[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H5417-H5424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1997

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1273) to authorize 
appropriations for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 for the National Science 
Foundation, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Senate amendment:
       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act of 1998''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
     the National Science Foundation established under section 2 
     of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 
     1861).
       (2) Foundation.--The term ``Foundation'' means the National 
     Science Foundation established under section 2 of the 
     National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
       (3) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the National Science 
     Board established under section 2 of the National Science 
     Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861).
       (4) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the 
     several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other 
     territory or possession of the United States.
       (5) National research facility.--The term ``national 
     research facility'' means a research facility funded by the 
     Foundation which is available, subject to appropriate 
     policies allocating access, for use by all scientists and 
     engineers affiliated with research institutions located in 
     the United States.
           TITLE I--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION

     SEC. 101. FINDINGS; CORE STRATEGIES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The United States depends upon its scientific and 
     technological capabilities to preserve the military and 
     economic security of the United States.
       (2) America's leadership in the global marketplace is 
     dependent upon a strong commitment to education, basic 
     research, and development.
       (3) A nation that is not technologically literate cannot 
     compete in the emerging global economy.
       (4) A coordinated commitment to mathematics and science 
     instruction at all levels of education

[[Page H5418]]

     is a necessary component of successful efforts to produce 
     technologically literate citizens.
       (5) Professional development is a necessary component of 
     efforts to produce system wide improvements in mathematics, 
     engineering, and science education in secondary, elementary, 
     and postsecondary settings.
       (6)(A) The mission of the National Science Foundation is to 
     provide Federal support for basic scientific and engineering 
     research, and to be a primary contributor to mathematics, 
     science, and engineering education at academic institutions 
     in the United States.
       (B) In accordance with such mission, the long-term goals of 
     the National Science Foundation include providing leadership 
     to--
       (i) enable the United States to maintain a position of 
     world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, 
     engineering, and technology;
       (ii) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, and 
     application of new knowledge in service to society; and
       (iii) achieve excellence in United States science, 
     mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all 
     levels.
       (b) Core Strategies.--In carrying out activities designed 
     to achieve the goals described in subsection (a), the 
     Foundation shall use the following core strategies:
       (1) Develop intellectual capital, both people and ideas, 
     with particular emphasis on groups and regions that 
     traditionally have not participated fully in science, 
     mathematics, and engineering.
       (2) Strengthen the scientific infrastructure by investing 
     in facilities planning and modernization, instrument 
     acquisition, instrument design and development, and shared-
     use research platforms.
       (3) Integrate research and education through activities 
     that emphasize and strengthen the natural connections between 
     learning and inquiry.
       (4) Promote partnerships with industry, elementary and 
     secondary schools, community colleges, colleges and 
     universities, other agencies, State and local governments, 
     and other institutions involved in science, mathematics, and 
     engineering to enhance the delivery of math and science 
     education and improve the technological literacy of the 
     citizens of the United States.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Fiscal Year 1998.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $3,505,630,000 for fiscal year 1998.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $2,576,200,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Research and Related Activities, of which--
       (i) $370,820,000 shall be made available for Biological 
     Sciences;
       (ii) $289,170,000 shall be made available for Computer and 
     Information Science and Engineering;
       (iii) $360,470,000 shall be made available for Engineering;
       (iv) $455,110,000 shall be made available for Geosciences;
       (v) $715,710,000 shall be made available for Mathematical 
     and Physical Sciences;
       (vi) $130,660,000 shall be made available for Social, 
     Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, of which up to $1,000,000 
     may be made available for the United States-Mexico Foundation 
     for Science;
       (vii) $165,930,000 shall be made available for United 
     States Polar Research Programs;
       (viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available for United 
     States Antarctic Logistical Support Activities;
       (ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available for the Critical 
     Technologies Institute; and
       (x) $23,000,000 shall be made available for the Next 
     Generation Internet program;
       (B) $632,500,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Education and Human Resources Activities;
       (C) $155,130,000 shall be made available for Major Research 
     Equipment;
       (D) $136,950,000 shall be made available for Salaries and 
     Expenses; and
       (E) $4,850,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.
       (b) Fiscal Year 1999.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $3,773,000,000 for fiscal year 1999.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $2,846,800,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Research and Related Activities, of which--
       (i) $417,820,000 shall be made available for Biological 
     Sciences;
       (ii) $331,140,000 shall be made available for Computer and 
     Information Science and Engineering, including $25,000,000 
     for the Next Generation Internet program;
       (iii) $400,550,000 shall be made available for Engineering;
       (iv) $507,310,000 shall be made available for Geosciences;
       (v) $792,030,000 shall be made available for Mathematical 
     and Physical Sciences;
       (vi) $150,260,000 shall be made available for Social, 
     Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, of which up to $2,000,000 
     may be made available for the United States-Mexico Foundation 
     for Science;
       (vii) $182,360,000 shall be made available for United 
     States Polar Research Programs;
       (viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available for United 
     States Antarctic Logistical Support Activities;
       (ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available for the Critical 
     Technologies Institute; and
       (B) $683,000,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Education and Human Resources Activities;
       (C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for Major Research 
     Equipment;
       (D) $144,000,000 shall be made available for Salaries and 
     Expenses; and
       (E) $5,200,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.
       (c) Fiscal Year 2000.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Foundation $3,886,190,000 for fiscal year 2000.
       (2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized under 
     paragraph (1)--
       (A) $2,935,024,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Research and Related Activities, of which up to--
       (i) $2,000,000 may be made available for the U.S.-Mexico 
     Foundation for Science;
       (ii) $25,000,000 may be made available for the Next 
     Generation Internet program;
       (B) $703,490,000 shall be made available to carry out 
     Education and Human Resources Activities;
       (C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for Major Research 
     Equipment;
       (D) $148,320,000 shall be made available for Salaries and 
     Expenses; and
       (E) $5,356,000 shall be made available for the Office of 
     Inspector General.

