U.S. President calls for doubling of physical sciences budget

Physics Today : President Bush asked Congress to double federal support for basic research in the physical sciences last night in his final state of union address ."To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow,” he said. “Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative , but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge."Bush also referred to the “creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs” and asked Congress to “empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology.” His request is based on reducing U.S. dependence on oil for national security reasons by investing in “clean coal” technology, renewable energy and nuclear power plants. Bush also asked for further investment into transportation research regarding biofuels and battery technology, and the creation of a new $2 billion international clean technology fund , to help countries such as India and China use energy more efficiently.The speech also mentioned completing an international agreement on greenhouse gases, despite the lack of enthusiasm by other nations at the recent climate talks for the U.S.-led proposal.The full transcript of his science-related remarks is available after the jump. Related News Picks Opinion: Flagging economy needs science investments Democratic Congress Begins to Put Its Stamp on Science Asia Producing Engineers Short on Skills Physical Focus in 2008 U.S. Budget Transcript of remarks from 15:43 minutes into the President’s speech.To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. (Applause.) Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. (Applause.) Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. (Applause.) Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. (Applause.)This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. (Applause.) The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. (Applause.)To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on Earth. (Applause.)On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. (Applause.) Access the full transcript