House lawmakers of both parties yesterday pushed a top White House official on research policies that can increase domestic manufacturing of high-tech products, while some Republicans clashed with him over climate science.

Republican Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee and Democratic Rep. Donna Edwards of Maryland were among those who pressed John Holdren, assistant to the president for science and technology, on the administration's proposed budget for federal research and development. They expressed support for the federal government to take further steps that would encourage advanced manufacturing domestically.

In response, Holdren stressed the importance of boosting American achievement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, noting that having a highly skilled work force is crucial to domestic competitiveness and to business owners who could base facilities in the United States.

Other lawmakers pressed Holdren on the need for strong NASA funding, both to maintain a U.S. edge in the field and to inspire the next generation of scientists. Holdren said the administration is strongly committed to NASA and that the president himself is "excited" about human spaceflight but that budget challenges require a strategic funding approach.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) took Holdren to task for having called scientists who disagree with climate science "deniers." The only other use of that term, he said, relates to those who question whether the Holocaust took place.

Holdren said he had not intended to draw such an analogy and would choose other words in the future.

House Science, Space and Technology Chairman Ralph Hall (R-Texas) scolded Holdren and Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) for dismissing skeptical scientists as a small minority whose views should not block policies to protect the public from what the majority of scientists agree is human-caused climate change.

"Don't pooh-pooh what you call the minority of people that don't believe what's being tried to be sold as the majority of scientists," he said. "We need to get them before here and give you a chance to visit with them and inquire [of] them, us to have a shot at them and then decide. OK?"

In an interview, Hall said he intends to convene hearings that will get at "the truth" of climate science.

Hall said he plans to summon scientists on both sides of the issue to allow committee members and the public to weigh the evidence for themselves and that he will consult with Democrats in deciding who to invite.

Noting his own background as a lawyer, Hall said, "I've heard a preponderance of the evidence that it's on good science, but I still have a reasonable doubt."

"My skepticism might be wiped out by the first four witnesses," he said. "I'm going to listen just like you're going to."