Re "Congressional Budget Delay Stymies Scientific Research " (news article, Jan. 7):

It will be written that the scientific achievements of the American society in the second half of the 20th century rank with the greatest achievements in human history.

Unfortunately, it appears that it may also be said that this illustrious chapter of American history was terminated by misguided, catastrophic, foreign and fiscal policies in the first administration of the 21st century, which recklessly dissipated the human and intellectual treasure of this country. William A. Cramer

West Lafayette, Ind.

Jan. 8, 2007

The writer is professor of biological sciences at Purdue University.