     SEC. 103. PROPORTIONAL REDUCTION OF RESEARCH AND RELATED 
                   ACTIVITIES AMOUNTS.

       If the amount appropriated pursuant to section 102(a)(2)(A) 
     or (b)(2)(A) is less than the amount authorized under that 
     paragraph, the amount available for each scientific 
     directorate under that paragraph shall be reduced by the same 
     proportion.

     SEC. 104. CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION EXPENSES.

       From appropriations made under authorizations provided in 
     this Act, not more than $10,000 may be used in each fiscal 
     year for official consultation, representation, or other 
     extraordinary expenses. The Director shall have the 
     discretion to determine the expenses (as described in this 
     section) for which the funds described in this section shall 
     be used. Such a determination by the Director shall be final 
     and binding on the accounting officers of the Federal 
     Government.

     SEC. 105. UNITED STATES MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAM 
                   LIMITATION.

       No funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be used 
     for the United States Man and the Biosphere Program, or 
     related projects.
                      TITLE II--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 201. NATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITIES.

       (a) Facilities Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than December 1, of each year, 
     the Director shall, as part of the annual budget request, 
     prepare and submit to Congress a plan for the proposed 
     construction of, and repair and upgrades to, national 
     research facilities.
       (2) Contents of the plan.--The plan shall include--
       (A) estimates of the costs for the construction, repairs, 
     and upgrades described in paragraph (1);
       (B) estimates of the costs for the operation and 
     maintenance of existing and proposed new facilities; and
       (C) in the case of proposed new construction and for major 
     upgrades to existing facilities, funding profiles, by fiscal 
     year, and milestones for major phases of the construction.
       (3) Special rule.--The plan shall include cost estimates in 
     the categories of construction, repair, and upgrades--
       (A) for the year in which the plan is submitted to 
     Congress; and
       (B) for not fewer than the succeeding 4 years.
       (b) Status of Facilities Under Construction.--The plan 
     required under subsection (a) shall include a status report 
     for each uncompleted construction project included in current 
     and previous plans. The status report shall include data on 
     cumulative construction costs by project compared with 
     estimated costs, and shall compare the current and original 
     schedules for achievement of milestones for the major phases 
     of the construction.

     SEC. 202. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS.

       (a) National Science Foundation Act of 1950 Amendments.--
     The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861 
     et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 4(g) (42 U.S.C. 1863(g))--
       (A) by striking ``the appropriate rate provided for 
     individuals in grade GS-18 of the General Schedule under 
     section 5332'' and inserting ``the maximum rate payable under 
     section 5376''; and
       (B) by redesignating the second subsection (k) as 
     subsection (l);
       (2) in section 5(e) (42 U.S.C. 1864(e)) by striking 
     paragraph (2), and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Any delegation of authority or imposition of 
     conditions under paragraph (1) shall be promptly published in 
     the Federal Register and reported to the Committee on Labor 
     and Human Resources, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
     and Transportation, of the Senate and the Committee on 
     Science of the House of Representatives.'';
       (3) in section 14(c) (42 U.S.C. 1873(c))--
       (A) by striking ``shall receive'' and inserting ``shall be 
     entitled to receive'';
       (B) by striking ``the rate specified for the daily rate for 
     GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332'' and 
     inserting ``the maximum rate payable under section 5376''; 
     and
       (C) by adding at the end the following: ``For the purposes 
     of determining the payment of compensation under this 
     subsection, the time spent in travel by any member of the 
     Board or any member of a special commission shall be deemed 
     as time engaged in the business of the Foundation. Members of 
     the Board and members of special commissions may waive 
     compensation and reimbursement for traveling expenses.''; and
       (4) in section 15(a) (42 U.S.C. 1874(a)), by striking 
     ``Atomic Energy Commission'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Energy''.

[[Page H5419]]

       (b) National Science Foundation Authorization Act, 1976 
     Amendments.--Section 6(a) of the National Science Foundation 
     Authorization Act, 1976 (42 U.S.C. 1881a(a)) is amended by 
     striking ``social,'' the first place it appears.
       (c) National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 
     Amendments.--Section 117(a) of the National Science 
     Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1881b(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking paragraph (1)(B)(v) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(v) from schools established outside the several States 
     and the District of Columbia by any agency of the Federal 
     Government for dependents of the employees of such agency.''; 
     and
       (2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``Science and 
     Engineering Education'' and inserting ``Education and Human 
     Resources''.
       (d) Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act 
     Amendments.--The Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 1885 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in section 34 (42 U.S.C. 1885b)--
       (A) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
     following:

 ``participation in science and engineering of minorities and persons 
                          with disabilities'';

     and
       (B) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(b) The Foundation is authorized to undertake or support 
     programs and activities to encourage the participation of 
     persons with disabilities in the science and engineering 
     professions.''; and
       (2) in section 36 (42 U.S.C. 1885c)--
       (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``minorities,'' and all 
     that follows through ``in scientific'' and inserting 
     ``minorities, and persons with disabilities in scientific'';
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) by striking ``with the concurrence of the National 
     Science Board''; and
       (ii) by striking the second sentence and inserting the 
     following: ``In addition, the Chairman of the National 
     Science Board may designate a member of the Board as a member 
     of the Committee.'';
       (C) by striking subsections (c) and (d);
       (D) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) The Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and 
     evaluating all Foundation matters relating to opportunities 
     for the participation in, and the advancement of, women, 
     minorities, and persons with disabilities in education, 
     training, and science and engineering research programs.'';
       (E) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
     (d) and (e), respectively; and
       (F) in subsection (d), as so redesignated by subparagraph 
     (E), by striking ``additional''.
       (e) Technical Amendment.--The second subsection (g) of 
     section 3 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 is 
     repealed.

