14 



Had I been asked this question a mere five years ago, I would 

 have said, without question, the United States of America will lead 

 the way. But now I'm not so sure. 



Just a few years ago, America had a tremendous lead, an incred- 

 ible lead in ocean research and engineering that all nations of the 

 world envied. But I'm not so sure that we can continue to lead the 

 way. 



We have become totally preoccupied with the present. We have 

 forgotten that we are not about to enter the next decade. We're not 

 about to enter the next century. We're about to enter the next mil- 

 lennium. And now is the time not to be short-sighted. Now is the 

 time to form a vision of the future and to strive collectively towards 

 that distant star. 



America is a nation of pioneers with a long history of exploration 

 and we are a critical crossroads that is not only important to our 

 country, but to the human species. 



There is no doubt in my mind that a better understanding of the 

 oceans and the land surface beneath it is critical to our very sur- 

 vival. 



The subsequent speakers will provide you with important insight 

 into how our nation might best meet this challenge, and I support 

 their recommendations, which I've read. They clearly represent the 

 oceanographic community. You've got the firepower here today. 

 And I understand their long-range objectives and how those objec- 

 tives might be best achieved are good recommendations. 



I've been following your efforts to fiscally put our house in order 

 and I strongly endorse them. But I hope you get on with the task 

 because it's critical that we move forward into the next millennium 

 in a leadership position. 



Thank you very much. 



Mr. Weldon. Thank you for your excellent statement. 



Dr. Albert? 



[The prepared statement of Dr. Ballard follows:] 



