[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 134 (Tuesday, October 24, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H10622-H10627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ENERGY
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the bill (H.R. 4940) to designate the museum operated by the Secretary
of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the ``American Museum of Science
and Energy'', and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.R. 4940
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
TITLE I--AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ENERGY
SEC. 101. DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND
ENERGY.
(a) In General.--The Museum--
(1) is designated as the ``American Museum of Science and
Energy''; and
(2) shall be the official museum of science and energy of
the United States.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
Museum is deemed to be a reference to the ``American Museum
of Science and Energy''.
(c) Property of the United States.--
(1) In general.--The name ``American Museum of Science and
Energy'' is declared the property of the United States.
(2) Injunction.--Whoever, except as authorized by the
Secretary, uses or reproduces the name ``American Museum of
Science and Energy'', or a facsimile or simulation of such
name in such manner as suggests ``American Museum of Science
and Energy'', may be enjoined from such use or reproduction
at the suit of the Attorney General upon complaint by the
Secretary.
(3) Effect on other rights.--This subsection shall not be
construed to conflict or interfere with established or vested
rights.
SEC. 102. AUTHORITY.
To carry out the activities of the Museum, the Secretary
may--
(1) accept and dispose of any gift, devise, or bequest of
services or property, real or personal, that is--
(A) designated in a written document by the person making
the gift, devise, or bequest as intended for the Museum; and
(B) determined by the Secretary to be suitable and
beneficial for use by the Museum;
(2) operate a retail outlet on the premises of the Museum
for the purpose of selling or distributing items (including
mementos, food, educational materials, replicas, and
literature) that are--
(A) relevant to the contents of the Museum; and
(B) informative, educational, and tasteful;
(3) collect reasonable fees where feasible and appropriate;
(4) exhibit, perform, display, and publish materials and
information of or relating to the Museum in any media or
place;
(5) consistent with guidelines approved by the Secretary,
lease space on the premises of the Museum at reasonable rates
and for uses consistent with such guidelines; and
(6) use the proceeds of activities authorized under this
section to pay the costs of the Museum.
SEC. 103. MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS.
(a) Authority To Use Volunteers.--The Secretary may
recruit, train, and accept the services of individuals or
entities as volunteers for services or activities related to
the Museum.
(b) Status of Volunteers.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
service by a volunteer under subsection (a) shall not be
considered Federal employment.
(2) Exceptions.--
(A) Federal tort claims act.--For purposes of chapter 171
of title 28, United States Code, a volunteer under subsection
(a) shall be treated as an employee of the government (as
defined in section 2671 of that title).
(B) Compensation for work injuries.--For purposes of
subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, a
volunteer described in subsection (a) shall be treated as an
employee (as defined in section 8101 of title 5, United
States Code).
(c) Compensation.--A volunteer under subsection (a) shall
serve without pay, but may receive nominal awards and
reimbursement for incidental expenses, including expenses for
a uniform or transportation in furtherance of Museum
activities.
SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title:
(1) Museum.--The term ``Museum'' means the museum operated
by the Secretary of Energy and located at 300 South Tulane
Avenue in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy or a designated representative of the Secretary.
TITLE II--NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Act''.
SEC. 202. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Information technology will continue to change the way
Americans live, learn, and work. The information revolution
will improve the workplace and the quality and accessibility
of health care and education and make Government more
responsible and accessible. It is important that access to
information technology be available to all citizens,
including elderly Americans and Americans with disabilities.
(2) Information technology is an imperative enabling
technology that contributes to scientific disciplines. Major
advances in biomedical research, public safety, engineering,
and other critical areas depend on further advances in
computing and communications.
(3) The United States is the undisputed global leader in
information technology.
(4) Information technology is recognized as a catalyst for
economic growth and prosperity.
(5) Information technology represents one of the fastest
growing sectors of the United States economy, with electronic
commerce alone projected to become a trillion-dollar business
by 2005.