     SEC. 203. INDIRECT COSTS.

       (a) Matching Funds.--Matching funds required pursuant to 
     section 204(a)(2)(C) of the Academic Research Facilities 
     Modernization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862c(a)(2)(C)) shall 
     not be considered facilities costs for purposes of 
     determining indirect cost rates under Office of Management 
     and Budget Circular A-21.
       (b) Report.--
       (1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy, in consultation with other Federal 
     agencies the Director deems appropriate, shall prepare a 
     report--
       (A) analyzing the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates 
     (as the term is defined in Office of Management and Budget 
     Circular A-21) paid to universities in comparison with 
     Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid to other 
     entities, such as industry, government laboratories, research 
     hospitals, and nonprofit institutions;
       (B)(i) analyzing the distribution of the Federal indirect 
     cost reimbursement rates by category (such as administration, 
     facilities, utilities, and libraries), and by the type of 
     entity; and
       (ii) determining what factors, including the type of 
     research, influence the distribution;
       (C) analyzing the impact, if any, that changes in Office of 
     Management and Budget Circular A-21 have had on--
       (i) the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, the rate 
     of change of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, 
     the distribution by category of the Federal indirect cost 
     reimbursement rates, and the distribution by type of entity 
     of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates; and
       (ii) the Federal indirect cost reimbursement (as calculated 
     in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular 
     A-21), the rate of change of the Federal indirect cost 
     reimbursement, the distribution by category of the Federal 
     indirect cost reimbursement, and the distribution by type of 
     entity of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement;
       (D) analyzing the impact, if any, of Federal and State law 
     on the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates;
       (E)(i) analyzing options to reduce or control the rate of 
     growth of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, 
     including options such as benchmarking of facilities and 
     equipment cost, elimination of cost studies, mandated 
     percentage reductions in the Federal indirect cost 
     reimbursement; and
       (ii) assessing the benefits and burdens of the options to 
     the Federal Government, research institutions, and 
     researchers; and
       (F) analyzing options for creating a database--
       (i) for tracking the Federal indirect cost reimbursement 
     rates and the Federal indirect cost reimbursement; and
       (ii) for analyzing the impact that changes in policies with 
     respect to Federal indirect cost reimbursement will have on 
     the Federal Government, researchers, and research 
     institutions.
       (2) Report to congress.--The report prepared under 
     paragraph (1) shall be submitted to Congress not later than 1 
     year after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 204. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

       Persons temporarily employed by or at the Foundation shall 
     be subject to the same financial disclosure requirements and 
     related sanctions under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 
     (5 U.S.C. App.) as are permanent employees of the Foundation 
     in equivalent positions.

     SEC. 205. NOTICE.

       (a) Notice of Reprogramming.--If any funds appropriated 
     pursuant to the amendments made by this Act are subject to a 
     reprogramming action that requires notice to be provided to 
     the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House 
     of Representatives, notice of that action shall concurrently 
     be provided to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Labor and 
     Human Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Science 
     of the House of Representatives.
       (b) Notice of Reorganization.--Not later than 15 days 
     before any major reorganization of any program, project, or 
     activity of the National Science Foundation, the Director of 
     the National Science Foundation shall provide notice to the 
     Committees on Science and Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committees on Commerce, Science and 
     Transportation, Labor and Human Resources of the Senate, and 
     Appropriations of the Senate.

     SEC. 206. ENHANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Educationally useful federal equipment.--The term 
     ``educationally useful Federal equipment'' means computers 
     and related peripheral tools and research equipment that is 
     appropriate for use in schools.
       (2) School.--The term ``school'' means a public or private 
     educational institution that serves any of the grades of 
     kindergarten through grade 12.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--
       (1) In general.--It is the sense of the Congress that the 
     Director should, to the greatest extent practicable and in a 
     manner consistent with applicable Federal law (including 
     Executive Order No. 12999), donate educationally useful 
     Federal equipment to schools in order to enhance the science 
     and mathematics programs of those schools.
       (2) Reports.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director 
     shall prepare and submit to the President a report that meets 
     the requirements of this paragraph. The President shall 
     submit that report to Congress at the same time as the 
     President submits a budget request to Congress under section 
     1105(a) of title 31, United States Code.
       (B) Contents of report.--The report prepared by the 
     Director under this paragraph shall describe any donations of 
     educationally useful Federal equipment to schools made during 
     the period covered by the report.

      SEC. 207. REPORT ON RESERVIST EDUCATION ISSUES.

