Before being appointed under the Bush Cabinet, he was a member of President Ronald Reagan 's White House Science Council. While serving as Bush's science advisor from 1989 to 1993, he pushed for major increases in scientific research funding so that the United States could compete with Japan and Germany in manufacturing. He also supported the expansion of the high-speed network which eventually became the Internet. In addition he is known for having played a key role in impeding progress toward international action on climate change at the Noordwijk Climate Conference. During the final negotiation, Bromley, urged by White House Chief of Staff John Sununu, convinced the conference to abandon the commitment to freeze emissions.