Calendar Year (CY)
1995 NSTC Accomplishments

Joint NSTC-OMB Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 R&D Budget Priorities

• Maintain World Leadership in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Promote Long-term Economic Growth that Creates Jobs
• Sustain a Healthy, Educated Citizenry
• Harness Information Technology
• Improve Environmental Quality
• Enhance National Security

R&D budget data collection guidelines were concurrently issued. Data collection goals and principles were established to streamline the data collection process and implement lessons learned from the prior year. For example, the number of priority/crosscut areas was reduced from 8 to 7; OMB Circular A- 1 1 definitions were modified to better align its definitions with NSTC activities; budget data was collected later in the process when the estimates are more reliable; and crosscut data was submitted to OMB as part of the normal Agency budget process, rather than through NSTC Committees.

The NSTC Committees, with the general R&D budget priorities in mind, developed a list of recommended general strategic focus areas for the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. On May 28, 1995, I asked the Agency and Department Heads to give careful consideration to these recommendations when developing their SBIR Program solicitation notices.

Federal Laboratory Review

State-Federal Technology Partnership Task Force

The Task Force identified a set of overarching and operational principles essential to the development and flourishing of any State-Federal partnership. Their report offered four recommendations, under the following headings:

• Renewing the National Science and Technology System
• Building the role of the States in the National Science and Technology
• System Catalyzing Private Sector Investments in Technology
• Building National Excellence in Manufacturing

The Task Force's final report was issued on September 5, 1995. An NSTC Working Group, chaired by Mary Good, Department of Commerce's Under Secretary for Technology, assessed the report and made recommendations to the NSTC regarding opportunities we can pursue as part of the renewed national effort. In an effort to encourage demonstrable State-Federal partnerships, a broad range of potential outreach activities have been identified.

National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC)

The NBAC will be appointed by the President from knowledgeable non-government experts and community representatives with special qualifications and competence to deal effectively with bioethical issues of concern to the participating departments and agencies. As a first priority, the Commission will direct its attention to consideration of issues in the management and use of genetic information and protection of the rights and welfare of research subjects.

Education Technology Initiative

The NSTC established an Interagency Learning Technology Office (ILTO) to achieve its strategic vision of quality education through cross-agency cooperation. A major ILTO task is to, produce a series of interagency learning technology demonstrations, ensuring the best federal research and development products are systematically transitioned to public and commercial uses. The ILTO will also serve as a focal point for communication with state and local governments, as well as with industry. The establishment of the ILTO supports the Administration's effort to reinvent the Federal Government and achieve greater efficiencies and productivity.

Seismic Networks

The analysis reaffirmed the synergy among seismic network applications, and that data should be collected and shared to maximize the benefit to all three areas. Included was a commitment to carry out a program of global monitoring of nuclear weapons tests in accordance with the position taken by the U.S. in recent test ban negotiations, which explicitly included a role for auxiliary seismic stations.

The letter recommended, starting in FY 1997, funding for the Global Seismic Network by the agency most directly responsible for a network, rather than on a centralized basis by the DoD. The importance of fully funding the DoD's request for primary seismic arrays for nuclear test monitoring was emphasized in the letter.

NSTC Presidential Review Directives

• Space Policy Review--The President established an Interagency Working Group, co-chaired by OSTP and the National Security Council, to conduct a comprehensive review of national space policy. The intent of this review is to ensure that written policies reflect the Administration's civilian, national security, and commercial space policies. The Interagency Working Group was also tasked with identifying and recommending changes to related national security directives containing guidance on space policies and programs. External advice may be sought from the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and other appropriate representatives of industry, academia, the non-profit sector, as well as state and local governments. Recommendations are expected by spring 1996.

• Global Positioning System (GPS) Policy Review--The President directed OSTP and the National Security Council to lead a comprehensive review of policy issues related to the future management and use of the GPS. GPS uses a constellation of 24 earth-orbiting satellites that transmit timed radio signals giving their locations. By combining information from any four or more GPS satellites, someone on earth can compute his or her location very precisely, at any time of day, or in all kinds of weather. While GPS was originally created for national security purposes, from its inception it has been considered a dual-use resource, with civilian as well as military applications. Civilian use of GPS is rising dramatically. A clear statement of national policy is needed to balance commercial and civil uses of GPS with essential national security aspects of the system. The Interagency Working Group reviewed a broad range of GPS-related technology and policy issues affecting national security, economic policy, and foreign policy, and made recommendations for a comprehensive national policy for GPS management and use. (Note: A Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) was signed March 28, 1996.)

