[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H8823-H8852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution
1781, I call up the bill (H.R. 5116) to invest in innovation through
research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United
States, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and
I have a motion at the desk.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
[[Page H8824]]
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the Senate
amendment:
The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
Senate amendment:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--this Act may be cited as the ``America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010'' or the ``America
Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in
Technology, Education, and Science Reauthorization Act of
2010''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Budgetary impact statement.
TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Sec. 101. Coordination of Federal STEM education.
Sec. 102. Coordination of advanced manufacturing research and
development.
Sec. 103. Interagency public access committee.
Sec. 104. Federal scientific collections.
Sec. 105. Prize competitions.
TITLE II--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 201. NASA's contribution to innovation and competitiveness.
Sec. 202. NASA's contribution to education.
Sec. 203. Assessment of impediments to space science and engineering
workforce development for minority and under-represented
groups at NASA.
Sec. 204. International Space Station's contribution to national
competitiveness enhancement.
Sec. 205. Study of potential commercial orbital platform program impact
on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Sec. 206. Definitions.
TITLE III--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 301. Oceanic and atmospheric research and development program.
Sec. 302. Oceanic and atmospheric science education programs.
Sec. 303. Workforce study.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 403. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology.
Sec. 404. Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
Sec. 405. Emergency communication and tracking technologies research
initiative.
Sec. 406. Broadening participation.
Sec. 407. NIST Fellowships.
Sec. 408. Green manufacturing and construction.
Sec. 409. Definitions.
TITLE V--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
SUBTITLE A--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Definitions.
Sec. 503. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 504. National Science Board administrative amendments.
Sec. 505. National Center for Science and Engineering statistics.
Sec. 506. National Science Foundation manufacturing research and
education.
Sec. 507. National Science Board report on mid-scale instrumentation.
Sec. 508. Partnerships for innovation.
Sec. 509. Sustainable chemistry basic research.
Sec. 510. Graduate student support.
Sec. 511. Robert Noyce teacher scholarship program.
Sec. 512. Undergraduate broadening participation program.
Sec. 513. Research experiences for high school students.
Sec. 514. Research experiences for undergraduates.
Sec. 515. STEM industry internship programs.
Sec. 516. Cyber-enabled learning for national challenges.
Sec. 517. Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
Sec. 518. Sense of the Congress regarding the science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics talent expansion program.
Sec. 519. Sense of the Congress regarding the National Science
Foundation's contributions to basic research and
education.
Sec. 520. Academic technology transfer and commercialization of
university research.
Sec. 521. Study to develop improved impact-on-society metrics.
Sec. 522. NSF grants in support of sponsored post-doctoral fellowship
programs.
Sec. 523. Collaboration in planning for stewardship of large-scale
facilities.
Sec. 524. Cloud computing research enhancement.
Sec. 525. Tribal colleges and universities program.
Sec. 526. Broader impacts review criterion.
Sec. 527. Twenty-first century graduate education.
SUBTITLE B--STEM-TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM
Sec. 551. Purpose.
Sec. 552. Program requirements.
Sec. 553. Grant program.
Sec. 554. Grant oversight and administration.
Sec. 555. Definitions.
Sec. 556. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE VI--INNOVATION
Sec. 601. Office of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sec. 602. Federal loan guarantees for innovative technologies in
manufacturing.
Sec. 603. Regional innovation program.
Sec. 604. Study on economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of
United States and development of national economic
competitiveness strategy.
Sec. 605. Promoting use of high-end computing simulation and modeling
by small- and medium-sized manufacturers.
TITLE VII--NIST GREEN JOBS
Sec. 701. Short title.
Sec. 702. Findings.
Sec. 703. National Institute of Standards and Technology competitive
grant program.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 801. Government Accountability Office review.
Sec. 802. Salary restrictions.
Sec. 803. Additional research authorities of the FCC.
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Sec. 901. Science, engineering, and mathematics education programs.
Sec. 902. Energy research programs.
Sec. 903. Basic research.
Sec. 904. Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy.
TITLE X--EDUCATION
Sec. 1001. References
Sec. 1002. Repeals and conforming amendments.
Sec. 1003. Authorizations of appropriations and matching requirement.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Director.--In title I, the term ``Director'' means the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(2) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means the academic and
professional disciplines of science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics.
SEC. 3. BUDGETARY IMPACT STATEMENT.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of
complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2010, shall
be determined by reference to the latest statement titled
``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act,
submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the
Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such
statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
TITLE I--OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
SEC. 101. COORDINATION OF FEDERAL STEM EDUCATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a
committee under the National Science and Technology Council,
including the Office of Management and Budget, with the
responsibility to coordinate Federal programs and activities
in support of STEM education, including at the National
Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Education,
and all other Federal agencies that have programs and
activities in support of STEM education.
