Nick Smith Consulting
Science Press Releases
10/09/2004 Smith’s Earthquake-Windstorm Bill Passes House
A bill sponsored by Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and to establish the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program passed the House today by unanimous vote. This legislation is designed to help prevent loss of lives and property due to earthquakes and windstorms.
10/06/2004 Smith Looks Forward to Private Space Industry
Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison), Chairman of the Science Subcommittee on Research, commended SpaceShipOne, which won the $10 million “Ansari X Prize” on October 4. Smith is a cosponsor of a resolution honoring Burt Rutan and his successful venture.
08/27/2004 Smith Directs Science Committee Staff to Study Unique Storm Damage
Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) is sending his Science Committee Staff to study recent damage to Maple Valley Junior/Senior High School caused by a unique storm and strong winds. A 70-mph microburst tore the roof off of a wing of the building Wednesday evening. The purpose of the investigation is to consider possible modifications to the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act that passed Smith’s subcommittee earlier this year.
07/22/2004 Smith Secures Funding for Math and Science Resource Library
Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) announced $350,000 for the Jackson County Intermediate School District to develop a math and science resource library. The math and science promotion for K-12 will be developed in conjunction with the Calhoun County Intermediate School District.
07/09/2004 Rep. Nick Smith Encourages Private Investment in Basic Research
Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) introduced legislation Wednesday to increase funding for basic scientific research. H.R. 4767 would change the Internal Revenue Code to triple the amount of the credit allowed for basic research and give the private sector more of an incentive to invest in research on its own.
07/08/2004 Smith Responds to Charges of "Scientific Abuse" in the Bush Administration
Congressman Nick Smith (R-MI) today released the following statement and fact sheet in response to the charges of scientific abuse in the Bush Administration levied today by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS):
04/23/2004 Smith Math and Science Bill Passes House
The House of Representatives this week passed legislation introduced by Congressman Nick Smith (R-Addison) to recognize and encourage business and other private sector involvement in math and science education. The bill, H.R. 4030, the Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004, passed the House by a vote of 411 to 7.
03/31/2004 Smith Math and Science Bill Reported From Science Committee
The House Science Committee today favorably reported H.R. 4030, the Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004, sponsored by Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI).
03/30/2004 Smith Math and Science Bill Moves
The Science Subcommittee on Research heard testimony today on H.R. 4030, the Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004, sponsored by Congressman Nick Smith (R-Addison).
09/10/2003 Congressman Nick Smith Comments on the Future of the Shuttle Program
Congressman Nick Smith gave the following comments at a full committee hearing of the House Science Committee on "NASA's Response to the Columbia Report." NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe and retired Admiral Harold Gehman Jr., chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board were witnesses:
08/26/2003 Chairman of House Research Subcommittee Statement on Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) Report
U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI), a member of the House Science Committee, commented on the report released this morning by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), led by retired Admiral Harold Gehman.
06/11/2003 Speaker Hastert to Testify at Nick Smith Biotech Hearing
On Thursday, June 12 at 10:15 A.M. Chairman Nick Smith of the House Research Subcommittee on Science will hold a hearing to examine plant biotechnology research and development activities relevant to African food crops and the challenges and opportunities involved in these activities. Speaker of the House of Representatives J. Dennis Hastert is scheduled to testify and will discuss the importance of sound science in driving trade policy, as well as the promise biotechnology holds to grow the U.S. economy and to reduce hunger in sub-Saharan Africa.
05/09/2003 Earthquake Mitigation Program Working But Still Room for Improvement
Experts at a House Science Subcommittee on Research hearing testified Thursday that a federal program designed to mitigate earthquake hazards has made great strides in the last twenty-five years, but its success has been limited by several factors, including lack of coordination and declining funds. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) is up for reauthorization later this year.
05/07/2003 Nick Smith Supports “Next Frontier” Of Science Nanotechnology
Congressman Nick Smith (MI-7) today cast a vote in favor of House Science Committee legislation that would authorize a national nanotechnology research and development program. Nanotechnology, or “science and engineering at the atomic level,” is President Bush’s highest science and technology priority in the fiscal year 2004 budget. Experts say it has the potential to revolutionize science and engineering and have a profound impact on our economy and society. The National Science Foundation (NSF) predicts a $1 trillion global market for nanotechnology in approximately twelve years, which could translate into as many as seven million new jobs.
04/04/2003 Representative Nick Smith Honored by Science Organizations
Two Washington D.C. based science coalitions today honored Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI) who, as leader of the House Science Subcommittee on Research, has championed numerous efforts for which the agricultural and biological science communities are grateful. The Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC) focuses on the vitality of research in the biological sciences across agencies including the National Science Foundation. The Coalition on Funding Agricultural Research Missions (CoFARM) works to raise awareness and support for the agricultural research community, especially through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
03/05/2003 House Studies Feasibility of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies
U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI), chairman of the Research Subcommittee, made the following statement today at the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee hearing on the President's hydrogen initiative for automobiles.