U.S. Antarctic Program Review

Presidential Decision Directive (PDD)

This PDD directed NASA, DoE and DoD to reform their federal laboratory systems, by adhering to the following general guidelines and principles:

• Agencies will review and, as appropriate, rescind internal management instructions, regulations, and redundant oversight that impede laboratory performance

• Agencies will clarify and focus mission assignments for their laboratories, eliminating redundance and restructuring the laboratory systems, as appropriate and necessary

• In their efforts to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their laboratory systems, agencies will first seek to achieve all possible savings through streamlining and improving management. Then, as necessary, they will reduce or eliminate lower priority programs, in accordance with guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and OSTP, based on priorities set by the NSTC and, as appropriate the National Security Council (NSC)

• Agencies will continue to explore opportunities to coordinate and integrate laboratory resources and facilities on an interagency and inter-service basis, eliminating unnecessary duplication and establishing joint management where appropriate

Attached is a listing and summary description of NSTC PRD's and PDD's issued to date.

NSTC Committee Sponsored Fora and Colloquia

- Science in the National Interest Regional Meetings: In August 1994, Science in the National Interest was released. This policy document presents the first formal statement by the Administration on science policy since 1979. Released by Vice President Gore, Science in the National Interest links scientific research and education to the broad national goals of health, prosperity, national security, environmental responsibility, and improved quality of life. As a means of engaging a broad range of stakeholders--state and local governments, academia, and private industry--NSTC has participated in a series of regional meetings. In 1995, regional meetings were held in Massachusetts, Texas, and Florida.

- Forum on Future Directions in Transportation R&D: The NSTC Committee on Transportation R&D and the National Academy of Sciences co-sponsored this forum on March 6 and 7, 1995. The purpose of the forum was to solicit input, principally from private industry, to help the Department of Transportation and the NSTC guide future transportation research. Several hundred people participated in this public forum. Findings/Proceedings from this meeting were made publicly available in October 1995.

- Science Leadership Exchange: The Committee on Fundamental Science (CFS), in conjunction with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, organized the Science Leadership Exchange in March 1995. This forum provided individuals serving in an advisory capacity at CIPS member agencies to expand their understanding of the total Federal support for science. OSTP and eight NSTC agencies provided insight into their FY 1996 budget.

- The Role of Science and Technology in Promoting National Security and Global Stability: The NSTC Committee for National Security and Committee on International Science Engineering and Technology and Environment, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science co-hosted a 2-day forum. Individuals from the sponsoring organizations participated, along with science diplomats and governmental policy makers from the executive and legislative branches. The purpose of this March 29-30, 1995, forum was to explore ways of using the science and technology enterprise to advance the goals of greater national security, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. The forum enabled open discussion of our Nation's ability to most effectively organize and use our science and technology to support preventive diplomacy, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, military capabilities, economic security, and sustainable development. The results of these discussions were incorporated into the National Security Science and Technology Strategy that was released on September 19, 1995.

- Colloquium on Assessing the Contribution of Fundamental Science: The NSTC Committee on Fundamental Science sponsored a forum on May 17, 1995. One purpose of the forum was to enable scientists, policymakers, research managers, assessment practitioners, and stakeholders to discuss the new emphasis on programmatic accountability and its impact on fundamental science. A second purpose was to develop issues and options for building assessment strategies that will fully represent the contribution of science to the national well-being. At this colloquium, diverse members of the public and private scientific enterprise probed the complexities of the new assessment environment and explored methods that might be adapted to fundamental science. Key themes from the background studies, workshop, and colloquium will be summarized in a series of reports--one published in 1994, the others to be published in 1996. The NSTC is drafting a paper that identifies a set of principles and other information for use by Federal science agencies in designing and testing methods for improved assessment of fundamental science. This paper is expected to be published in the spring of calendar year 1996.

