President Barack Obama stated that the flu virus outbreak, which has caused a public health emergency in the US, emphasizes the importance of a strong government commitment to scientific research. In a speech to the National Academy of Sciences, Obama discussed the need to allocate 3 percent of the gross domestic product to scientific research. He highlighted the crucial role of the scientific and medical community in addressing public health challenges and emphasized the importance of not allowing the nation to lag behind in research and innovation. Obama reassured the public that the cases of swine flu in the US were not a reason to panic, but the government was keeping a close eye on the situation. The administration described their declaration of a public health emergency as a precautionary measure. The flu has caused 149 deaths in Mexico and has spread to North America and Europe, causing concerns of a potential pandemic. Obama referenced the space race between the US and the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s to emphasize the importance of investing in research. He also pointed out that spending on science as a percentage of GDP has decreased since that time. Obama stated that by aiming to spend more than 3 percent of GDP on science, the United States will surpass the level reached during the space race. This goal includes both public and private investments. Currently, the US spends 2.66 percent of GDP on research and development. Some of the additional spending has been included in the economic stimulus package signed by Obama. In his proposed budget for fiscal year 2010, Obama also recommended making tax credits for business investment in research and development permanent. The White House is emphasizing Obama's achievements as he nears the 100-day mark of his presidency, including his efforts to address global climate change. Obama sees breaking dependence on fossil fuels as a crucial challenge for this generation. The administration has also started a two-day meeting with major world economies to discuss climate change. Obama aims to reduce US emissions by about 15 percent by 2020, primarily through a cap-and-trade system to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large factories. This proposal is a key component of a bill currently being reviewed in Congress. Republicans have expressed disapproval of the cap-and-trade system, labeling it as an indirect energy tax. Additionally, some moderate Democrats are concerned about the potential effects of the plan on jobs and the economy.