       (a) Convening Appropriate Representatives.--The Director of 
     the National Science Foundation, with the assistance of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall convene 
     appropriate officials of the Federal Government and 
     appropriate representatives of the postsecondary education 
     community and of members of reserve components of the Armed 
     Forces for the purpose of discussing and seeking a consensus 
     on the appropriate resolution to problems relating to the 
     academic standing and financial responsibilities of 
     postsecondary students called or ordered to active duty in 
     the Armed Forces.
       (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the 
     National Science Foundation shall transmit to the Congress a 
     report summarizing the results of the convening individuals 
     under subsection (a), including any consensus recommendations 
     resulting therefrom as well as any significant opinions 
     expressed by each participant that are not incorporated in 
     such a consensus recommendation.

     SEC. 208. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY INSTITUTE.

       (a) Amendment.--Section 822 of the National Defense 
     Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (42 U.S.C. 6686) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``Critical Technologies Institute'' in the 
     section heading and in subsection (a), and inserting in lieu 
     thereof ``Science and Technology Policy Institute'';
       (2) in subsection (b) by striking ``As determined by the 
     chairman of the committee referred to in subsection (c), 
     the'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``The'';
       (3) by striking subsection (c), and redesignating 
     subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (c), (d), 
     (e), and (f), respectively;
       (4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated by paragraph (3) 
     of this subsection--
       (A) by inserting ``science and'' after ``developments and 
     trends in'' in paragraph (1);
       (B) by striking ``with particular emphasis on'' in 
     paragraph (1) and inserting ``including'';
       (C) by inserting ``and developing and maintaining relevant 
     informational and analytical tools'' before the period at the 
     end of paragraph (1);
       (D) by striking ``to determine'' and all that follows 
     through ``technology policies'' in paragraph (2) and 
     inserting ``with particular attention to the scope and 
     content of the Federal science and technology research and 
     development portfolio as it affects interagency and national 
     issues'';
       (E) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:

[[Page H5420]]

       ``(3) Initiation of studies and analysis of alternatives 
     available for ensuring the long-term strength of the United 
     States in the development and application of science and 
     technology, including appropriate roles for the Federal 
     Government, State governments, private industry, and 
     institutions of higher education in the development and 
     application of science and technology.'';
       (F) by inserting ``science and'' after ``Executive branch 
     on'' in paragraph (4)(A); and
       (G) by amending paragraph (4)(B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) to the interagency committees and panels of the 
     Federal Government concerned with science and technology.'';
       (5) by striking ``subsection (d)'' in subsection (d), as 
     redesignated by paragraph (3) of this subsection, and 
     inserting in lieu thereof ``subsection (c)'';
       (6) by striking ``Committee'' in each place it appears in 
     subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of this 
     subsection, and inserting ``Institute'';
       (7) by striking ``subsection (d)'' in subsection (f), as 
     redesignated by paragraph (3) of this subsection, and 
     inserting in lieu thereof ``subsection (c)''; and
       (8) by striking ``Chairman of Committee'' each place it 
     appears in subsection (f), as designated by paragraph (3) of 
     this subsection, and inserting ``Director of Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy''.
       (b) Conforming Usage.--All references in Federal law or 
     regulations to the Critical Technologies Institute shall be 
     considered to be references to the Science and Technology 
     Policy Institute.

     SEC. 209. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM.