02/27/2003 Smith to Comment at Hearing on NASA Budget
U.S. Rep Nick Smith, Chairman of Science Research subcommittee, will make comments at the full committee hearing on the NASA budget and examination of the impact of the Columbia disaster on other NASA programs.
02/01/2003 Chairman of Science Research Subcommittee Comments on Loss of Space Shuttle Columbia
"Our sympathy and prayers go out to the astronauts and their families. It's a reminder that, like the explorers of the past centuries, these astronauts who go to outer space in rockets face uncertainty and danger."
01/24/2003 Smith Gets Good Grades for His Report to Schools on Antarctica
Congressman Nick Smith (MI-7) who returned from Antarctica, is pleased by the interest expressed by teachers and students in his daily diary of the Antarctic. The diary described his stay and activities in the Antarctic and was sent via email to more than 200 schools and classrooms in the 7th Congressional District.
01/15/2003 Smith Emails 7th District Students with Daily Antarctica Updates
House Science Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith (MI-7), currently on a Congressional delegation to Antarctica, has been sending daily emails to Congressional 7th District schools. Since Smith left for the delegation he has contacted nearly every school in the district on various experiences in New Zealand, McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and the South Pole.
01/09/2003 Smith to Lead Congressional Delegation To Antarctica with National Science Foundation Director
House Science Subcommittee on Research Chairman Nick Smith (MI-7) and National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Rita Colwell will be members of a Congressional delegation to Antarctica beginning tomorrow. For approximately three days, the delegation will visit U.S. research stations on the Antarctic continent, including the U.S. Amudsen-Scott South Pole Station. Smith’s Research Subcommittee has jurisdiction over NSF, the lead agency for the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP).
12/20/2002 President Signs Nick Smith Bill to Boost Science and Math Education and Increase Basic Research
In a special signing ceremony yesterday at the White House, President Bush signed into law H.R. 4664, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002. The new law, authored by Representative Nick Smith (MI-07), expands federally funded basic research efforts at America’s colleges and universities and establishes comprehensive new math and science education reforms at the K-12 and college levels. Before signing the bill, President Bush commented on the great contributions of the National Science Foundation (NSF), noting that approximately half of the U.S. Nobel Prize laureates in science and engineering have received NSF research grants.
12/19/2002 President Bush to Sign Smith Science Legislation Into Law Today
In a special signing ceremony today at the White House, President George W. Bush is expected to sign into law major science legislation authored by Representative Nick Smith (MI-07). The legislation, H.R. 4664, the "National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002," passed both Houses of Congress with overwhelming support in the final days of the 107th Congress.
12/06/2002 Smith and Kaptur Host Biofuels Conference
Congressman Nick Smith (MI-07) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) will host the Ohio/Michigan Biofuels Conference in Perrysburg, Ohio on Monday. The conference will address issues, policies, and opportunities concerning the development of ethanol and diesel fuel from agricultural crops.
08/01/2002 Smith Announces Grant to Spring Arbor University
Today U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI) is pleased to announce that the Spring Arbor University School of Education has been awarded a $125,000.00 grant as part of the Directed Grants Program under the U.S. Department of Education. The school will be using the money to enhance teacher education in K-12 technology.
06/05/2002 U.S. House of Representatives Passes Congressman Nick Smith's Investing in America's Future Act
By a vote of 397 to 25, the House today passed Representative Nick Smith’s bill, H.R. 4664, "Investing in America’s Future Act," that increases basic research and imposes strict, new management requirements to ensure that the National Science Foundation (NSF) continues to use taxpayer money wisely.
05/22/2002 Smith Amendment Added To Bioterrorism Package
The Health Security and Anti-Bioterrorism bill passed by congress May 22nd included U.S. Representative Nick Smith’s (MI-07) amendment to protect the nation’s food supply. The legislation incorporated, H.R. 3965, a bill Smith introduced in March to protect agricultural field crops into final conference language.
05/07/2002 Congressman Smith & Science Committee Introduce Bill to Put NSF Budget On Doubling Track
Members of the House Science Committee today introduced legislation that would place the National Science Foundation (NSF) on a track to double the agency’s budget in five years. The bill, H.R. 4664, authorizes a 15 percent increase for NSF for each of the next three years.
05/06/2000 Smith Pledges 15 Percent Increase For NSF
U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-MI) announced today that he would seek a 15 percent increase in funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), on a track toward doubling the science agency's budget in five years. At a House Science Subcommittee on Research field hearing, Smith, Subcommittee Chair, outlined his plans for an NSF reauthorization bill he will be introducing tomorrow, and heard testimony from Michigan Universities on the future of the agency.
05/01/2002 Smith To Hold Congressional Science Committee Hearing In Michigan
Smith has planned a morning session to hear testimony from university science administrators on suggestions for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Reauthorization, he is writing. The afternoon session will hear testimony on the federal fire grant programs (H.R 4548) & discuss new responsibilities first responders are being asked to take on following the attacks of September 11.
