[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.
____________________