(b) Responsibilities.--The committee established under
subsection (a) shall--
(1) coordinate the STEM education activities and programs
of the Federal agencies;
(2) coordinate STEM education activities and programs with
the Office of Management and Budget;
(3) encourage the teaching of innovation and
entrepreneurship as part of STEM education activities;
(4) review STEM education activities and programs to ensure
they are not duplicative of similar efforts within the
Federal government;
(5) develop, implement through the participating agencies,
and update once every 5 years a 5-year STEM education
strategic plan, which shall--
(A) specify and prioritize annual and long-term objectives;
(B) specify the common metrics that will be used to assess
progress toward achieving the objectives;
(C) describe the approaches that will be taken by each
participating agency to assess the effectiveness of its STEM
education programs and activities; and
(D) with respect to subparagraph (A), describe the role of
each agency in supporting programs and activities designed to
achieve the objectives; and
(6) establish, periodically update, and maintain an
inventory of federally sponsored STEM education programs and
activities, including documentation of assessments of the
effectiveness of such programs and activities and rates of
participation by women, underrepresented minorities, and
persons in rural areas in such programs and activities.
(b) Responsibilities of OSTP.--The Director shall encourage
and monitor the efforts of the participating agencies to
ensure that the strategic plan under subsection (b)(5) is
developed and executed effectively and that the objectives of
the strategic plan are met.
(c) Report.--The Director shall transmit a report annually
to Congress at the time of the President's budget request
describing the plan required under subsection (b)(5). The
annual report shall include--
[[Page H8825]]
(1) a description of the STEM education programs and
activities for the previous and current fiscal years, and the
proposed programs and activities under the President's budget
request, of each participating Federal agency;
(2) the levels of funding for each participating Federal
agency for the programs and activities described under
paragraph (1) for the previous fiscal year and under the
President's budget request;
(3) an evaluation of the levels of duplication and
fragmentation of the programs and activities described under
paragraph (1);
(4) except for the initial annual report, a description of
the progress made in carrying out the implementation plan,
including a description of the outcome of any program
assessments completed in the previous year, and any changes
made to that plan since the previous annual report; and
(5) a description of how the participating Federal agencies
will disseminate information about federally supported
resources for STEM education practitioners, including teacher
professional development programs, to States and to STEM
education practitioners, including to teachers and
administrators in schools that meet the criteria described in
subsection (c)(1)(A) and (B) of section 3175 of the
Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42
U.S.C. 7381j(c)(1)(A) and (B)).
SEC. 102. COORDINATION OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT.
(a) Interagency Committee.--The Director shall establish or
designate a Committee on Technology under the National
Science and Technology Council. The Committee shall be
responsible for planning and coordinating Federal programs
and activities in advanced manufacturing research and
development.
(b) Responsibilities of Committee.--The Committee shall--
(1) coordinate the advanced manufacturing research and
development programs and activities of the Federal agencies;
(2) establish goals and priorities for advanced
manufacturing research and development that will strengthen
United States manufacturing;
(3) work with industry organizations, Federal agencies, and
Federally Funded Research and Development Centers not
represented on the Committee, to identify and reduce
regulatory, logistical, and fiscal barriers within the
Federal government and State governments that inhibit United
States manufacturing;
(4) facilitate the transfer of intellectual property and
technology based on federally supported university research
into commercialization and manufacturing;
(5) identify technological, market, or business challenges
that may best be addressed by public-private partnerships,
and are likely to attract both participation and primary
funding from industry;
(6) encourage the formation of public-private partnerships
to respond to those challenges for transition to United
States manufacturing; and
(7) develop, and update every 5 years, a strategic plan to
guide Federal programs and activities in support of advanced
manufacturing research and development, which shall--
(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long-term research
and development objectives, the anticipated time frame for
achieving the objectives, and the metrics for use in
assessing progress toward the objectives;
(B) specify the role of each Federal agency in carrying out
or sponsoring research and development to meet the objectives
of the strategic plan;
(C) describe how the Federal agencies and Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers supporting advanced
manufacturing research and development will foster the
transfer of research and development results into new
manufacturing technologies and United States based
manufacturing of new products and processes for the benefit
of society to ensure national, energy, and economic security;
(D) describe how Federal agencies and Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers supporting advanced
manufacturing research and development will strengthen all
levels of manufacturing education and training programs to
ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce;
(E) describe how the Federal agencies and Federally Funded
Research and Development Centers supporting advanced
manufacturing research and development will assist small- and
medium-sized manufacturers in developing and implementing new
products and processes; and
(F) take into consideration the recommendations of a wide
range of stakeholders, including representatives from diverse
manufacturing companies, academia, and other relevant
organizations and institutions.