(6) Businesses producing computers, semiconductors,
software, and communications equipment account for one-third
of the total growth in the United States economy since 1992.
(7) According to the United States Census Bureau, between
1993 and 1997, the information technology sector grew an
average of 12.3 percent per year.
(8) Fundamental research in information technology has
enabled the information revolution.
(9) Fundamental research in information technology has
contributed to the creation of new industries and new, high-
paying jobs.
(10) Our Nation's well-being will depend on the
understanding, arising from fundamental research, of the
social and economic benefits and problems arising from the
increasing pace of information technology transformations.
(11) Scientific and engineering research and the
availability of a skilled workforce are critical to continued
economic growth driven by information technology.
(12) In 1997, private industry provided most of the funding
for research and development in the information technology
sector. The information technology sector now receives, in
absolute terms, one-third of all corporate spending on
research and development in the United States economy.
(13) The private sector tends to focus its spending on
short-term, applied research.
(14) The Federal Government is uniquely positioned to
support long-term fundamental research.
(15) Federal applied research in information technology has
grown at almost twice the rate of Federal basic research
since 1986.
(16) Federal science and engineering programs must increase
their emphasis on long-term, high-risk research.
(17) Current Federal programs and support for fundamental
research in information technology is inadequate if we are to
maintain the Nation's global leadership in information
technology.
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) National Science Foundation.--Section 201(b) of the
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be
appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';
(2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
$580,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; $699,300,000 for fiscal
year 2001; $728,150,000 for fiscal year 2002; $801,550,000
for fiscal year 2003; and $838,500,000 for fiscal year 2004.
Amounts authorized under this subsection shall be the total
amounts authorized to the National Science Foundation for a
fiscal year for the Program, and shall not be in addition to
amounts previously authorized by law for the purposes of the
Program.''.
(b) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--Section
202(b) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15
U.S.C. 5522(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be
appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';
(2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
$164,400,000 for fiscal year 2000; $201,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001; $208,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; $224,000,000
for fiscal year 2003; and $231,000,000 for fiscal year
2004.''.
[[Page H10623]]
(c) Department of Energy.--Section 203(e)(1) of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523(e)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
$119,500,000 for fiscal year 2000; $175,000,000 for fiscal
year 2001; $183,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; $193,000,000
for fiscal year 2003; and $203,000,000 for fiscal year
2004.''.
(d) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--(1)
Section 204(d)(1) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)(1)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(B) by striking ``1996; and'' and inserting ``1996;
$9,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; $9,500,000 for fiscal year
2001; $10,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; $16,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003; and $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
and''.
(2) Section 204(d) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)) is amended by striking ``From sums
otherwise authorized to be appropriated, there'' and
inserting ``There''.
(e) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.--
Section 204(d)(2) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
$13,500,000 for fiscal year 2000; $13,900,000 for fiscal year
2001; $14,300,000 for fiscal year 2002; $14,800,000 for
fiscal year 2003; and $15,200,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
(f) Environmental Protection Agency.--Section 205(b) of the
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5525(b)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be
appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';
(2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
(3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;
$4,200,000 for fiscal year 2000; $4,300,000 for fiscal year
2001; $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; $4,600,000 for fiscal
year 2003; and $4,700,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
(g) National Institutes of Health.--Title II of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 205 the following new
section:
``SEC. 205A. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES.
``(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the National Institutes of Health shall
conduct research directed toward the advancement and
dissemination of computational techniques and software tools
in support of its mission of biomedical and behavioral
research.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services for the purposes of the Program $223,000,000
for fiscal year 2000, $233,000,000 for fiscal year 2001,
$242,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $250,000,000 for fiscal
year 2003, and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
SEC. 204. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) National Science Foundation.--Section 201 of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development.--(1) Of the amounts authorized under subsection
(b), $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $421,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001, $442,000,000 for fiscal year 2002,
$486,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $515,000,000 for
fiscal year 2004 shall be available for grants for long-term
basic research on networking and information technology, with
priority given to research that helps address issues related
to high end computing and software; network stability,
fragility, reliability, security (including privacy and
counterinitiatives), and scalability; and the social and
economic consequences (including the consequences for
healthcare) of information technology.