- America in the Age of Information: A Forum on Federal Information and Communications R&D: On July 6-7, 1995, the NSTC Committee on Information and Communications R&D sponsored this forum as a follow-on activity to the publication of their March 1995 Strategic Planning Document. The purpose of the forum was to obtain community comment on, enhancement to, and refinement of the Plan in order to address national goals and to be responsive to the needs of the American workforce and citizenry. White Papers were solicited from university organizations, professional societies, industrial organizations, other Federal and State organizations, and concerned citizens on subjects addressed in this Strategic Implementation Plan. Authors of selected White Papers presented their papers and participated in a discussion at the forum.

- Forum on Emerging Infectious Diseases: The NSTC Committee on International Science, Engineering and Technology Policy (CISET) sponsored a public forum on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases on July 25, 1995. At the forum, the NSTC CISET Working Group released a report, Emerging and-Re-emerging Infectious Diseases. The relationship between infectious disease, public health, and national security was discussed before several hundred participants, including many members of the press.

- Making it Happen: First in the World in Science and Mathematics Education: The July 26-27, 1995, forum was designed to elicit discussion and debate about policy options for producing the finest scientists and engineers for the future and improving science literacy for all Americans. This NSTC sponsored national forum brought together a broad range of stakeholders--over 200 experts from academia, private industry, consumer groups, and state and Federal government--to identify the critical issues, discuss the current status of their collective efforts, and to address the country's short and long-term objectives. The forum was co-sponsored by the NSTC Committees on Fundamental Science and Education and Training.

- Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV Symposia: The Federal Government and USCAR (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) together with suppliers, other businesses and universities, developed a joint R&D program. The purpose of this program is to develop commercially-viable technology that, over the long term, can preserve personal mobility while reducing the environmental impact of cars and light trucks and the U.S. dependence on imported petroleum. In February and September 1995, the Vice President hosted two symposia on technical areas related to the PNGV project. The February 1995 symposium focused on the subject of materials, while the September 1995 symposium discussed energy storage. Scientists and engineers working in these subject matter areas, from the public, private, and university sectors, were invited to participate.

- Conference on Human Health and Climate Change: The NSTC co-sponsored, with the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, a 2-day Conference on Human Health and Climate Change on September 11-12, 1995. The purpose of the conference was two-fold: 1) to bring together a diverse group of experts to address the potential effects of climate change and ozone depletion on the current and future incidence of disease, heat stress, food and water supplies and air pollution and 2) to discuss initial strategies for improving R&D, global health surveillance systems, health care and disease prevention, medical and public health community education, international cooperation, and public outreach. Several hundred people from the public, private, and university communities participated in the activities.

- High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) Workshops: The Federal HPCC Program provides essential stimulation and coordination to accelerate progress in crucial areas of computation, information, and communications. This program accelerates deployment of easy-to-use information technology and encourages the information revolution. During CY 1995 the NSTC Committee on Information and Communication sponsored several HPCC-related workshops, briefings and conferences. For example, in January 1995, the Second Pasadena Workshop on System Software and Tools for High Performance Computing Environment was held. Sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the Association for Computer Machinery, Federal Strategies and Programs in the Age of Information Workshop: The SUPERCOMPUTING '95 Conference was held in San Diego, California on December 3-8, 1995. The NSTC Committee on Information and Communications (CIC) sponsored a workshop at the conference, addressing issues associated with the future of federally funded supercomputing research. Agency plans for the High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) program were discussed, including highlights of the current HPCC program and its accomplishments. Participants discussed the concept of high performance computing research centers and networks. In addition, the CIC Forum Program Committee led a discussion-of the six strategic focus areas of the CIC's Strategic Implementation Plan.

NSTC Reports

- NSTC Strategic Plans: In March 1995, each of the nine NSTC committees--Fundamental Science; Health, Safety, and Food; Environment and Natural Resources; Information and Communications; National Security; Civilian Industrial Technology; Transportation; Education and Training; and International Science, Engineering and Technology--published strategic planning documents that articulate the goals and objectives of their specific science and technology areas. These plans identified the major goals of each Committee, the relevant policy issues and questions confronting the Committee and the scientific/technological goals and research priorities necessary to achieve the goals. This strategic planning activity required the agencies to review major science and technology initiatives in terms of appropriate agency roles, milestones, performance measures, resources, private sector input and international issues.

