[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2009

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                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
554, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2009. As 
a former Member of the Science Committee, I am pleased to lend my 
support to this important legislation brought forward today by Chairman 
Gordon.
  Nanotechnology represents the future of science and information 
technology. These scientific methods have already been responsible for 
a number of products that are used everyday in our country like car 
parts, cosmetics, and first aid dressings.
  Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, the future of nanotechnology holds a world 
of possibility in a number of fields--including health care, which is 
incredibly important to me as a physician Member of the House.
  The National Nanotechnology Initiative is a multi-agency federal 
program aimed at accelerating the discovery, development, and 
deployment of nanometer-scale science, engineering, and technology. 
Since its implementation in 2003, the NNI represents the federal 
government's commitment to harnessing and developing the world's most 
cutting edge technology to help keep our country competitive in a 
technology-based global economy.
  H.R. 554 is a bill that builds on the successful aspects of the NNI 
by making some improvements and modifications while keeping much of the 
Initiative intact. For example, this legislation strengthens the 
environment, health, and safety research component of the NNI, and it 
increases the emphasis on nanomanufacturing research and technology 
transfer. H.R. 554 acknowledges and addresses the need for enhanced 
research and education in the field of nanotechnology and provides the 
framework for K-12 education in nanotechnology that will help future 
generations stay at the cutting edge of scientific advances.
  I am very pleased that this legislation moved through the Science and 
Technology Committee in a bipartisan manner, much like it did in the 
110th Congress. I hope that the Senate will act on this legislation in 
the near future, so this important legislation can be signed into law 
by the President.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very supportive of H.R. 554 and the possibility 
that nanotechnology has for the future of science. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support its passage.

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