``(2) In each of the fiscal years 2000 and 2001, the
National Science Foundation shall award under this subsection
up to 25 large grants of up to $1,000,000 each, and in each
of the fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004, the National
Science Foundation shall award under this subsection up to 35
large grants of up to $1,000,000 each.
``(3)(A) Of the amounts described in paragraph (1),
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $45,000,000 for fiscal year
2001, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $55,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 shall
be available for grants of up to $5,000,000 each for
Information Technology Research Centers.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `Information
Technology Research Centers' means groups of six or more
researchers collaborating across scientific and engineering
disciplines on large-scale long-term research projects which
will significantly advance the science supporting the
development of information technology or the use of
information technology in addressing scientific issues of
national importance.
``(d) Major Research Equipment.--(1) In addition to the
amounts authorized under subsection (b), there are authorized
to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation
$70,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $70,000,000 for fiscal year
2001, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $80,000,000 for
fiscal year 2003, and $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 for
grants for the development of major research equipment to
establish terascale computing capabilities at one or more
sites and to promote diverse computing architectures. Awards
made under this subsection shall provide for support for the
operating expenses of facilities established to provide the
terascale computing capabilities, with funding for such
operating expenses derived from amounts available under
subsection (b).
``(2) Grants awarded under this subsection shall be awarded
through an open, nationwide, peer-reviewed competition.
Awardees may include consortia consisting of members from
some or all of the following types of institutions:
``(A) Academic supercomputer centers.
``(B) State-supported supercomputer centers.
``(C) Supercomputer centers that are supported as part of
federally funded research and development centers.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, regulation, or
agency policy, a federally funded research and development
center may apply for a grant under this subsection, and may
compete on an equal basis with any other applicant for the
awarding of such a grant.
``(3) As a condition of receiving a grant under this
subsection, an awardee must agree--
``(A) to connect to the National Science Foundation's
Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure
network;
``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, to coordinate with
other federally funded large-scale computing and simulation
efforts; and
``(C) to provide open access to all grant recipients under
this subsection or subsection (c).
``(e) Information Technology Education and Training
Grants.--
``(1) Information technology grants.--The National Science
Foundation shall provide grants under the Scientific and
Advanced Technology Act of 1992 for the purposes of section
3(a) and (b) of that Act, except that the activities
supported pursuant to this paragraph shall be limited to
improving education in fields related to information
technology. The Foundation shall encourage institutions with
a substantial percentage of student enrollments from groups
underrepresented in information technology industries to
participate in the competition for grants provided under this
paragraph.
``(2) Internship grants.--The National Science Foundation
shall provide--
``(A) grants to institutions of higher education to
establish scientific internship programs in information
technology research at private sector companies; and
``(B) supplementary awards to institutions funded under the
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program for
internships in information technology research at private
sector companies.
``(3) Matching funds.--Awards under paragraph (2) shall be
made on the condition that at least an equal amount of
funding for the internship shall be provided by the private
sector company at which the internship will take place.
``(4) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given
that term in section 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a)).
``(5) Availability of funds.--Of the amounts described in
subsection (c)(1), $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000,
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $20,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $25,000,000 for
fiscal year 2004 shall be available for carrying out this
subsection.