- 1995 Biennial National Critical Technologies Report: The Office of Science and Technology Policy's March 1995 National Critical Technologies Report addresses the state of development of 27 critical technologies and the U.S. competitive position relative to Europe and Japan. The principal areas covered by the report are energy, environmental quality, information and communication, living systems, manufacturing, materials and transportation. The report notes that the U.S. is at parity with, or ahead of, Europe and Japan for all 27 areas. Nevertheless, Japan is outpacing the U.S. in 10 areas and Europe is outpacing the U.S. in four areas. NSTC and PCAST members were integral in developing the report.

- Preparing for the Future Through Science and Technology, An Agenda for Environmental and Natural Resources Research was published in March 1995. This multidisciplinary strategy provides the scientific and technical information needed for national and international policy formulation and to assure the most efficient use of scarce research and development resources. The strategy was developed by NSTC, with assistance from stakeholders from academia, industry, and state and local governments.

- Bridge to a Sustainable Future: Bridge to a Sustainable Future was published in April 1995, as a follow-on to Technology for a Sustainable Future. This national environmental technology strategy focuses on five themes--Performance, Flexibility, and Accountability; Innovation for Environmental Results; Commercialization; Sustainable Communities; and Learning and Working Together. The report also presents findings, goals and initiatives that collectively articulate a technological path that will lead us to sustainable development. In reaction to these environmental technology statements, Molten Metal Technology, Inc. (MMT) and the World Resources Institute co-sponsored an event on July 21, 1995, at MMT's R&D Recycling Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. The purpose of this gathering was to provide a small number of concerned and committed leaders from industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) and federal, state and local Government with the opportunity to participate in informal, off-the-record discussions. The 25 participants explored novel approaches to achieving sustainable development, through the use of environmental technologies.

- High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) FY 1996 Implementation Plan: On May 14, 1995, the National Coordination Office for HPCC published their FY 1996 implementation plan for the HPCC program. The plan, formulated by the multi-agency HPCC, implements the overall objectives embodied in the FY 1996 HPCC annual report titled High Performance Computing and Communications: Foundation for America's Information Future that accompanied the President's budget. This HPCC annual report describes HPCC program accomplishments and program plans for FY 1996. The HPCC continues to be a driving force for progress in computing, communications, and information technology. There continues to be extensive use of high performance communications for information access, research at the frontiers of science and commercial endeavors. The biomedical and health care arenas have significantly benefitted from HPCC initiatives. The National Institutes of Health, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, provided initial funding to academic medical centers, community hospitals, and other health care organizations to connect to the Internet. Special emphasis was given to linking medical libraries with health care delivery organizations and database servers in support of timely and accurate clinical decision making. The overall goal is to provide Internet connectivity to the top 3,000 health care institutions in the U.S.

- Inventions Needed for Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) was published, in the spring 1995, to highlight the research areas requiring focus and identify federal funding sources for this research. Guidance was provided to the intended audience--the private and university sectors--on obtaining this funding.

- Infectious Disease--A Global Health Threat: An NSTC interagency working group was convened in December 1994, to consider the global threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This working group included representatives from more than 17 different government agencies and departments. They reviewed the U.S. role in detection, reporting, and response to outbreaks of new and re-emerging infectious diseases and made a number of recommendations in a report that was released in July 1995. The report noted the extraordinary resiliency of infectious microbes and that the sharp increase in the incidence of many infectious diseases is complex and not fully understood. At the same time, the working group unequivocally stated that the costs of infectious diseases are staggering, while the cost-effectiveness of disease prevention has been repeatedly demonstrated. The report cited the need for U.S. leadership in order to establish international coordination of infectious disease prevention efforts and build a global infectious diseases network.

- Setting a New Course for U.S. Coastal Ocean Science: This final report of the Subcommittee on U.S. Coastal Ocean Science of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) was prepared in July 1995. The report makes recommendations for the future coordination of Federal activity in coastal ocean science. The report inventories Federal coastal ocean science efforts for 1991-1993 and outlines a framework for improving predictive capabilities for coastal ocean systems that link terrestrial and marine physical processes, biogeochemical cycles, and the interactions of living resources.