(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit the
strategic plan developed under subsection (b)(7) to the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
and the House of Representatives Committee on Science and
Technology, and shall transmit subsequent updates to those
committees as appropriate.
SEC. 103. INTERAGENCY PUBLIC ACCESS COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a working
group under the National Science and Technology Council with
the responsibility to coordinate Federal science agency
research and policies related to the dissemination and long-
term stewardship of the results of unclassified research,
including digital data and peer-reviewed scholarly
publications, supported wholly, or in part, by funding from
the Federal science agencies.
(b) Responsibilities.--The working group shall--
(1) identify the specific objectives and public interests
that need to be addressed by any policies coordinated under
(a);
(2) take into account inherent variability among Federal
science agencies and scientific disciplines in the nature of
research, types of data, and dissemination models;
(3) coordinate the development or designation of standards
for research data, the structure of full text and metadata,
navigation tools, and other applications to maximize
interoperability across Federal science agencies, across
science and engineering disciplines, and between research
data and scholarly publications, taking into account existing
consensus standards, including international standards;
(4) coordinate Federal science agency programs and
activities that support research and education on tools and
systems required to ensure preservation and stewardship of
all forms of digital research data, including scholarly
publications;
(5) work with international science and technology
counterparts to maximize interoperability between United
States based unclassified research databases and
international databases and repositories;
(6) solicit input and recommendations from, and collaborate
with, non-Federal stakeholders, including the public,
universities, nonprofit and for-profit publishers, libraries,
federally funded and non federally funded research
scientists, and other organizations and institutions with a
stake in long term preservation and access to the results of
federally funded research;
(7) establish priorities for coordinating the development
of any Federal science agency policies related to public
access to the results of federally funded research to
maximize the benefits of such policies with respect to their
potential economic or other impact on the science and
engineering enterprise and the stakeholders thereof;
(8) take into consideration the distinction between
scholarly publications and digital data;
(9) take into consideration the role that scientific
publishers play in the peer review process in ensuring the
integrity of the record of scientific research, including the
investments and added value that they make; and
(10) examine Federal agency practices and procedures for
providing research reports to the agencies charged with
locating and preserving unclassified research.
(c) Patent or Copyright Law.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed to undermine any right under the provisions of
title 17 or 35, United States Code.
(d) Application with Existing Law.--Nothing defined in
section (b) shall be construed to affect existing law with
respect to Federal science agencies' policies related to
public access.
(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall transmit a
report to Congress describing--
(1) the specific objectives and public interest identified
under (b)(1);
(2) any priorities established under subsection (b)(7);
(3) the impact the policies described under (a) have had on
the science and engineering enterprise and the stakeholders,
including the financial impact on research budgets;
(4) the status of any Federal science agency policies
related to public access to the results of federally funded
research; and
(5) how any policies developed or being developed by
Federal science agencies, as described in subsection (a),
incorporate input from the non-Federal stakeholders described
in subsection (b)(6).
(f) Federal Science Agency Defined.--For the purposes of
this section, the term ``Federal science agency'' means any
Federal agency with an annual extramural research expenditure
of over $100,000,000.
SEC. 104. FEDERAL SCIENTIFIC COLLECTIONS.
(a) Management of Scientific Collections.--The Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall develop policies for the
management and use of Federal scientific collections to
improve the quality, organization, access, including online
access, and long-term preservation of such collections for
the benefit of the scientific enterprise. In developing those
policies the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall
consult, as appropriate, with--
(1) Federal agencies with such collections; and
(2) representatives of other organizations, institutions,
and other entities not a part of the Federal Government that
have a stake in the preservation, maintenance, and
accessibility of such collections, including State and local
government agencies, institutions of higher education,
museums, and other entities engaged in the acquisition,
holding, management, or use of scientific collections.
(b) Clearinghouse.--The Office of Science and Technology
Policy, in consultation with relevant Federal agencies, shall
ensure the development of an online clearinghouse for
information on the contents of and access to Federal
scientific collections.
(c) Disposal of Collections.--The policies developed under
subsection (a) shall--
(1) require that, before disposing of a scientific
collection, a Federal agency shall--
(A) conduct a review of the research value of the
collection; and
(B) consult with researchers who have used the collection,
and other potentially interested parties, concerning--
(i) the collection's value for research purposes; and
(ii) possible additional educational uses for the
collection; and
(2) include procedures for Federal agencies to transfer
scientific collections they no longer need to researchers at
institutions or other entities qualified to manage the
collections.