``(f) Educational Technology Research.--
``(1) Research program.--As part of its responsibilities
under subsection (a)(1), the National Science Foundation
shall establish a research program to develop, demonstrate,
assess, and disseminate effective applications of information
and computer technologies for elementary and secondary
education. Such program shall--
``(A) support research projects, including collaborative
projects involving academic researchers and elementary and
secondary schools, to develop innovative educational
materials, including software, and pedagogical approaches
based on applications of information and computer technology;
``(B) support empirical studies to determine the
educational effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of
specific, promising educational approaches, techniques, and
materials that are based on applications of information and
computer technologies; and
``(C) include provision for the widespread dissemination of
the results of the studies carried out under subparagraphs
(A) and (B), including maintenance of electronic libraries of
the best educational materials identified accessible through
the Internet.
``(2) Replication.--The research projects and empirical
studies carried out under paragraph (1)(A) and (B) shall
encompass a wide variety of educational settings in order to
identify approaches, techniques, and materials that have a
high potential for being successfully replicated throughout
the United States.
``(3) Availability of funds.--Of the amounts authorized
under subsection (b), $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000,
$10,500,000 for fiscal year 2001, $11,000,000 for fiscal year
2002, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $12,500,000 for
fiscal year 2004 shall be available for the purposes of this
subsection.
``(g) Peer Review.--All grants made under this section
shall be made only after being subject to peer review by
panels or groups having private sector representation.''.
[[Page H10624]]
(b) Other Program Agencies.--
(1) National aeronautics and space administration.--Section
202(a) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15
U.S.C. 5522(a)) is amended by inserting ``, and may
participate in or support research described in section
201(c)(1)'' after ``and experimentation''.
(2) Department of energy.--Section 203(a) of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523(a)) is
amended by striking the period at the end and inserting a
comma, and by adding after paragraph (4) the following:
``conduct an integrated program of research, development, and
provision of facilities to develop and deploy to scientific
and technical users the high performance computing and
collaboration tools needed to fulfill the statutory mission
of the Department of Energy, and may participate in or
support research described in section 201(c)(1).''.
(3) National institute of standards and technology.--
Section 204(a)(1) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``; and''
at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a comma, and by
adding after subparagraph (C) the following:
``and may participate in or support research described in
section 201(c)(1); and''.
(4) National oceanic and atmospheric administration.--
Section 204(a)(2) of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(a)(2)) is amended by inserting ``, and
may participate in or support research described in section
201(c)(1)'' after ``agency missions''.
(5) Environmental protection agency.--Section 205(a) of the
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5525(a)) is
amended by inserting ``, and may participate in or support
research described in section 201(c)(1)'' after ``dynamics
models''.
(6) United states geological survey.--Title II of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521 et seq.) is
amended--
(A) by redesignating sections 207 and 208 as sections 208
and 209, respectively; and
(B) by inserting after section 206 the following new
section:
``SEC. 207. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
``The United States Geological Survey may participate in or
support research described in section 201(c)(1).''.
SEC. 205. NEXT GENERATION INTERNET.
(a) In General.--Section 103(d) of the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
(B) by inserting ``, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and
$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year
2000'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, and $25,000,000 for
fiscal year 2001 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after
``Act of 1998'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
(B) by inserting ``, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year
2000''; and
(4) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
(B) by inserting ``, $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2001, and
$5,500,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year 2000''.
(b) Rural Infrastructure.--Section 103 of the High-
Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513) is amended
by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(e) Rural Infrastructure.--Out of appropriated amounts
authorized by subsection (d), not less than 10 percent of the
total amounts shall be made available to fund research grants
for making high-speed connectivity more accessible to users
in geographically remote areas. The research shall include
investigations of wireless, hybrid, and satellite
technologies. In awarding grants under this subsection, the
administering agency shall give priority to qualified, post-
secondary educational institutions that participate in the
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.''.
(c) Minority and Small College Internet Access.--Section
103 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C.
5513), as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by
adding at the end thereof the following:
``(f) Minority and Small College Internet Access.--Not less
than 5 percent of the amounts made available for research
under subsection (d) shall be used for grants to institutions
of higher education that are Hispanic-serving, Native
American, Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan, Historically
Black, or small colleges and universities.''.
