Bloch won administration support for the 17 percent increase, from $1.62 billion to nearly $1.9 billion, by arguing that strengthening the university research base is one of the best ways to keep American industry competitive in world markets.
But Sen. William Proxmire (DWis.), who brings a well-honed budget axe to his new post as chairman of the appropriations subcommittee that will pass judgment on the Foundation's budget, made it clear that such talk may not be enough. "Although I support the administration's emphasis on economic competitiveness, a 17 percent increase may well be excessive given the current financial climate."
Bloch packaged his request in one of his favorite wrappings—the multidisciplinary research center built upon cooperation among academia, industry and state and local governments. In addition to being a cost-effective way of generating new technology, Bloch has argued, the close working relationships that arise make it easier to apply that knowledge ...
