Thomas Handler: Statement

This past year has shown a significant shift in attitude, especially on Capitol Hill, 
towards the funding of High Energy Experimental Physics efforts in the USA. The initial 
setback from the continuing resolution that was passed caused harm for SLAC and FNAL 
with regards to their experimental programs. BaBar at SLAC will be shut off sooner than 
expected and D0 and CDF at FNAL are in their final phases. The accelerator based neutrino 
program at FNAL was put into serious jeopardy. Fortunately the funding shortfall from the 
continuing resolution was corrected in part by the recent Congressional supplemental bill.

For the last three years I have participated in the annual UEC/SLUO/USLHC trips to Washington 
D.C. to meet with either members of Congress or their staff. These trips have highlighted 
the fact that the High Energy Physics program is looked upon favorably - up to a point. 
They understand the skills that our students are trained in and that these students often 
end up in other disciplines contributing to the well being of the USA. However these visits 
have also pointed out that there are several areas of concern on Capitol Hill with regards 
to HEP. One concern was the shifting of the center of gravity of HEP from the USA to CERN 
and the LHC. A second concern that was raised during this past year's trip was that we are 
not selling ourselves correctly. This was a point that was again brought up during this 
year's User's meeting in June.
 
If elected to the UEC, I would work to ensure that a strong and viable HEP experimental 
program in the USA remains in place. I would also work to relate the concerns and wishes 
of the HEP community to the Fermilab Directorate. I would also continue with the UEC trips 
to Washington to emphaisze the importance of HEP to the science and technological 
foundations of the USA.

The last several years have shown that HEP in the USA has been and continues to be at a 
crossroad. We must continue to bring a clear vision of the physics we are doing and hope 
to be doing framed in a coherent across the board program to the funding agencies, Congress, 
and the public.