(d) Digital Divide Study.--
(1) In general.--The National Academy of Sciences shall
conduct a study to determine the extent to which the Internet
backbone and network infrastructure contribute to the uneven
ability to access to Internet-related technologies and
services by rural and low-income Americans. The study shall
include--
(A) an assessment of the existing geographical penalty (as
defined in section 7(a)(1) of the Next Generation Internet
Research Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 5501 nt.)) and its impact on
all users and their ability to obtain secure and reliable
Internet access;
(B) a review of all current federally funded research to
decrease the inequity of Internet access to rural and low-
income users; and
(C) an estimate of the potential impact of Next Generation
Internet research institutions acting as aggregators and
mentors for nearby smaller or disadvantaged institutions.
(2) Report.--The National Academy of Sciences shall
transmit a report containing the results of the study and
recommendations required by paragraph (1) to the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to the National Academy of Sciences such
sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.
SEC. 206. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991
(15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively;
(B) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``Advisory Committee.--'';
and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) In addition to the duties outlined in paragraph (1),
the advisory committee shall conduct periodic evaluations of
the funding, management, implementation, and activities of
the Program, the Next Generation Internet program, and the
Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development program, and shall report not less frequently
than once every 2 fiscal years to the Committee on Science of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on its findings and
recommendations. The first report shall be due within 1 year
after the date of the enactment of the Networking and
Information Technology Research and Development Act.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1)(A) and (2), by inserting ``,
including the Next Generation Internet program and the
Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development program'' after ``Program'' each place it
appears.
SEC. 207. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Section 103 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991
(15 U.S.C. 5513), as amended by section 205 of this title, is
further amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and
(d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively, and by
inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
``(b) Report to Congress.--
``(1) Requirement.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall conduct a study of the issues described in
paragraph (3), and not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of the Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act, shall transmit to the Congress
a report including recommendations to address those issues.
Such report shall be updated annually for 6 additional years.
``(2) Consultation.--In preparing the reports under
paragraph (1), the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall consult with the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, and such other Federal agencies and educational
entities as the Director of the National Science Foundation
considers appropriate.
``(3) Issues.--The reports shall--
``(A) identify the current status of high-speed, large
bandwidth capacity access to all public elementary and
secondary schools and libraries in the United States;
``(B) identify how high-speed, large bandwidth capacity
access to the Internet to such schools and libraries can be
effectively utilized within each school and library;
``(C) consider the effect that specific or regional
circumstances may have on the ability of such institutions to
acquire high-speed, large bandwidth capacity access to
achieve universal connectivity as an effective tool in the
education process; and
``(D) include options and recommendations for the various
entities responsible for elementary and secondary education
to address the challenges and issues identified in the
reports.''.
SEC. 208. STUDY OF ACCESSIBILITY TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Section 201 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991
(15 U.S.C. 5524), as amended by sections 3(a) and 4(a) of
this Act, is amended further by inserting after subsection
(g) the following new subsection:
``(h) Study of Accessibility to Information Technology.--
``(1) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of the Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act, the Director of the National
Science Foundation, in consultation with the National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, shall
enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council
of the National Academy of Sciences for that Council to
conduct a study of accessibility to information technologies
by individuals who are elderly, individuals who are elderly
with a disability, and individuals with disabilities.
``(2) Subjects.--The study shall address--
``(A) current barriers to access to information
technologies by individuals who are elderly, individuals who
are elderly with a disability, and individuals with
disabilities;
``(B) research and development needed to remove those
barriers;
[[Page H10625]]
``(C) Federal legislative, policy, or regulatory changes
needed to remove those barriers; and
``(D) other matters that the National Research Council
determines to be relevant to access to information
technologies by individuals who are elderly, individuals who
are elderly with a disability, and individuals with
disabilities.
``(3) Transmittal to congress.--The Director of the
National Science Foundation shall transmit to the Congress
within 2 years of the date of the enactment of the Networking
and Information Technology Research and Development Act a
report setting forth the findings, conclusions, and
recommendations of the National Research Council.
