[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 100 (Tuesday, June 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2008

  Mr. SHERMAN. Madam Speaker, on June 5, 2008, I voted for the 
nanotechnology bill (H.R. 5940).
  I have often expressed my concerns regarding the social, legal and 
ethical implications of ``engineered intelligence'', that is, the 
ongoing efforts of computer engineers and bio-engineers to create 
intelligence beyond that of a human being. The Congress and the 
Administration need to consider and address all aspects of these issues 
as we promote and assist the development of nanotechnology. To that 
end, I am pleased that this bill provides for a triennial review by the 
National Research Council of the adequacy of the National 
Nanotechnology Program's activities addressing ethical, legal, 
environmental, and other appropriate societal concerns, including human 
health concerns.
  I hope that these concerns will receive even further attention in the 
legislative process as this bill goes to Senate and as any Senate 
reports or conference reports on a nanotechnology bill are prepared.

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