THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON To The Congress of the United States: A passion for discovery and a sense of adventure have always driven this Nation forward. These deeply rooted American qualities spur our determination to explore new scientific frontiers and spark our can-do spirit of technological innovation. Continued American leadership depends on our enduring commitment to science, to technology, to learning, to research. Science and technology are transforming our world, providing an age of possibility and a time of change as profound as we have seen in a century. We are well-prepared to shape this change and seize the opportunities so as to enable every American to make the most of their God-given promise. One of the most important ways to realize this vision is through thoughtful investments in science and technology. Such investments drive economic growth, generate new knowledge, create new jobs, build new industries, ensure our national security, protect the environment, and improve the health and quality of life of our people. This biennial report to the Congress brings together numerous elements of our integrated investment agenda to promote scientific research, catalyze technological innovation, sustain a sound business environment for research and development, strengthen national security, build global stability, and advance educational quality and equality from grade school to graduate school. Many achievements are presented in the report, together with scientific and technological opportunities deserving greater emphasis in the coming years. Most of the Federal research and education investment portfolio enjoyed bipartisan support during my first Administration. With the start of a new Administration, I hope to extend this partnership with the Congress across the entire science and technology portfolio. Such a partnership to stimulate scientific discovery and new technologies will take America into the new century well-quipped for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The future, it is often said, has no constituency. But the truth is, we must all be the constituency of the future. We have a duty to ourselves, to our children, to future generations to make these farsighted investments in science and technology to help us master this moment of change and to build a better America for the twenty-first century. In accordance with the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) prepares a biennial report to the Congress on science and technology. This report addresses the President's policy for maintaining the Nation's international leadership in science and technology; developments and Federal actions of national significance in science and technology; currently important national issues that are affected by science and technology; and opportunities for using science and technology and associated human resources to achieve Federal program objectives and national goals. OSTP advises the President of the United States on policy and budget formulation in all matters in which science and technology are important elements. OSTP also coordinates the development and implementation of the Administration's domestic and international science, research, and technology policies, programs, and budgets in support of the President's goals for strengthening the economy and creating jobs, improving education and health care, enhancing the quality of the environment, harnessing information technology, and maintaining national security. OSTP also fosters strong partnerships among Federal, State, and local governments and the scientific communities in industry and academia. |