“SCIENCE, science, science and science.” That was the summary offered by Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, when in a radio interview about the priorities of a .
The $825 billion stimulus package now being considered by Congress – and championed by President Barack Obama – includes $10 billion for basic scientific research and to upgrade ageing laboratories.
Priorities also include $11 billion to modernise the electricity grid, $8 billion in loans for renewable-energy projects, and $6 billion to improve broadband internet access in rural and other underserved areas.
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Education will also get a boost if the stimulus bill passes, with $41 billion going to local school districts and $6 billion for university modernisation.
Health information technology will receive a $20 billion payout, to help prevent medical errors and reduce the unnecessary procedures that make healthcare in the US so inefficient.