications that could be easily implemented. He says the areas of energy independence and maintaining a competitive workforce will be high on the priority list.

Drought also made the agenda. Parts of the country continue to deal with a persistent lack of rainfall – including much of Tennessee. Gordon says he’ll coordinate funding among federal agencies to make the dollars already going to states and local communities go even further.

Hear more of the interview.