[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 21, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8954-S8955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. FRIST:
  S. 1407. A bill to authorize appropriations for the Technology 
Administration of the Department of Commerce for fiscal years 2000, 
2001, and 2002, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation.


  technology administration authorization act for fiscal years 2000, 
                             2001, and 2002

 Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to offer a bill to 
authorize the appropriations for the Technology Administration (TA) of 
the Department of Commerce for fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002. This 
bill authorizes funding for activities in the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Technical Information 
Services (NTIS), the Office of Technology Policy (OTP), and the Office 
of Space Commercialization (OSC).
  The Technology Administration is the only federal agency responsible 
for maximizing technology's contribution to America's economic growth, 
and for partnering with industry to improve U.S. industrial 
competitiveness. Because technological progress is the single most 
important factor in our current economic growth, it is important that 
the agency be adequately funded to pursue its missions, even during the 
current era of fiscal constraints. As the pace of technological changes 
accelerates and as the world transitions to a digital economy, we must 
work proactively to ensure that the private sector has the best 
possible tools to compete in this new economy.
  NIST, as the main research laboratory in Technology Administration, 
promotes and strengthens the U.S. economy by collaborating with 
industry to apply new technology, measurement methods, and technical 
standards. In support of the programs in Scientific and Technical 
Research and Services, the bill seeks to increase the authorization 
amounts for fiscal years 2001 and 2002 by 5.5 percent annually, 
consistent with my objective for doubling the aggregate federal funding 
for civilian research over an 11-year period beginning in fiscal year 
2000.
  In keeping with my firm belief that our national commitment to 
technological innovation must include a complete framework that also 
facilitates the realization and commercialization of new technologies 
in the marketplace, the bill also continues to provide funding for two 
NIST programs that have been particularly contentious: the Advanced 
Technology Program (ATP) and the Manufacturing Extension Program (MEP). 
We respond to existing criticisms of ATP with several changes to the 
administration of ATP awards to ensure that the program fulfills its 
originally intended mission. These modifications include provisions to 
ensure that federal funds would not interfere or compete with private 
capital for the commercialization of new technologies, and that these 
funds would benefit primarily small businesses.
  With MEP approaching maturity, the evidence of its success in 
providing technical assistance and advanced

[[Page S8955]]

business practices to help small manufacturers improve their 
competitiveness has been overwhelming. However, as we transition from a 
labor-based to a knowledge-based economy, the function of the 
manufacturing sector will change and its needs will evolve accordingly. 
In anticipation of these changes, the legislation requests the Director 
of NIST to examine these issues closely, and recommend modification or 
expansion of MEP as appropriate.
  NTIS is an agency within Technology Administration that collects, 
archives, and disseminates scientific, technical, and related business 
information produced by or for the federal government. NTIS is required 
to cover its expenses through its revenues. However, the advance of the 
Internet and the convenience of electronic dissemination of information 
freely via agency web sites have severely impacted NTIS's ability to 
sell its products. It is my belief that the agency serves an important 
mission in ensuring the preservation of research results produced from 
federal investment. Yet, prudent fiscal management practice dictates 
that we give serious consideration to the agency and its future. 
Accordingly, the bill reauthorizes additional funding for the agency, 
but only if the Secretary can recommend potential resolutions to the 
issue. We leave open the option of possibly resolving this issue in a 
later bill.
  Through the Technology Administration Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-309), we 
created the Office of Space Commercialization, and for the first time, 
the Office will receive its own funding authorization. As the pace of 
activities to commercialize aspects of space increases, I hope that the 
Office will become a more active participant in the ongoing discussion 
between the government and industry in this strategically important 
market.
  Two other issues that the legislation addresses include the 
commissioning of a study to strengthen and maintain technical expertise 
of the national laboratories, and a study on the role and impact of 
international and domestic technical standards of global commerce. 
These are issues with national impact that I believe we must discuss in 
a timely manner.
  Mr. President, I believe that this authorization bill reflects a 
balance between prudent fiscal policies and wise investment for our 
Nation's future. We have incorporated input from my colleagues in the 
Senate, the House, and the Administration, as well as my constituents, 
and other interested parties. The legislation reaffirms our national 
commitment to maximize technology's contribution to economic growth in 
a responsible manner, while at the same time, prepares us for changes 
ahead as we transition into a knowledge-based economy. It also seeks to 
maintain America's unique technical skills. Therefore, I urge my 
colleagues to support timely passage of this legislation so that we can 
give a clear indication to the American people that we are serious 
about enhancing U.S. competitiveness as we approach the next century, 
and ensuring that our federal investment is well spent.
                                 ______