[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 838 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                 S. 838

    To provide for the appointment of United States Science Envoys.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             April 21, 2009

   Mr. Lugar introduced the following bill; which was read twice and 
             referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
    To provide for the appointment of United States Science Envoys.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) The United States is the world's leader in scientific 
        research and discovery.
            (2) The United States has produced more Nobel Laureates 
        than any other nation, including--
                    (A) 90 of the 192 Nobel Laureates in Medicine;
                    (B) 81 of the 183 Nobel Laureates in Physics;
                    (C) 43 of the 62 Nobel Laureates in Economics; and
                    (D) 59 of the 153 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry.
            (3) Consistent polling and scholarly research has shown 
        that--
                    (A) the nations of the world seek a relationship 
                with the United States that is based on mutual respect; 
                and
                    (B) many of these nations, even nations that 
                disagree with some aspects of United States foreign 
                policy, admire the United States for its leadership in 
                science and technology.
            (4) Science and technology provide an external reference 
        around which nations can converge to foster an atmosphere of 
        cooperation and mutual respect based upon the recognition that 
        advances in science and technology are universally beneficial.
            (5) International scientific cooperation enhances 
        relationships among participating countries by building trust 
        and increasing understanding between countries and cultures 
        through the collaborative nature of scientific dialogues.
            (6) The United States' commitment to technological 
        advances--
                    (A) displays our Nation's commitment to improving 
                lives throughout the world;
                    (B) mitigates some political controversy; and
                    (C) offers other countries a tangible incentive to 
                cooperate with the United States to improve the health 
                and well-being of their citizens.
            (7) Short-term visits from renowned and respected American 
        scientists can dramatically affect the standing of the United 
        States among foreign countries.
            (8) International scientific cooperation--
                    (A) produced successful engagements between United 
                States and Soviet scientists throughout the 1970s and 
                1980s; and
                    (B) assisted United States outreach efforts with 
                the People's Republic of China before official 
                diplomatic ties were fully established.
            (9) Various nongovernmental organizations in the United 
        States have been engaged in international scientific 
        cooperation programs. These organizations include the American 
        Association for the Advancement of Science, the Richard 
        Lounsbery Foundation, and many major United States academic 
        institutions.

SEC. 2. EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.

    (a) In General.--Under the authority, direction, and control of the 
President, the Secretary of State, in accordance with the Mutual 
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.), 
may increase the number of educational and cultural exchange activities 
involving persons from scientific, medicine, research, and academic 
sectors by--
            (1) establishing new programs under that Act; and
            (2) expanding the coverage of existing programs under that 
        Act.
    (b) Scientific Envoy.--The Secretary of State shall appoint United 
States Science Envoys to represent the commitment of the United States 
to collaborate with other countries to promote the advancement of 
science and technology throughout the world based on issues of common 
interest and expertise.
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