(d) Cost Projections.--The Office of Science and Technology
Policy, in consultation with
[[Page H8826]]
relevant Federal agencies, shall develop a common set of
methodologies to be used by Federal agencies for the
assessment and projection of costs associated with the
management and preservation of their scientific collections.
(e) Scientific Collection Defined.--In this section, the
term ``scientific collection'' means a set of physical
specimens, living or inanimate, created for the purpose of
supporting science and serving as a long-term research asset,
rather than for their market value as collectibles or their
historical, artistic, or cultural significance, and, as
appropriate and feasible, the associated specimen data and
materials.
SEC. 105. PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
(a) In General.--The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation
Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 24. PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Agency.--The term `agency' means a Federal agency.
``(2) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
``(3) Federal agency.--The term `Federal agency' has the
meaning given under section 4, except that term shall not
include any agency of the legislative branch of the Federal
Government.
``(4) Head of an agency.--The term `head of an agency'
means the head of a Federal agency.
``(b) In General.--Each head of an agency, or the heads of
multiple agencies in cooperation, may carry out a program to
award prizes competitively to stimulate innovation that has
the potential to advance the mission of the respective
agency.
``(c) Prizes.--For purposes of this section, a prize may be
one or more of the following:
``(1) A point solution prize that rewards and spurs the
development of solutions for a particular, well-defined
problem.
``(2) An exposition prize that helps identify and promote a
broad range of ideas and practices that may not otherwise
attract attention, facilitating further development of the
idea or practice by third parties.
``(3) Participation prizes that create value during and
after the competition by encouraging contestants to change
their behavior or develop new skills that may have beneficial
effects during and after the competition.
``(4) Such other types of prizes as each head of an agency
considers appropriate to stimulate innovation that has the
potential to advance the mission of the respective agency.
``(d) Topics.--In selecting topics for prize competitions,
the head of an agency shall consult widely both within and
outside the Federal Government, and may empanel advisory
committees.
``(e) Advertising.--The head of an agency shall widely
advertise each prize competition to encourage broad
participation.
``(f) Requirements and Registration.--For each prize
competition, the head of an agency shall publish a notice in
the Federal Register announcing--
``(1) the subject of the competition;
``(2) the rules for being eligible to participate in the
competition;
``(3) the process for participants to register for the
competition;
``(4) the amount of the prize; and
``(5) the basis on which a winner will be selected.
``(g) Eligibility.--To be eligible to win a prize under
this section, an individual or entity--
``(1) shall have registered to participate in the
competition under any rules promulgated by the head of an
agency under subsection (f);
``(2) shall have complied with all the requirements under
this section;
``(3) in the case of a private entity, shall be
incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in
the United States, and in the case of an individual, whether
participating singly or in a group, shall be a citizen or
permanent resident of the United States; and
``(4) may not be a Federal entity or Federal employee
acting within the scope of their employment.
``(h) Consultation With Federal Employees.--An individual
or entity shall not be deemed ineligible under subsection (g)
because the individual or entity used Federal facilities or
consulted with Federal employees during a competition if the
facilities and employees are made available to all
individuals and entities participating in the competition on
an equitable basis.
``(i) Liability.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term `related
entity' means a contractor or subcontractor at any tier, and
a supplier, user, customer, cooperating party, grantee,
investigator, or detailee.
``(B) Liability.--Registered participants shall be required
to agree to assume any and all risks and waive claims against
the Federal Government and its related entities, except in
the case of willful misconduct, for any injury, death,
damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits, whether
direct, indirect, or consequential, arising from their
participation in a competition, whether the injury, death,
damage, or loss arises through negligence or otherwise.
``(2) Insurance.--Participants shall be required to obtain
liability insurance or demonstrate financial responsibility,
in amounts determined by the head of an agency, for claims
by--
``(A) a third party for death, bodily injury, or property
damage, or loss resulting from an activity carried out in
connection with participation in a competition, with the
Federal Government named as an additional insured under the
registered participant's insurance policy and registered
participants agreeing to indemnify the Federal Government
against third party claims for damages arising from or
related to competition activities; and
``(B) the Federal Government for damage or loss to
Government property resulting from such an activity.
``(3) Exception.--The head of an agency may not require a
participant to waive claims against the administering entity
arising out of the unauthorized use or disclosure by the
agency of the intellectual property, trade secrets, or
confidential business information of the participant.
