Too Many Fields, Too Little Time

By Korinne Kornmann
The Blue Print
on Commerce, Science & Transport:

Time is of the essence. There is sixteen billion dollars appropriated to scientific research. The CST’s main focus is the allocation of funds within the different fields of science.

The Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has been hard at work. Yesterday night the “Rethinking Waste Disposal Act of 2010” was passed. The main point of the bill was to set a limit on the amount of dangerous chemicals and byproducts that are consequences of poor waste disposal. The bill included a fine for those who do not comply with the new policies. 
Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) expressed a large desire to see money allocated to agriculture research, and green technology. Since many states have thriving crop industries and cold winters, Lincoln expressed how research in genetically monitoring crops would be a smart area to focus on.

Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) agreed that agriculture research was important, but above all wants to see a majority of the money given to medical research. Although he does not believe in stem cell research, he wants to see money given primarily to things like cancer, and bone marrow research.

Although agriculture and medical research are two strong contenders, there are many more scientific fields to be considered. Based on the differing views from the two Senators interviewed, this is not going to be an easy task.