The superconducting super collider from a department of energy staff point of view

The U.S. high energy physics community has given highest priority to the creation of a new forefront accelerator facility called the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). A brief description of the proposed facility is presented. The scientific need for the SSC and the DOE mission it supports is described. Progress to date, through the Department of Energy (DOE) review and approval process, is reported. Near term and longer term possible actions are discussed.