``(4) Federal agency cooperation.--Federal agencies shall
cooperate fully with the National Research Council in its
activities in carrying out the study under this subsection.
``(5) Availability of funds.--Funding for the study
described in this subsection shall be available, in the
amount of $700,000, from amounts described in subsection
(c)(1).''.
SEC. 209. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the
Congress a report on the results of a detailed study
analyzing the effects of this title, and the amendments made
by this title, on lower income families, minorities, and
women.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr.
Sensenbrenner).
General Leave
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks on H.R. 4940, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Wisconsin?
There was no objection.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, title I of H.R. 4940 designates the museum operated by
the Secretary of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the American Museum
of Science and Energy and grants ownership of this name to the United
States. It further provides legal remedies for the unauthorized use of
the name.
Title I also authorizes the museum to accept gifts, operate a retail
outlet, and lease space on its premises. In addition, it authorizes the
museum to recruit and train volunteers.
The American Museum of Science and Energy is the second most
frequently visited attraction in the Knoxville metropolitan area. Since
the beginning of operations in 1949, the museum has hosted nearly 10
million visitors from all 50 States and more than 40 foreign countries.
The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitor's Bureau estimates the museum
generates $6 million to $7 million annually in revenue to the
community.
The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) introduced H.R. 4940 on July
24, 2000. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and I would like to
compliment the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) for its
introduction.
H.R. 4940, as amended, also includes a second title. Title II is the
modified text of H.R. 2086, the Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act. The House passed H.R. 2086 by voice vote
on February 15, 2000. The Senate passed it with some minor changes on
September 21, 2000 as a part of another legislative vehicle.
It has strong bipartisan support and has been endorsed by 61
organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Council
of Scientific Society Presidents. I urge the House to pass this
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940. The bill has two parts.
Title I provides for designating an existing museum in Oak Ridge,
Tennessee, as the official American Museum of Science and Energy and
expands the authority of the Secretary of the Energy in Oak Ridge to
include acceptance and sale of any gifts, devices, or property intended
for the museum.
With the new authority, this museum is going to be able to generate
its own revenues by measures such as charging admission, soliciting
corporate sponsors, and keeping the funds generated by the retail
outlet. Therefore, title I will serve to alleviate the financial burden
on Oak Ridge National Laboratory and its contractor, as well as to
promote collaboration with corporate sponsors.
Mr. Speaker, title II of the bill is the Networking and Information
Technology Research and Development Act. This act, which was first
passed by the House unanimously earlier this year, provides for a
coordinated basic research initiative and information technology. It
authorizes the total of nearly $7 billion over 5 years for seven
civilian R&D agencies. The Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act was introduced by the gentleman from
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) with bipartisan cosponsorship; and I am
pleased the committee acted within the spirit of cooperation to further
develop this measure. Several amendments which were proposed by Members
on both sides of the aisle have been incorporated into the bill before
us.
Title II of H.R. 4940 enjoys broad, bipartisan support. I
congratulate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for
his untiring efforts to move it forward toward final passage.
Mr. Speaker, the Information Technology R&D initiative has great
support also from the academic and the industrial research communities
and from a wide range of computer, software, and communications
companies. It also, Mr. Speaker, has been endorsed by broad industry
groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National
Association of Manufacturers, two fine, free enterprises and pro-
business groups.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4940 is a bipartisan bill that would lead
to many societal benefits. It will help ensure that this Nation
continues to maintain economic growth and international competitiveness
in the information economy of the 21st century. I ask for the support
of my colleagues and for its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).
(Mr. WAMP asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940. I would like
to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), the
chairman of the committee; the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert);
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking member; and the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello); and the staff of the Committee
on Science, especially Tom Vanek and Njema Frazier, for their hard work
on the original text of H.R. 4940.