``(j) Intellectual Property.--
``(1) Prohibition on the government acquiring intellectual
property rights.--The Federal Government may not gain an
interest in intellectual property developed by a participant
in a competition without the written consent of the
participant.
``(2) Licenses.--The Federal Government may negotiate a
license for the use of intellectual property developed by a
participant for a competition.
``(k) Judges.--
``(1) In general.--For each competition, the head of an
agency, either directly or through an agreement under
subsection (l), shall appoint one or more qualified judges to
select the winner or winners of the prize competition on the
basis described under subsection (f). Judges for each
competition may include individuals from outside the agency,
including from the private sector.
``(2) Restrictions.--A judge may not--
``(A) have personal or financial interests in, or be an
employee, officer, director, or agent of any entity that is a
registered participant in a competition; or
``(B) have a familial or financial relationship with an
individual who is a registered participant.
``(3) Guidelines.--The heads of agencies who carry out
competitions under this section shall develop guidelines to
ensure that the judges appointed for such competitions are
fairly balanced and operate in a transparent manner.
``(4) Exemption from faca.--The Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to any committee, board,
commission, panel, task force, or similar entity, created
solely for the purpose of judging prize competitions under
this section.
``(l) Administering the Competition.--The head of an agency
may enter into an agreement with a private, nonprofit entity
to administer a prize competition, subject to the provisions
of this section.
``(m) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Support for a prize competition under
this section, including financial support for the design and
administration of a prize or funds for a monetary prize
purse, may consist of Federal appropriated funds and funds
provided by the private sector for such cash prizes. The head
of an agency may accept funds from other Federal agencies to
support such competitions. The head of an agency may not give
any special consideration to any private sector entity in
return for a donation.
``(2) Availability of funds.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, funds appropriated for prize awards under
this section shall remain available until expended. No
provision in this section permits obligation or payment of
funds in violation of section 1341 of title 31, United States
Code.
``(3) Amount of prize.--
``(A) Announcement.--No prize may be announced under
subsection (f) until all the funds needed to pay out the
announced amount of the prize have been appropriated or
committed in writing by a private source.
``(B) Increase in amount.--The head of an agency may
increase the amount of a prize after an initial announcement
is made under subsection (f) only if--
``(i) notice of the increase is provided in the same manner
as the initial notice of the prize; and
``(ii) the funds needed to pay out the announced amount of
the increase have been appropriated or committed in writing
by a private source.
``(4) Limitation on amount.--
``(A) Notice to congress.--No prize competition under this
section may offer a prize in an amount greater than
$50,000,000 unless 30 days have elapsed after written notice
has been transmitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science
and Technology of the House of Representatives.
``(B) Approval of head of agency.--No prize competition
under this section may result in the award of more than
$1,000,000 in cash prizes without the approval of the head of
an agency.
``(n) General Service Administration Assistance.--Not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, the General Services
Administration shall provide government wide services to
share best practices and assist agencies in developing
guidelines for issuing prize competitions. The General
Services Administration shall develop a contract vehicle to
provide agencies access to relevant products and services,
including technical assistance in structuring and conducting
prize competitions to take maximum benefit of the marketplace
as they identify and pursue prize competitions to further the
policy objectives of the Federal Government.
``(o) Compliance With Existing Law.--
``(1) In General.-- The Federal Government shall not, by
virtue of offering or providing a prize under this section,
be responsible for compliance by registered participants in a
prize competition with Federal law, including licensing,
export control, and nonproliferation laws, and related
regulations.
[[Page H8827]]
``(2) Other prize authority.--Nothing in this section
affects the prize authority authorized by any other provision
of law.
``(p) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than March 1 of each year, the
Director shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science
and Technology of the House of Representatives a report on
the activities carried out during the preceding fiscal year
under the authority in subsection (b).
``(2) Information included.--The report for a fiscal year
under this subsection shall include, for each prize
competition under subsection (b), the following:
``(A) Proposed goals.--A description of the proposed goals
of each prize competition.
``(B) Preferable method.--An analysis of why the
utilization of the authority in subsection (b) was the
preferable method of achieving the goals described in
subparagraph (A) as opposed to other authorities available to
the agency, such as contracts, grants, and cooperative
agreements.
``(C) Amount of cash prizes.--The total amount of cash
prizes awarded for each prize competition, including a
description of amount of private funds contributed to the
program, the sources of such funds, and the manner in which
the amounts of cash prizes awarded and claimed were allocated
among the accounts of the agency for recording as obligations
and expenditures.
``(D) Solicitations and evaluation of submissions.--The
methods used for the solicitation and evaluation of
submissions under each prize competition, together with an
assessment of the effectiveness of such methods and lessons
learned for future prize competitions.