- Biotechnology for the 21st Century: New Horizons: Dated July 1995, this report highlights ongoing Federal research efforts in biotechnology and identifies new and promising areas where there may be gaps in Federal support. The report is intended for internal planning purposes within the Federal Government and as a mechanism for conveying to the science and technology community the types of research and research priorities under consideration by Federal agencies.

- Goals for a National Partnership in Aeronautics Research and Technology: Publicly released by the Clinton Administration in September 1995, this report was prepared by an NSTC interagency working group in cooperation with industry and academia. It presents the Administration's vision and goals for future Federal investments in aeronautics and aviation research and technology. The research agenda outlined in this report is meant to achieve three fundamental goals: maintaining the superiority of U.S. aircraft and engines; improving the safety, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of the global air transportation system; and ensuring the long-term environmental compatibility of the aviation system.

- National Security Science and Technology Strategy: The NSTC developed the Nation's first national security S&T strategy document to describe how U.S. investments and international cooperation in S&T support U.S. national security objectives. This report offers a policy context for a rigorous defense of Clinton Administration initiatives, including the Cooperative Threat Reduction (Nunn-Lugar) Program, the Advanced Technology Program, and economic development programs aimed at mitigating or addressing the problems of endemic poverty, overpopulation, food scarcity, infectious diseases and environmental degradation. Published in September 1995, this report provides a clear juxtaposition between the Administration's and the Congressional majority's approaches to America's role in the world. It also focuses on the importance of investments in support of military superiority, verifiable arms control, sustainable development abroad, and economic performance at home.

- A National R&D Strategy for Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Solid Waste: A strategy prepared by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources' Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Solid Waste Subcommittee and published in September 1995. The strategy, presented within a risk assessment and risk management framework, identifies research needs for evaluation and managing risks associated with toxic substances and solid wastes.

- Interagency Federal Laboratory Review Final Report: Released in September 1995, the findings of an interagency review of the three largest Federal laboratory systems--DoE, DoD, and NASA--evaluates options for change with the intent of cutting costs, while improving research and development productivity.

- Strategy for National Earthquake Loss Reduction: Prepared by the NSTC National Earthquake Strategy Working Group and issued in October 1995, this report recommends a prudent National S&T strategy for reducing loss of life, casualties, property losses, and social and economic disruptions from future earthquakes.

- Our Changing Planet: The FY 1996 U.S. Global Change Research Program: Published in October 1995, by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Global Change Research. The report serves as a supplement to the President's FY 1996 budget. The report updates the planning for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, describes the program's areas of activity, tabulates agency programs on global environmental change, and includes a set of highlights describing a number of important scientific advances.

- Forum on Future Directions in Transportation R&D: This report consists of conference proceedings from the March 6-7, 1995, forum co-sponsored by the Transportation Research Board and the NSTC. Published in October 1995, this report addresses development of an effective Federal transportation R&D plan, with input solicited from industry leaders, state and local government officials, as well as representatives of environmental and other public interest groups.

- Construction and Building: Federal Research and Development in Support of the U.S. Construction Industry: The construction and building collaboration between Federal agencies and the U.S. construction industry is intended to develop improved construction techniques that enhance industry's competitive performance, raise the life-cycle performance of buildings, and protect public safety and the environment. Quantitative goals have been established for accomplishment by 2003, including 50 percent reduction in operation, maintenance, and energy costs; 50 percent fewer accidents and deaths associated with construction and occupancy; and 50 percent less waste and pollution. In October 1995, Construction and Building: Federal Research and Development in Support of the U.S. Construction Industry was released by the NSTC Committee on Civilian Industrial Technology, Subcommittee on Construction and Building. The report outlines the Federal strategy research and development and deployment in support of the industries of construction. Examples of important proposed deployment projects that can act as showcases for technology developments are described in the report.

- Interagency Report on Orbital Debris: Developed by an Interagency Working Group co-chaired by NSTC Committee on Transportation R&D and the National Security Council, and drawing on the National Research Council's orbital debris technical assessment study sponsored by NASA, this November 1995, report notes NASA and DoD actions to date and offers five recommendations for ensuring the safety of human space flight, protecting the economic investment made by U.S. industry in space, protecting international space assets, and the long-term protection of the space environment.