       With the year 2000 fast approaching, it is the sense of 
     Congress that the Foundation should--
       (1) give high priority to correcting all 2-digit date-
     related problems in its computer systems to ensure that those 
     systems continue to operate effectively in the year 2000 and 
     beyond;
       (2) assess immediately the extent of the risk to the 
     operations of the Foundation posed by the problems referred 
     to in paragraph (1), and plan and budget for achieving Year 
     2000 compliance for all of its mission-critical systems; and
       (3) develop contingency plans for those systems that the 
     Foundation is unable to correct in time.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie 
Bernice Johnson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. 
Sensenbrenner).
  (Mr. Sensenbrenner asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1273, the National Science Foundation Authorization 
Act of 1998 and 1999, authorizes the Foundation's programs for fiscal 
years 1998, 1999, and 2000. This is a noncontroversial bill that was 
favorably reported by voice vote by the Committee on Science on April 
16, 1997, and later passed the full House under suspension of the rules 
on April 24, 1997. The present version of H.R. 1273 is the product of 
negotiations with the Senate, which passed the bill on a vote of 99-0 
on May 12, 1998.
  The National Science Foundation provides funding to over 19,000 
research and education projects in science and engineering annually. It 
does this through competitive grants and cooperative agreements to more 
than 2,000 colleges, universities, K-12 schools, businesses, and other 
research institutions in all parts of the United States. Although the 
Foundation's budget represents only 4 percent of Federal research and 
development funding, the Foundation accounts for more than 25 percent 
of Federal support to academic institutions for basic research.
  This 3-year authorization improves our investment in America by 
strengthening our commitment to basic research. It authorizes $3.5 
billion for fiscal year 1998, $3.8 billion for fiscal year 1999, and 
nearly $3.9 billion for fiscal year 2000. The bill received bipartisan 
support in the Committee on Science and demonstrates the Committee's 
belief that the support of basic research will help America maintain 
its lead in cutting-edge science and engineering. It is the kinds of 
research that the NSF funds through which we will make the fundamental 
discoveries which will become the economic drivers of the 21st century.
  The Research and Related Activities account is NSF's primary account 
and provides the resources for a broad portfolio of science and 
engineering activities. For fiscal year 1999, H.R. 1273 provides for 
$2.57 billion for this account, a 10-percent increase over 1998. For 
fiscal year 2000, the bill provides a further $2.9 billion.
  This legislation also follows through on the Committee on Science's 
commitment to improve math and science education. H.R. 1273 authorizes 
$632 million for Fiscal Year 1998, $683 million for Fiscal Year 1999, 
and $703 million for Fiscal Year 2000 for NSF's Education and Human 
Resources Directorate, which funds education programs. To hold down 
administrative costs, the bill holds the salaries and expense account 
of NSF to approximately 2 percent growth in Fiscal Years 1998, 1999, 
and 2000.
  I want to take a moment to thank the acting chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Basic Research, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. 
Pickering); the former ranking minority member of the subcommittee, the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia); and the current ranking minority 
member, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson); and the 
ranking minority member of the full committee, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Brown), for their efforts and support in crafting a 
truly bipartisan bill.
  Before closing, I would like to express my appreciation and respect 
for all the hard work performed on this bill by the late former 
chairman of the Subcommittee on Basic Research, Congressman Steve 
Schiff, who passed away earlier this year.
  H.R. 1273 is the product of Mr. Schiff's dedication to improving 
America's scientific and technological prowess. Steve was a true 
patriot who served our country both as an elected official and as a 
member of the Armed Forces. As this bill demonstrates, Steve Schiff was 
also an excellent legislator. The Committee on Science and the whole 
Congress will miss his intelligence, wit, and his diligence.
  I believe that H.R. 1237 is an outstanding bill and urge all Members 
on both sides of the aisle to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1273, which authorizes the 
programs of the National Science Foundation through Fiscal Year 2000.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation is the only Federal 
agency with the sole mission to support basic research and engineering 
research and education in the Nation's schools, colleges, and 
universities. It signals strong support for the key role of the 
Foundation in developing and sustaining the academic research 
enterprise of the Nation. It is consistent with the importance of 
scientific and engineering research and education as a public 
investment that contributes to the Nation's economic strength and to 
the well-being of our citizens.
  The National Science Foundation programs support research in science 
and engineering, the operation of national research facilities, the 
acquisition of state-of-the-art scientific instruments, and science 
education at all levels of instruction. These wide-ranging activities 
underpin the technological strength of the Nation through both the 
generation of new knowledge and the education of scientists and 
engineers. Moreover, through its initiatives in K-12 science education, 
the National Science Foundation contributes to the important goal of 
improving the level of science literacy for all citizens.
  In light of the National Science Foundation's important role, I am 
pleased that H.R. 1273 endorses the President's request for a 10-
percent budget increase for Fiscal Year 1999 and growth above inflation 
for Fiscal Year 2000. This funding level would provide real growth for 
sustaining the Foundation's core research activities in the major 
science and engineering disciplines which support individual 
investigators and interdisciplinary research teams.
  In addition, H.R. 1273 will allow the Foundation to pursue new 
initiatives in such areas as knowledge and distributed intelligence and 
the complex interdependencies among living organisms and the 
environments that affect and are affected by them.
  In terms of sustaining the human resource base for research in the 
Nation's colleges and universities, H.R. 1273 will provide support for 
nearly 27,000 senior scientists, 5,500 postdoctoral researchers, and 
over 21,000 graduate students.

[[Page H5421]]

  Mr. Speaker, the research investments made by the Foundation generate 
the new knowledge that fuels the Nation's technological innovation and, 
consequently, our economic strength of the future. I would like to 
describe some recent examples that show the breadth and potential 
technological value of results from the Foundation's sponsored 
research.
  The Foundation-supported scientists are participating in the 
sequencing of the genome for a model flowering plant. A coordinated 
network of databases has been established to facilitate study of the 
sequence information. Discoveries to date have included understanding 
of how to reduce polyunsaturation in seed oils and how to produce 
biodegradable plastic in crop plants.
  Researchers at MIT recently created the first atomic laser, a device 
that creates coherence among atoms, much like the photons in a light 
laser. This allows the control group of atoms which can be focused to a 
point or moved over large distances without spreading out. Atomic 
lasers may one day be used to fabricate extremely small electronic 
components that will form the basis for highly efficient navigation and 
communication devices.
  Forecasting techniques for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms 
currently can provide only 30 minutes' warning. Researchers at the 
University of the Oklahoma have now developed a computer model that has 
for the first time successfully predicted the location and structure of 
individual storms up to 6 hours in advance before the storms had begun 
to form. This forecasting tool has great promise for providing 
protection for lives and families.
  National Science Foundation support for a wide range of research has 
led to new ways to exploit the physical, chemical, and biological 
properties of small groups of molecules. The discovery of novel 
phenomena and processes at this so-called ``nano'' scale have led to 
minuscule transistors that use less energy; tiny medical probes that 
will not damage tissue; improved computer disk-drive heads to boost 
data storage density; and new ceramic, polymer and other materials with 
special properties.
  In addition to supporting basic research, the National Science 
Foundation's programs help to educate the next generation of 
scientists, engineers and technicians, and improve science education 
for all K-12 students. These outcomes are achieved through a wide range 
of activities, including graduate student support, research experiences 
for undergraduates, development of curricular materials for science 
courses at all levels of instruction, development of educational 
applications of computer and communication technologies, and in-service 
training for K-12 teachers.
  The goals of the Foundation's effort to heighten the achievement of 
all students in science and math are particularly important. The 
approach now being emphasized has been through partnerships that the 
Foundation has instituted with States and local school systems to 
reform math and science instruction and to provide opportunities for 
professional development of teachers.
  I believe that the National Science Foundation Urban Systemic 
Initiative is particularly important in that it focuses on inner city 
school systems, which often have low levels of student performance in 
science and math.
  Finally, the bill provides for several national research facility 
construction projects. In accordance with the recommendation of a 
distinguished panel of experts that review the facilities needs of the 
U.S. Antarctic Program, it authorizes the replacement of South Pole 
Station and needed upgrades at other Antarctic stations. These facility 
upgrades are needed to ensure that U.S. facilities in Antarctica are 
capable of supporting the most advanced research and can provide 
adequate safety for the scientists and support staff who must function 
in this hostile environment.
  H.R. 1237 will provide funding to complete other research facility 
construction projects and to initiate new projects, including the Polar 
Cap Observatory and detectors for the Large Hadron Collider. The bill 
also puts in place new reporting requirements to improve congressional 
oversight of such construction projects.
  I want to acknowledge the role of our former colleague, the late 
Representative Steve Schiff, the former chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Basic Research, for his efforts during the first session of this 
Congress to develop H.R. 1273 in a spirit of cooperation. And I also 
want to commend the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the 
chairman of the Committee on Science; and the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Brown), the ranking Democratic Member, for their leadership in 
this important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I fully support H.R. 1273 and urge its approval by the 
House.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Pickering), who is the 
acting chair of the Subcommittee on Basic Research.
  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the leadership and work 
of the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) on this very 
important legislation. I rise to say a few words in support of H.R. 
1273, the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1998.
  Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1273 authorizes the Foundation's programs for 
Fiscal Years 1998, 1999, and 2000. It authorizes over $11 billion for 
fundamental scientific research over the next 3 years.