``(E) Resources.--A description of the resources, including
personnel and funding, used in the execution of each prize
competition together with a detailed description of the
activities for which such resources were used and an
accounting of how funding for execution was allocated among
the accounts of the agency for recording as obligations and
expenditures.
``(F) Results.--A description of how each prize competition
advanced the mission of the agency concerned.''.
(b) Repeal of space act limitation.--Section 314(a) of the
National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 (42 U.S.C. 2459f-1
is amended by striking ``The Administration may carry out a
program to award prizes only in conformity with this
section.''.
TITLE II--NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 201. NASA'S CONTRIBUTION TO INNOVATION AND
COMPETITIVENESS.
It is the sense of Congress that a renewed emphasis on
technology development would enhance current mission
capabilities and enable future missions, while encouraging
NASA, private industry, and academia to spur innovation.
NASA's Innovative Partnership Program is a valuable mechanism
to accelerate technology maturation and encourage the
transfer of technology into the private sector.
SEC. 202. NASA'S CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION.
(a) Sense Of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
NASA is uniquely positioned to interest students in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics, not only by the
example it sets, but through its education programs.
(b) Educational Program Goals.--NASA shall develop and
maintain educational programs--
(1) to carry out and support research based programs and
activities designed to increase student interest and
participation in STEM, including students from minority and
underrepresented groups;
(2) to improve public literacy in STEM;
(3) that employ proven strategies and methods for improving
student learning and teaching in STEM;
(4) to provide curriculum support materials and other
resources that--
(A) are designed to be integrated with comprehensive STEM
education;
(B) are aligned with national science education standards;
(C) promote the adoption and implementation of high-quality
education practices that build toward college and career-
readiness; and
(5) to create and support opportunities for enhanced and
ongoing professional development for teachers using best
practices that improve the STEM content and knowledge of the
teachers, including through programs linking STEM teachers
with STEM educators at the higher education level.
SEC. 203. ASSESSMENT OF IMPEDIMENTS TO SPACE SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR MINORITY
AND UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS AT NASA.
(a) Assessment.--The Administrator shall enter into an
arrangement for an independent assessment of any impediments
to space science and engineering workforce development for
minority and underrepresented groups at NASA, including
recommendations on--
(1) measures to address such impediments;
(2) opportunities for augmenting the impact of space
science and engineering workforce development activities and
for expanding proven, effective programs; and
(3) best practices and lessons learned, as identified
through the assessment, to help maximize the effectiveness of
existing and future programs to increase the participation of
minority and underrepresented groups in the space science and
engineering workforce at NASA.
(b) Report.--A report on the assessment carried out under
subsection (a) shall be transmitted to the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and Technology and the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation not
later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Implementation.--To the extent practicable, the
Administrator shall take all necessary steps to address any
impediments identified in the assessment.
SEC. 204. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION'S CONTRIBUTION TO
NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the International Space Station represents a valuable
and unique national asset which can be utilized to increase
educational opportunities and scientific and technological
innovation which will enhance the Nation's economic security
and competitiveness in the global technology fields of
endeavor. If the period for active utilization of the
International Space Station is extended to at least the year
2020, the potential for such opportunities and innovation
would be increased. Efforts should be made to fully realize
that potential.
(b) Evaluation and Assessment of NASA's Interagency
Contribution.--Pursuant to the authority provided in title II
of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-69), the
Administrator shall evaluate and, where possible, expand
efforts to maximize NASA's contribution to interagency
efforts to enhance science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education capabilities, and to enhance the
Nation's technological excellence and global competitiveness.
The Administrator shall identify these enhancements in the
annual reports required by section 2001(e) of that Act (42
U.S.C. 16611a(e)).
(c) Report to the Congress.--Within 120 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to
the House of Representatives Committee on Science and
Technology and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation a report on the assessment made pursuant to
subsection (a). The report shall include--
(1) a description of current and potential activities
associated with utilization of the International Space
Station which are supportive of the goals of educational
excellence and innovation and competitive enhancement
established or reaffirmed by this Act, including a summary of
the goals supported, the number of individuals or
organizations participating in or benefiting from such
activities, and a summary of how such activities might be
expanded or improved upon;
(2) a description of government and private partnerships
which are, or may be, established to effectively utilize the
capabilities represented by the International Space Station
to enhance United States competitiveness, innovation and
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education;
and
(3) a summary of proposed actions or activities to be
undertaken to ensure the maximum utilization of the
International Space Station to contribute to fulfillment of
the goals and objectives of this Act, and the identification
of any additional authority, assets, or funding that would be
required to support such activities.