- Building a Scientific Basis to Ensure the Vitality and Productivity of U.S. Ecosystems: Prepared by the NSTC Committee on Environment and Natural Resources' (CENR's) Ecosystem Working Group, this December 1995, report addresses an effective plan for sustaining ecosystems that would integrate CENR ecosystem research and development priorities across all relevant CENR Subcommittees.

Attached is a bibliography of all NSTC documents published to date.

First/Second Quarters CY 1996 Activities

• Completion of the FY 1997 and initiation of the FY 1998 budget review processes
• Completion of the interagency space policy system review directed by NSTC PRD 2.
• Publication of 1995 Federal Research and Development Program in Materials Science and Technology report
• Issuance of revised PNGV program plan and sponsorship of PNGV Technical Symposium
• Issuance of Meeting the Challenge: A Research Agenda for America's Health, Safety and Food Report
• Release of the Interagency Assessment of Potential Health Risks Associated with Oxygenated Gasoline report

President's Committee of Advisors
for Science and Technology (PCAST) Activities

The PCAST issued the following four reports to the President in FY 1995, in addition to providing informal advice to the President and NSTC; writing Op-Ed's and letters; and working with Congress to help its members understand the importance of the S&T enterprise to the Nation's security and economic growth:

• Report of the PCAST Panel on U.S.-Russian Cooperation to Protect, Control, and Account for Weapons-Useable Nuclear Materials released in May 1995. This report was presented to the President, Vice President, White House Chief of Staff, National Security Adviser and his Deputy, Vice President's National Security Adviser and other National Security Council (NSC) and OSTP staff. Subsequent briefings were provided to the Secretary of Defense, the Undersecretary of Energy, and the interagency Standing Committee on Non-Proliferation, among others. After the White House briefing, the President immediately directed the NSC to act on all of the PCAST recommendations and a work plan was forwarded to the President within days. The briefing served as a catalyst for drafting, on the same day as the briefing, proposed language for a summit statement on expanding fissile materials cooperation. After some negotiation, President Clinton and President Yeltsin issued a statement from the summit calling for accelerated and expanded cooperation to secure and account for nuclear materials, and directing the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission to prepare a joint report on additional steps that should be taken. Working closely with OSTP staff, the NSC prepared a NSC Presidential Decision Directive highlighting the urgency and importance of this problem, and directing agencies to implement the principal recommendations of the PCAST report.

• The U. S. Program of Fusion Energy Research and Development, July 1995, report of the PCAST Fusion Review Panel recommends a strategy for restructuring the U.S. fusion program, at a substantially reduced level of funding. The PCAST concluded that U.S. funding for R&D on fusion energy is a key long term investment in the energy future of this country and the world, as well as critical for sustaining research in plasma science. The report emphasizes the importance of fusion as an attractive, possibly essential, new energy source for our Nation in the middle of the next century and beyond. The large scale of fusion experimental technology, the long time to commercialization, and recent extraordinary achievements argue for continued strong Federal support within the DoE. Further, the report indicates that international collaboration is necessary for demonstrating practical fusion energy. The panel recommended that the U.S. invest in magnetic fusion energy research at $320 million per year, through the next decade. The PCAST concluded that if the budget is dramatically reduced below $320 million per year, the program would lose essential elements and progress toward the fusion goal would be halted. Thus, if the U.S. is to sustain its commitment to plasma science and fusion technology, federal support at the PCAST recommended level would be required.

• Science and Technology Principles was forwarded to the President and senior Congressional members on September 25, 1995. The Principles were developed in the context of the current budget debate to aid the Administration and Congress in evaluating FY 1997 budget options, consistent with the Administration's policy statements Science in the National Interest (August 1994) and Technology for America's Future Growth (February 1993).

• Report to the President on Academic Health Centers, November 8, 1995. The PCAST. recommended that while public and private elements of the health care system need to be carefully examined and restructured to enhance medical efficacy and cost effectiveness, it is essential that the crucial public benefits uniquely contributed by academic health centers be recognized and that their continued strength remain a priority.

On March 28, 1995, the PCAST also issued a budget related statement reflecting their belief that in "the debate over national spending priorities, we must take time to assess carefully the impact of proposed cuts on our Nation's ability to maintain world-class science and technology. " This statement recognizes the need to maintain a robust research and development portfolio--an investment "essential to our Nation's long term prosperity and security."

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