                              {time}  1430

  It is a bipartisan bill, and I urge all of the Members to support it.
  For the past few months I have had the privilege of serving as the 
acting chairman for the Committee on Science's Subcommittee on Basic 
Research. It has been a tremendous experience, but I cannot take credit 
for this bill. This is Steve Schiff's authorization bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I learned a great deal from the chairman of our 
subcommittee, and I think many of Steve Schiff's priorities can be seen 
in H.R. 1273. I just wanted to take a moment to recognize Congressman 
Schiff for the work he did and, more importantly, for the values for 
which he stood. I would also like to thank our chairman, the gentleman 
from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) again for giving me the opportunity 
of leading the subcommittee as its acting chairman.
  In April of this year at a subcommittee hearing the Director of the 
National Science Foundation stated that 50 percent of our country's 
economic growth in the last 50 years has come from technological 
innovation and the science that supports it. That is why we fund the 
National Science Foundation. We understand that our Nation's economic 
strength 25 years from now depends on our support for science and 
technology today.
  The strong bipartisan support for H.R. 1273 demonstrates that this 
Congress understands and respects the role of the scientist in our 
society. We may not see them in action, but whether it is the growth of 
the Internet or the latest medical breakthrough, we see the results.
  In my home State of Mississippi NSF has played an important role in 
the development of remote sensing in developing the next generation 
Internet and that our three supercomputing research centers through 
NSF's EPSCoR Program, the Mississippi Research Consortium, made up of 
the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Jackson 
State University and the University of Southern Mississippi has done 
great work in areas as diverse as manufacturing polymers, to producing 
new technology for agricultural products, to cutting edge areas such as 
artificial intelligence. Again, we may not see the scientists in 
action, but eventually we see their results in our daily lives.
  Through this bill and through the scientific research and science 
education program supported by the NSF, we demonstrate our commitment 
to advancing science and improving science and math education not just 
in theory, but in the classroom. We show our commitment to using 
biology and chemistry not only to improve our own lives, but also to 
improve our understanding of the world around us as we show our 
commitment to the next generation of Americans by assuring that our 
children will enjoy the economic prosperity that is produced by long-
term dedication to science.
  Mr. Speaker, the National Science Foundation does great work. This is 
an

[[Page H5422]]

excellent bill, and I urge all Members to support it.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 
the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).
  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman 
from Texas for yielding this time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to express my enthusiastic support for the 
legislation before us today. The National Science Foundation is our 
main agency for strengthening our country in science and mathematics 
and technology, from investing in the training of teachers in math and 
science, to promoting outreach programs at our museums and supporting 
path-breaking research at our colleges and universities.
  The impact of the National Science Foundation is particularly evident 
in my district in North Carolina. In the last fiscal year more than 350 
NSF-sponsored grants were awarded to residents of the Research Triangle 
counties of North Carolina. Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina 
State Universities each received more than $11 million for their 
researchers, and together they were awarded $44 million for projects 
selected on their merits, for their scientific excellence and for their 
contribution to the national interest.
  The National Science Foundation, for example, has helped fund Duke 
University research at Cape Hatteras on North Carolina's Outer Banks, 
has helped fund new laser-scanning technology at the University of 
North Carolina, and has supported a program widening educational 
opportunities for rural middle school students in conjunction with 
North Carolina State University.
  I am also particularly proud that the Advanced Technological 
Education Program, a program launched through legislation that I 
initiated 6 years ago, is included in this legislation. The Advanced 
Technological Education Program has allowed NSF to become more involved 
with the community colleges in our country, helping our 2-year schools 
improve their science and math and technology education programs.
  ATE creates a partnership between NSF and the community colleges 
similar to the one that has long been available to 4-year institutions, 
to develop improved curricula and teaching methods and to upgrade this 
country's advanced technology training programs, training at the level 
most of our new good jobs require.
  As our country's educational needs continue to evolve, the role of 2-
year institutions will increase. Quick training and retooling of our 
work force will be vital as we move toward a competitive global 
economy, and the ATE program will help ensure that our educational 
institutions and our students can meet this challenge.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Brown) our distinguished ranking 
member of the full committee.
  (Mr. BROWN of California asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Speaker, I will not take 5 minutes, but 
I do wish to make a brief statement that will hopefully supplement the 
already excellent statements made by all of my colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle. I would point out that the National Science Foundation 
with its programs for support of basic research and education and 
science and engineering has long enjoyed the bipartisan support of 
Congress. This bill, by providing for continued growth will help ensure 
that the Foundation can continue to fulfill that role.


