The proper priorities for NSF remain people, equipment and facilities, in that order. Thus, any new program must be viewed in the context of all established programs and evaluated in competition with other high-priority activities. To do otherwise does not accept the reality of the overall budget situation, and at the risk of compromising the standards of excellence we have worked so hard to maintain. Thus, while we support much of the intent and spirit of H.R. 1905, we must oppose the bill. With its very large authorization, the bill simply cannot be accommodated within the current fiscal climate.
—Erich Bloch
Director, National Science Foundation
Establishing a research facilities program under the National Science Foundation... has the advantage of being sharply focused on the problem of inadequate facilities . . with administration being placed under one agency. . . . [the bill] represents a good start on addressing the research ...