SEC. 205. STUDY OF POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL ORBITAL PLATFORM
PROGRAM IMPACT ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS.
(a) In General.--Section 1003 of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C.
18421) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1003. STUDY OF POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL ORBITAL PLATFORM
PROGRAM IMPACT ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS.
``A fundamental and unique capability of NASA is in
stimulating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
education in the United States. In ensuring maximum use of
that capability, the Administrator shall carry out a study
to--
``(1) identify the benefits of and lessons learned from
ongoing and previous NASA orbital student programs including,
at a minimum, the Get Away Special (GAS) and Earth Knowledge
Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM) programs, on
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education;
``(2) assess the potential impacts on science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics education of a program that
would facilitate the development of scientific and
educational payloads involving United States students and
educators and the flights of those payloads on commercially
available orbital platforms, when available and operational,
with the goal of providing frequent and regular payload
launches;
``(3) identify NASA expertise, such as NASA science,
engineering, payload development, and payload operations,
that could be made available to facilitate a science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics program using
commercial orbital platforms; and
``(4) identify the issues that would need to be addressed
before NASA could properly assess the merits and feasibility
of the program described in paragraph (2).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)
shall take effect on October 12, 2010.
SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of NASA.
(2) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
TITLE III--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 301. OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM.
Section 4001 of the America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893) is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The
Administrator''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and Development
Program.--The Administrator shall implement programs and
activities--
[[Page H8828]]
``(1) to identify emerging and innovative research and
development priorities to enhance United States
competitiveness, support development of new economic
opportunities based on NOAA research, observations,
monitoring modeling, and predictions that sustain ecosystem
services;
``(2) to promote United States leadership in oceanic and
atmospheric science and competitiveness in the applied uses
of such knowledge, including for the development and
expansion of economic opportunities; and
``(3) to advance ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and
atmospheric research and development, including potentially
transformational research, in collaboration with other
relevant Federal agencies, academic institutions, the private
sector, and nongovernmental programs, consistent with NOAA's
mission to understand, observe, and model the Earth's
atmosphere and biosphere, including the oceans, in an
integrated manner.
``(c) Report.--No later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010, the Administrator, in consultation with the National
Science Foundation or other such agencies with mature
transformational research portfolios, shall develop and
submit a report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee
on Science and Technology that describes NOAA's strategy for
enhancing transformational research in its research and
development portfolio to increase United States
competitiveness in oceanic and atmospheric science and
technology. The report shall--
``(1) define `transformational research';
``(2) identify emerging and innovative areas of research
and development where transformational research has the
potential to make significant and revolutionary -advancements
in both understanding and U.S. science leadership;
``(3) describe how transformational research priorities are
identified and appropriately -balanced in the context of
NOAA's broader research portfolio;
``(4) describe NOAA's plan for developing a competitive
peer review and priority-setting -process, funding
mechanisms, performance and evaluation measures, and
transition-to-operation guidelines for transformational
research; and
``(5) describe partnerships with other agencies involved in
transformational research.''.
SEC. 302. OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
Section 4002 of the America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C. 893a)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``the agency.'' in subsection (a) and
inserting ``agency, with consideration given to the goal of
promoting the participation of individuals from
underrepresented groups in STEM fields and in promoting the
acquisition and retention of highly qualified and motivated
young scientists to complement and supplement workforce
needs.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Educational Program Goals.--The education programs
developed by NOAA shall, to the extent applicable--
``(1) carry out and support research based programs and
activities designed to increase student interest and
participation in STEM;
``(2) improve public literacy in STEM;
``(3) employ proven strategies and methods for improving
student learning and teaching in STEM;
``(4) provide curriculum support materials and other
resources that--
``(A) are designed to be integrated with comprehensive STEM
education;
``(B) are aligned with national science education
standards; and
``(C) promote the adoption and implementation of high-
quality education practices that build toward college and
career-readiness; and
``(5) create and support opportunities for enhanced and
ongoing professional development for teachers using best
practices that improves the STEM content and knowledge of the
teachers, including through programs linking STEM teachers
with STEM educators at the higher education level.'';
(4) by striking ``develop'' in subsection (c), as
redesignated, and inserting ``maintain''; and
(5) by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(e) STEM defined.--In this section, the term `STEM' means
the academic and professional disciplines of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics.''.
