For Immediate Release | March 14, 2000 |
To accelerate the pace of discovery across all disciplines in science and technology, the President has requested an unprecedented $3 billion increase in the 21st Century Research Fund, the largest increase in civilian research in a generation. The President's FY2001 requested increase for the 21st Century Research Fund includes a $1 billion increase in biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health and double the largest dollar increase for the National Science Foundation in its 50 year history. These investments will ensure that science and technology will continue to fuel economic growth and allow Americans to lead longer, healthier lives. These investments also will enable America to continue to lead in the 21st century by increasing support in all scientific and engineering disciplines, including biomedical research, nanotechnology, information technology, clean energy, and university-based research. Specifically, this infusion of funds will enable researchers to tackle important scientific and technological challenges, and will lead to:
Continued American prosperity in the 21st Century: With rapid growth, increased productivity and rising standards of living, the U.S. economy is thriving in large part because of our technological leadership. Science and technology have become the engine of America's economic growth: information technology alone accounts for 1/3 of U.S. economic growth, and is creating jobs paying almost 80 percent more than the average private-sector wage. Many of the technologies, such as the Internet, that are fueling today's economy are the result of government investments in the 1960's and 1970's.
Longer, healthier lives for all Americans: In the last 100 years, the life expectancy of the average American has increased by almost 30 years, as a result of breakthroughs such as antibiotics. Today, we are on the verge of even greater scientific advances, and continued investment in health-related research could lead to greater life expectancies and better quality of life.
Educating America's high-tech workforce: The President's investment in university-based research will help spur innovations in new technologies and treatment, while preparing the next generation of leaders in science, engineering and technology.
Cleaner energy for a cleaner environment: Research can help America create cleaner sources of energy and energy-efficient technologies, such as fuel cells that emit only water, cars that get 80 miles per gallon, and bioenergy derived from new cash crops.
New insights into the world around us: Increases in funding for science-based research can lead to revolutionary breakthroughs in our understanding of the world around us and beyond.
Specific Initiatives
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New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
Meeting with Religious Leaders
New Public Private Initiative to reduce Weather Related Air Travel Delays
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
U.S. – China WTO Accession Deal
Civilian Research and Development
Joint Statement by President Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair of the UK
Vaccines to Developing Countires
Semi-Finalists for 2000-2001 White House Fellowships
President Clinton Urges Congress to Pass Budget
Congressional Budget Resolution
Clinton/Gore actions to Enhance America's Energy Security
Social Security Trustees Report - March 30, 2000
Strengthen America's Energy Security
Report Shows Unprecedented Progress
Proclamation: Cancer Control Month, 2000
National Poison Prevention Week
Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 2000
Proclamation: National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2000
Statement by the President on NPT
U.S. --China WTO Accession Deal
Enforcement of The U.S. - China WTO Accession Deal
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