8 



can put agencies together in more creative and innovative ways so 

 that we do not hurt the important research that will take place in 

 such a vital area as our oceans. 



With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time, 

 or because maybe I'm the only Ranking Member here that's rep- 

 resented, I would ask you that Mr. Rohrabacher and I, can we get 

 our budget tripled by the lack of representation from the other 

 committees. 



[Laughter.] 



[The prepared statement of Congressman Roemer follows:] 



Opening Statement, Rep. Tim Roemer, Hearing on Leveraging National 

 oceanographic capabilities, thursday, january 25, 1996 



Mr. Chairman, oceanography is a broad term that encompasses all research ad- 

 dressing the structure, dynamics and ecosystems of oceanic and coastal zone areas. 

 It involves many disciplines: chemists follow the chemistry of the open ocean and 

 the shores; physicists chart the fluid dynamics of the ocean which have great effect 

 of weather patterns; geologists chart the topography of "land under water"; biolo- 

 gists investigate ocean life; and engineers design the tools they all need to conduct 

 this research. 



As a result, federal oceanography support comes from a diverse category of agen- 

 cies, from science to military to intelligence to environmental. This diversity fre- 

 quently has not been a benefit to the oceanographic community. It is difficult to 

 form partnerships, keep them funded, fairly disseminate information, maintain ex- 

 pensive equipment, ana further the goals of our oceanographic research community. 



With a shrinking federal budget that is causing rapid reductions in federal invest- 

 ment in research and development, we need to know what the impact will be on 

 important programs such as oceanography. What will the private sector be able to 

 pick up? What is the proper role of the university community? Who has the re- 

 sources to support the expensive capital funding required for research, to support 

 the research vessels and whole ocean experiments? 



These questions are critical not only because of the shrinking budget, but because 

 of changing priorities within the U.S. military. The end of the Cold War has meant 

 that much of the Navy's Oceanographic study will be discontinued. Major hardware 

 will be retired. A great resource will cease to exist. Although the Navy is working 

 to declassify much of the information they hold — superior information — the future 

 of these other assets is in doubt. 



The answer to continued quality oceanic research in times of rapidly shrinking 

 budgets might seem to be cooperation and sharing of resources among concerned 

 agencies. But the result in this field has been just the opposite. Oceanic research 

 is simply not the highest priority for many of these agencies, and partnerships are 

 being dissolved in the middle of data collection phases, and data from such projects 

 permanently lost. Joint agency commitments to oceanographic research are diiiicult 

 to maintain in strict budget times, and critical research opportunities fall through 

 the cracks, and some may be irretrievable. 



The course for downsizing in a way that cuts unnecessary spending but preserv- 

 ing needed research is a decidedly tricky one, and we need a concrete planning ef- 

 fort to achieve one that will succeed. While I am pleased to learn more about the 

 scientific history and potential of our oceanographic infrastructure and what value 

 it has to our nation and its people, it is my hope to also address the larger budget 

 questions that affect such R&D, and how these witnesses feel that our budget prob- 

 lems will affect this necessary and important research. 



Mr. Weldon. We can work on a deal. 



Mr. Roemer. All right. 



[Laughter.] 



Mr. Weldon. Thank you, Mr. Roemer, for those excellent state- 

 ments and comments and we look forward to your leadership on 

 the Democratic side. 



I'd like to ask our colleagues from Virginia or Maryland if they 

 like to make opening statements? 



Mr. Gilchrist or Mr. Bateman? 