04/25/2002 Smith To Tour MSU’s New Biomedical And Physical Science Building
U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI) will tour Michigan State University’s new Biomedical and Physical Science Building tomorrow Friday, April 26, 2002 between 1:15 - 2:30PM. The building is located on Shaw Lane on the MSU - East Lansing Campus.
04/17/2002 Smith Comments On Climate Change Initiatives for the 21st Century
U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI), Chairman of the Science Subcommittee on Research, stressed the need for better scientific research at today’s congressional hearing on global climate change. Smith, a U.S. Congressional delegate to the COP-6 conference at The Hague in late 2000, said, "Even though there is no compelling evidence on the connection between human activity and global warming, we must expand our research efforts to better understand and respond to climate change."
04/16/2002 Smith To Recognize Local Teacher Of Presidential Award
U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI) will recognize Mrs. Cathey Newhouse, a third grade teacher at Jackson’s Parnell Elementary, on her recently received prestigious 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
04/03/2002 IFT Names Congressional Science Award Winners
Recognizing the importance of focused and intentional Congressional efforts advancing food science and technology, the Institute of Food Technologists today announces that the recipients of its annual Congressional Support for Science Award are U.S. Reps. Charles W. Stenholm, Tex., and Nick Smith, Mich.
03/18/2002 President Bush And Congressman Smith Announce Jackson, Michigan Teacher As 2001 Presidential Mathematics And Science Teaching Award Recipient
President Bush announced today the recipients of the prestigious 2001 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). The White House program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), bestows the nation’s highest honor for mathematics and science teachers for kindergarten through grade 12. Cathey Jo Newhouse from Parnell Elementary School in Congressman Nick Smith’s district was one of the award-winning teachers.
03/11/2002 Smith Science Panel Examines Education Reforms
The House Science Subcommittee on Research Thursday heard testimony on the problems and potential solutions related to math, science, and engineering education at the college undergraduate level. U.S. Representative Nick Smith (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee, has made education reform one of his top priorities in the 107th Congress.
12/06/2001 Committee Approves Smith Bill to Improve Information Technology Research
The House Science Committee today passed legislation authored by U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) aimed at enhancing research in information technology. The bill passed by voice vote, clearing the measure for consideration by the full House.
12/04/2001 Smith Introduces Legislation to Increase IT Research by 46%
U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison), Chairman of the Research Subcommittee of the House Science Committee, joined Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), and other committee members to announce his $7 billion legislative proposal to increase Information Technology (IT) research by 46% over 5 years.
09/06/2001 Subcommittee Examines Management of NSF Major Research Facilities
Responding to recent concerns over the adequacy of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) planning and management of large research facilities, a Research Subcommittee hearing today attempted to shed some light on both the project selection process and agency oversight. Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI) opened the hearing stating, "I firmly believe that Congress and the scientific community deserve to have a much clearer picture of NSF’s priorities for major research facilities."
05/16/2001 Smith to honor NSF's 50 years of service
Representative Nick Smith (R-MI), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Basic Research, will hold a press conference to commemorate the National Science Foundation's 50th Anniversary. Recently, the House and Senate passed the resolution, H.Con.Res. 108, introduced by Chairman Smith which honors the National Science Foundation for 50 years of service to our nation.
05/02/2001 Smith Shares Thoughts on Education, Budget
Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) today called for an increased focus on math and science education reform, greater coordination of the federal research budget and a more balanced federal research portfolio in an address before a meeting of university deans, administrators and faculty members.
04/09/2001 Smith Addresses Computer Science Coalition
Representative Nick Smith (R-Addison) today called for greater efficiency and better coordination of federal research spending in a speech before a gathering of the directors of the nation's top computer science centers.
02/08/2001 Smith to Chair Science Subcommittee
U.S. Rep. Nick Smith (R-Addison) will continue to lead a House Subcommittee charged with oversight of the nation's science policy, House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) announced late yesterday. With this announcement, Smith begins his second term as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Research, formerly the Subcommittee on Basic Research.
04/13/2000 Smith Releases Report on Genetically-Modified Plants
Committee on Science Subcommittee on Basic Research Chairman Nick Smith (R-MI) today released a report assessing the benefits and risks of genetically-modified plants and plant-derived foods, and recommending changes in federal regulation.
02/29/2000 Smith Studies Basic Research Funding
Chairman Nick Smith (R-Addison) and the House Science Subcommittee on Basic Research today held a field briefing in Lansing, Michigan to discuss FY 2001 funding for the National Science Foundation.
01/20/2000 Smith Statement on Administration's New Science Initiative
"President Clinton will reportedly call for a 17% increase in funding for basic scientific research. As the Chairman of the House's Basic Research Subcommittee, I welcome this support, particularly for the National Science Foundation (NSF).