Computing Research Policy Blog

Computing Researchers Applaud Passage of High Performance Computing Legislation

Press Contact: Peter Harsha
CRA Director of Government Affairs
P: 202-234-2111 ext 106
E: harsha [at] cra.org

Computing Researchers Applaud Passage of High Performance Computing Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC, July 7, 2004 - The Computing Research Association today praised the House of Representatives for approving two measures that would authorize efforts in high-performance computing research and development. The two bills - HR 4218, the High Performance Computing Revitalization Act; and HR 4516, the Department of Energy High-end Computing Act - both demonstrate the continued importance of federal investment in computing research and development.

"It's no surprise that in a week devoted to competitiveness and innovation, the House would choose to focus on information technology research and development," said CRA Chairman James D. Foley. “Innovations in IT - the fruits of computing research, including high performance computing research - continue to drive U.S. productivity and enable the new economy.

“The House today sent an important message that a sustained commitment to U.S. leadership in computing research is a prerequisite to future innovation and competitiveness."

"We commend Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL), and Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) for introducing both bills, as well as Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Ranking Member Bart Gordon (D-TN) for their continued leadership in making the case for federal support of fundamental IT research and development."

While both bills represent an important show of support for the federal role in IT research and development, CRA remains concerned that the federal government is still substantially under-investing in long-term IT R&D. The current funding level for FY 2004 for the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development initiative -- of which high performance computing is a part -- falls nearly $683 million short of the level recommended after an in-depth review of the program by the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee in 1999. The Administration request for FY 2005 -- a proposed 0.7 percent decrease over the FY 2004 level -- continues a trend of shortfalls established within the first year of the PITAC recommendations.

"We remain hopeful that the actions of the House today, as well as encouraging actions by the House in approving an increase in DOE's supercomputing efforts in the Energy and Water appropriations, indicate progress towards reversing that trend," Foley said. "IT R&D is an investment that pays an enormous dividend: fueling the innovation that ensures the U.S. remains the world leader in business, that we have the strongest possible defense, and that we continue to find ways to live longer, healthier lives."

The Computing Research Association (CRA) is an association of more than 200 North American Academic departments of computer science, computer engineering, and related fields; laboratories and centers in industry, government and academia engaging in basic computing research; and affiliated professional societies. For more information: http://www.cra.org

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