                        tribute to dr. neal lane

  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 
contributions of the outgoing NSF Director, Dr. Neal Lane. Dr. Lane, 
who has served as director since 1993, will soon leave to become the 
President's science advisor and head of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy.
  During his tenure at NSF, Dr. Lane has provided strong leadership and 
has made noteworthy contributions to the Foundation's effectiveness. He 
has worked to improve the process by which priorities are established 
for NSF's major activities and to identify promising cross-disciplinary 
research programs. In addition, he has maintained a wide ranging 
portfolio of programs to strengthen science and engineering education 
in the Nation's schools and institutions of higher education.
  Dr. Lane recognized early on how the new computer and information-
driven world would enable new ways to conduct research and would 
establish new skill requirements for the future workforce. The 
Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence initiative launched under his 
stewardship will lead to Foundation-wide activities focused on 
improving ways to discover, collect, represent, transmit, and apply 
information.

  Similarly, Dr. Lane applied information technology to streamline the 
internal operations of NSF itself. He led the reengineering of the 
major business transactions between NSF and the research community, 
replacing paper-based processes with simpler, more efficient electronic 
transactions using the Internet. Today, more than 80 percent of all NSF 
funding is accomplished by electronic means.
  Also, Dr. Lane is to be commended for assuming the role of a vocal 
champion for U.S. leadership in science and engineering research and 
for his efforts in challenging the research community to see its 
responsibilities in the larger context of societal values and needs. He 
has encouraged scientists and engineers to communicate more effectively 
with the public, which will help to make science more accessible to 
everyone.
  Dr. Lane has left a lasting imprint at NSF, and he will be missed. I 
wish him well as he assumes his new responsibilities in the White House 
for the Nation's research and development enterprise.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from South Carolina (Mr. Sanford).
  Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for 
yielding this time to me.
  I rise not so much in opposition to this authorization, but frankly 
against the appropriation which will come later this week, because it 
seems to me that last year on this House floor, when the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lewis) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) 
offered an amendment to cut $174,000 out of the bill which at that time 
would have studied the reasons people do not run for elected office, of 
which I assume there are many. Basically what they are trying to signal 
to the Science Foundation was that we need a tighter grip on the way 
they spend money; that when people back home think about spending a 
dollar, they really run through a lot of priorities, and they run 
through a lot of interests that they have before they decide on 
actually spending that dollar, and that this organization ought to do 
the same. And so I rise to, in essence, follow up on what they tried to 
do last year in sending a message on the importance of sharpening a 
pencil, because when I look at the grants that have come since then, 
and there are a list of several that have come since then; I look here 
at, as my colleagues know, $210,000 to study ATMs, I look at $17,000 to 
study interactive video-on-demand services for popular videos, I look 
at $220,000 to look at why women smile more than men, and I guess there 
are many reasons there. As my colleagues know, $193,000 to study 
collaborative activity on poker, or $147,000, and I cannot quite figure 
out what this means, but to study how globalization has transformed 
legal consciousness and personal injury in Thailand, or $334,000 to 
study methods for routing pick-up and delivery vehicles in real time, 
or finally, $12,000 to study cheap talk.
  I look at again a little bit more in the way of pencil sharpening 
that it seems to me that needs to be done, that we do have a duty, if 
my colleagues will, to authorize the study of basic sciences in this 
country, but we also have a duty to watch out for the taxpayer, and 
that is why later in this week I will be offering an amendment in the 
appropriations bill to tighten the pencil a little bit because it seems 
to me that some of this at minimum could be done by the private sector.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 
the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Stabenow).
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today to rise in strong 
support of this authorization bill for the National Science Foundation, 
to commend the Chair and ranking members of the committee and the 
subcommittee for their very, very important work. I cannot think of a 
more important subject for the Federal Government to be involved in 
than basic research and the development of technology for the future as 
it relates to

[[Page H5423]]

jobs, our ability to compete in a world economy. The kinds of focuses 
by the National Science Foundation are critical to the quality of life 
of my constituents and all of the families of America. I commend them 
for their work.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend universities in my district: the Michigan 
State University efforts, University of Michigan research efforts, that 
were continually in partnership with NSF to promote the quality of life 
through research that we need to be promoting across this country.
  It is also important, as we all know, to focus on our future 
scientists by promoting quality math and science education, encouraging 
both boys and girls to be focused and to pick math and science 
education as future endeavors. As part of that, it is important that we 
make sure our schools are equipped with technology and the research 
equipment that they need so that we can excite young people about 
science and involve them in the future of math and science, and I want 
to particularly point out to my colleagues a section of the bill that I 
think is important in making sure our schools have that kind of 
equipment and the kind of computers that they need.

