In recent weeks, Rep. George E. Brown Jr. (D-Calif.) has reintroduced bills to create a federal Department of Science and Technology and a new agency, the National Policy and Technology Foundation, to coordinate research and efforts to translate knowledge into products. Brown has introduced similar measures in the past, without notable success.
This year, however, his is not the only voice. Rep. Don Ritter (RPa.) and Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.) have sponsored legislation to coordinate technology activities in the Department of Commerce so the National Bureau of Standards can help industries market the fruits of their research.
Few political observers are betting that the measures will become law in this session. Brown's proposals face strong opposition from fiscal conservatives, who are reluctant to create a new federal agency in the face of massive budget deficits, as well as from many scientists, who fear it could narrow the focus of ...