Finally, I would like to thank the entire Tennessee congressional
delegation, especially our dean, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr.
Gordon), for their unanimous support of this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the American Museum of Science and Energy opened in
March of 1949 in Oak Ridge. It is located on 17.4 acres in downtown Oak
Ridge with 53,000 square feet of building constructed in 1975 and
boasts indoor exhibits, a 312-seat auditorium, an 80-seat lecture room,
and a classroom laboratory.
Since the beginning of its operations in 1949, the museum has hosted
nearly 10 million visitors from all 50 States and more than 40 foreign
countries. The highest single day attendance was on November 23, 1969
when 4,308 people saw the moon rocks being studied by scientists at the
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The museum is the second most frequently visited attraction in the
Knoxville metropolitan area. The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors'
Bureau estimates that the museum generates $6 million to $7 million
annually in revenue to the community.
So what is the problem, and why do we need this legislation? Since
its inception, the United States Department of Energy has funded the
museum, but DOE will phase out Federal funding for the operation of the
museum at the end of this fiscal year.
The purpose of this bill is to allow the museum to accept and use
donations, fees, and gifts to offset the costs of operating the
facility. Under current
[[Page H10626]]
law, the funds raised by the foundation board would have to be returned
to the Treasury and not be captured for the operations of the museum.
Similar legislation was passed in 1992 and 1993 in the DOD
authorization bill pertaining to the National Atomic Museum in
Albuquerque, New Mexico that the DOE operates.
Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that this museum bill is now attached to
a much larger bill that might be controversial. But I do support title
II, but this was not my desired path of consideration. I would have
preferred a clean bill; but if this is the only way to pass this bill,
then I support the language and the passage of the bill.
Mr. Speaker, I am sure that H.R. 4940, unamended, would go through
the Senate and on to the President for his signature; but today I urge
the House to adopt H.R. 4940, as amended, and hope that by the end of
this Congress the House and the Senate will agree and move this
legislation to the President for signage.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman
from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon).
Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940 and urge its
passage. This designation recognizes the importance and continuing role
of Oak Ridge, Tennessee in advancing knowledge. The museum will be a
resource for explaining science to students and making the American
public aware of how research affects our everyday lives. Mr. Speaker,
let me especially commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) for
his tireless effort and hard work in bringing this designation one step
closer to reality. The gentleman has taken on this project with two
hands in his normal energetic way, and he certainly should be
complimented.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin
(Chairman Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the
ranking member, for their assistance in bringing this bill to the
floor. I urge passage of H.R. 4940.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman
from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of
H.R. 4940 and will address my comments to title II, the Networking and
Information Technology Research and Development Act. Title II
authorizes a major new research investment in information technology,
which is very important to the Nation's future well-being. Action by
Congress to authorize this initiative really should not be delayed.
Information technology is a major driver of economic growth. It
creates high-wage jobs, provides for the rapid communication throughout
the world, and provides the tools for acquiring knowledge and insight
from information. Advances in computing and communications will make
the workplace more productive and improve the quality of health care
and make government more responsive and accessible to the needs of our
citizens.
Mr. Speaker, vigorous long-term research is essential for realizing
the potential of information technology. The technical advances that
led to today's computers and Internet evolved from passed Federally
sponsored research, in partnership with industry and universities.
The research authorized by H.R. 4940 will ensure that the store of
basic knowledge is replenished and, thereby, enable the development of
future generations of technology products and services.
This legislation has received the bipartisan cosponsorship of many
Members, and I would like to acknowledge the collegial manner in which
title II of the bill was developed by the Committee on Science. I want
to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the
chairman, and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking
Democratic member, for their persistent efforts to move this measure
towards final passage.
Title II of the bill will establish a multiagency research initiative
that responds to the recent findings and recommendations of the
President's Information Technology Advisory Committee. This committee,
which was established through statute, is composed of distinguished
representatives from computer and communications companies and from
academia. It reached its conclusions following a comprehensive
assessment of current Federally funded information technology research.