                              {time}  1445

  I am very pleased to commend the committee for putting into the bill 
section 206, which provides an encouragement to NSF to donate surplus 
computers and research equipment to our schools.
  I would just speak to the fact that I have been involved in the last 
year and a half in providing wiring through the Internet. We have wired 
almost 50 schools in my district through volunteer efforts to the 
Internet, and we have seen one school in my district, Lansing Sexton 
High School, that has benefited directly from this kind of a donation 
from the Federal Government. The EPA provided enough computers, and 
very high-quality computers, to Lansing Sexton to equip an entire 
computer lab. We now have young people, with wiring done through our 
Net Day and the computers donated through EPA, who are able to work on 
sophisticated equipment and be learning more about math and science and 
technology as a result of that partnership.
  I would encourage NSF as we pass this authorization to work with us 
to provide that kind of equipment to our schools as we look for ways to 
join together to encourage math and science education for the future 
and make sure that our children have the kind of technology that they 
need in the classroom to be prepared.
  This bill is about basic research, it is about developing technology, 
it is about at the same time a focus on our future children and 
developing the skills in math and science that are so critical. I 
commend the committee and urge its adoption.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to 
the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I, too, would like to thank 
the committee and as well thank Dr. Lane for his outstanding leadership 
of the National Science Foundation and to congratulate him as he 
embarks on his new opportunity as adviser to the President on science.
  I also rise in support of this bill, which authorizes funds for the 
National Science Foundation through the year 2000. The National Science 
Foundation provides this Nation with the tools to remain a superpower 
in a world where technology remains supreme. It helps develop new 
technologies, not only on its own, but also through its partnerships 
with other government agencies, like NASA, and as well educational 
institutions and private institutions. I am likewise proud of my 
locally-based institutions, like the University of Houston, the Texas 
Medical Center, Texas Southern University, Houston Baptist College, the 
Houston Community College, Rice University, and many, many others that 
have embellished and bolstered their own science interests and 
activity.
  Additionally, let me acknowledge Dr. Joshua Hill of Texas Southern 
University, who, as we speak, is conducting a science program with high 
school students.
  The National Science Foundation is largely responsible for many of 
the scientific breakthroughs that we currently enjoy in this country. 
In fact, many of our more important scientific achievements started 
with either an experiment in an NSF lab or with an NSF grant to a 
university or a private corporation.
  When this bill was in markup, I am very delighted that my colleagues 
joined me as I amended this particular legislation to provide for a 
provision which asked the Federal Government to do what it can to help 
educate our children. Section 206 is a simple process, but through this 
simple act it encourages the NSF to donate used computer research 
equipment to needy school children. I can assure you that many around 
this country are anxiously waiting for this legislation to pass so this 
wonderful partnership can be established.
  I feel it is a simple solution to a complex problem, the 
underdevelopment of our public school computer and technology 
infrastructure. We cannot expect our children to be prepared for the 
next millennium if we do not have the right equipment to learn on.
  Mr. Speaker, trying to teach children computer science without the 
benefit of a computer is like trying to teach English to children with 
the benefit of vocabulary or books. We must do our part to ensure that 
our children have the opportunity to learn, especially in the areas of 
math and science.
  This year in the House Committee on Science we have heard a myriad of 
testimony during such hearings regarding the undereducation of our 
children in the hard sciences. In fact, it has been disappointing that 
we have not gotten our hands around that issue, and we must, in order 
to be competitive, work on getting our children to that competitive 
level.
  It has gotten to the point that the media fails to report scientific 
breakthroughs, and we discussed that, not because of lack of public 
interest, but often because they feel that the general public will not 
understand the scientific achievement and what it means to them. This I 
think is something we cannot stand for, Mr. Speaker, and I would hope 
that this Congress would very quickly and efficiently pass this 
legislation and move our children along to the 21st Century.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of this bill, which authorized 
funds for the National Science Foundation through the year 2000.
  The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides this Nation with the 
tools to remain a superpower in a world where technology remains 
supreme. It helps develop new technologies, not only on its own, but 
also through its partnerships wit other government agencies, like NASA, 
and with private institutions.
  The NSF is largely responsible for many of the scientific 
breakthroughs that we currently enjoy in this country. In fact, many of 
our more important scientific achievements stared either with an 
experiment in a NSF lab, or with a NSF grant to a university or private 
corporation.
  When this bill was in markup, I was able to amend it to include a 
provision which asks the Federal government to do what it can to help 
educate our children. In this case, through the simple act of donating 
used computer and research equipment to needy schoolchildren.
  I feel it is a simple solution to a complex problem, the under-
development of our public school computer and technology 
infrastructure. We cannot expect our children to be prepared for the 
next millennium if they do not have the right equipment to learn on. 
Ladies and gentlemen, trying to teach children computer science without 
the benefit of a computer is like trying to teach English to children 
without books--utterly impossible.
  We must do our part to ensure that our children have the opportunity 
to learn, especially in the areas of math in science. This year in the 
House Science Committee, we have heard a myriad of testimony during 
hearings regarding the under-education of our youth in the hard 
science. It has gotten to the point that the media fails to report 
scientific breakthroughs, not because of lack of public interest, but 
often because they do not feel that the general public will understand 
the scientific achievement and what it means to them. That is shameful. 
If this Nation intends to remain a world leader, we must do out part to 
educate our children in the ways of the future.
  Here in Congress, we have worked long and hard to rectify this 
problem. We have sought to increase funding for education. We

[[Page H5424]]

have tried to provide targeted discounts to schools and libraries so 
that they can get on the Internet. Those initiatives are controversial, 
but his provision is not. Its costs are low, and its benefits high. In 
short, this is ``good legislation''.
  I encourage you all to vote for this authorization, and invest in our 
future generations.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the House suspend the 
rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 1273.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate amendment was 
concurred in.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________