Mr. Speaker, the President's Advisory Committee found that Federal
funding for information technology research has tilted too much towards
support for near-term, mission-focus objectives.
{time} 1500
They discovered a growing gap between the power of high-performance
computers available to support agency mission requirements versus
support for the general academic research community. They identified
the need for socioeconomic research on the impact on society of the
rapid evolution of information technology, and they judged that the
annual Federal research investment is inadequate by more than $1
billion.
The bill before us addresses each of the deficiencies identified by
the advisory committee and will effectively implement its
recommendations. I am particularly pleased by the inclusion of a
provision I offered to the committee to explicitly authorize research
to identify, understand, anticipate, and address the potential social
and economic costs and benefits from the increasing pace of information
technology based transformations.
In addition to support for research, title II will also contribute to
providing the highly trained workers needed by the information
industries. The human resource pool would be expanded through two
principal mechanisms. First, as a part of their training, graduate
students will participate in most of the individual research projects
authorized. Secondly, special provision is made for the student
internships in industry to help recruit individuals for careers in
information-based companies. I sponsored a provision that opened such
internships to students participating in the Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participation program administered by the National Science
Foundation.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act is an important investment in the future
prosperity of this Nation and in the well-being of our fellow citizens.
I recommend the measure to my colleagues and ask for full support of
its passage.
Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong
support for the passage of the Networking and Information Technology
Research and Development Act, as included in title II of H.R. 4940,
legislation which designates the museum operated by the Secretary of
Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the American Museum of Science and
Energy. As an original sponsor of the Networking and IT Research and
Development Act, I want to congratulate my colleague Chairman
Sensenbrenner of the House Science Committee for his diligent and
persistent efforts in achieving passage of this legislation. Let me
also lend my thanks to Congressman Wamp, the chief sponsor of H.R.
4940, for facilitating passage with his measure of this important
technology basic research bill.
The Networking and IT Research and Development Act recognizes the
central role that information technology now plays in the U.S. economy,
our education system, and our culture. From the growth of the Internet
to our exports of computer hardware, software, and services, the IT
sector has secured the United States' position as the worldwide
dominant force in the Information Technology Revolution. The U.S. high
tech industry employed 5 million people in 1999, a 32% increase over a
6-year period, and the industry employed nearly 5 percent of the U.S.
private sector workforce in 1999. And this growth is being felt
everywhere as high tech employment grew in every state between 1997 and
1998.
This tremendous growth and productivity is a result of the
innovations and new ideas that flow from private sector short-term R&D
efforts for targeted product and services. However, research and
development in long-term, basic, and high-risk research now lags as the
competitiveness of the industry necessarily drives companies to focus
on faster returns on their research investments. It is in this role
that the Federal Government has a crucial role to play if we are to
sustain our Nation's long-term ability to compete in the IT industry
and generate the continued growth of our economy.
For these reasons, the Networking and IT Research and Development Act
implements this fundamental federal investment in IT by authorizing
appropriations for 5 years for long-term basic research for networking
and information technology. This legislation provides a
[[Page H10627]]
total of $7.4 billion--nearly double the current amount--for IT funding
for High-Performance Computing and Communications, Next Generation
Internet, and new IT research programs at the National Science
Foundation, the Department of Energy, National Aeronautic and Space
Administration, the National Institute for Standards and Technology,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the
Environmental Protection Agency.
The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development
Act passed he House unanimously in February and is now being included
in H.R. 4940 with some additions requested by the Senate. It is
supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Software
Alliance, TechNet, the Information Technology Association of America,
and the Council of Scientific Society Presidents. I urge all of my
colleagues to support H.R. 4940 and ensure America's role as the global
leader in high-end computing and technological innovation.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hansen). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4940, as amended.
The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that
the ayes appeared to have it.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum
is not present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________