SEC. 303. WORKFORCE STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation
with the Secretary of Education, shall request the National
Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on the scientific
workforce in the areas of oceanic and atmospheric research
and development. The study shall investigate--
(1) whether there is a shortage in the number of
individuals with advanced degrees in oceanic and atmospheric
sciences who have the ability to conduct high quality
scientific research in physical and chemical oceanography,
meteorology, and atmospheric modeling, and related fields,
for government, nonprofit, and private sector entities;
(2) what Federal programs are available to help facilitate
the education of students hoping to pursue these degrees;
(3) barriers to transitioning highly qualified oceanic and
atmospheric scientists into Federal civil service scientist
career tracks;
(4) what institutions of higher education, the private
sector, and the Congress could do to increase the number of
individuals with such post baccalaureate degrees;
(5) the impact of an aging Federal scientist workforce on
the ability of Federal agencies to conduct high quality
scientific research; and
(6) what actions the Federal government can take to assist
the transition of highly qualified scientists into Federal
career scientist positions and ensure that the experiences of
retiring Federal scientists are adequately documented and
transferred prior to retirement from Federal service.
(b) Coordination.--The Secretary of Commerce and the
Secretary of Education shall consult with the heads of other
Federal agencies and departments with oceanic and atmospheric
expertise or authority in preparing the specifications for
the study.
(c) Report.--No later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce and the
Secretary of Education shall transmit a joint report to each
committee of Congress with jurisdiction over the programs
described in 4002(b) of the America COMPETES Act (33 U.S.C.
893a(b)), as amended by section 302 of this Act, detailing
the findings and recommendations of the study and setting
forth a prioritized plan to implement the recommendations.
(d) Program and Plan.--The Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall evaluate the
National Academy of Sciences study and develop a workforce
program and plan to institutionalize the Administration's
Federal science career pathways and address aging workforce
issues. The program and plan shall be developed in
consultation with the Administration's cooperative institutes
and other academic partners to identify and implement
programs and mechanisms to ensure that--
(1) sufficient highly qualified scientists are able to
transition into Federal career scientist positions in the
Administration's laboratories and programs; and
(2) the technical and management experiences of senior
employees are documented and transferred before leaving
Federal service.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``National Institute of
Standards and Technology Authorization Act of 2010''.
SEC. 402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2011.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce $918,900,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal year 2011.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $584,500,000 shall be authorized for scientific and
technical research and services laboratory activities;
(B) $124,800,000 shall be authorized for the construction
and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $209,600,000 shall be authorized for industrial
technology services activities, of which--
(i) $141,100,000 shall be authorized for the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of
such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278l), of which not more than
$5,000,000 shall be for the competitive grant program under
section 25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $10,000,000 shall be authorized for the Malcolm
Baldrige National Quality Award program under section 17 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3711a).
(b) Fiscal Year 2012.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce $970,800,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal year 2012.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $661,100,000 shall be authorized for scientific and
technical research and services laboratory activities;
(B) $84,900,000 shall be authorized for the construction
and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $224,800,000 shall be authorized for industrial
technology services activities, of which--
(i) $155,100,000 shall be authorized for the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of
such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278l), of which not more than
$5,000,000 shall be for the competitive grant program under
section 25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $10,300,000 shall be authorized for the Malcolm
Baldrige National Quality Award program under section 17 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3711a).
(c) Fiscal Year 2013.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of Commerce $1,039,709,000 for the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for fiscal year 2013.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $676,700,000 shall be authorized for scientific and
technical research and services laboratory activities;
(B) $121,300,000 shall be authorized for the construction
and maintenance of facilities; and
(C) $241,709,000 shall be authorized for industrial
technology services activities, of which--
(i) $165,100,000 shall be authorized for the Manufacturing
Extension Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of
such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278l), of which not more than
$5,000,000 shall be for the competitive grant program under
section 25(f) of such Act; and
(ii) $10,609,000 shall be authorized for the Malcolm
Baldrige National Quality Award program under section 17 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3711a).
SEC. 403. UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Establishment.--The National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act is amended by inserting after section 3 the
following:
[[Page H8829]]
``SEC. 4. UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY.
``(a) Establishment.--There shall be in the Department of
Commerce an Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and
Technology (in this section referred to as the `Under
Secretary').
``(b) Appointment.--The Under Secretary shall be appointed
by the President by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
``(c) Compensation.--The Under Secretary shall be
compensated at the rate in effect for level III of the
Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United
States Code.
``(d) Duties.--The Under Secretary shall serve as the
Director of the Institute and shall perform such duties as
required of the Director by the Secretary under this Act or
by law.
``(e) Applicability.--The individual serving as the
Director of the Institute on the date of enactment of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Authorization
Act of 2010 shall also serve as the Under Secretary until
such time as a successor is appointed under subsection
(b).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Title 5, united states code.--
(A) Level iii.--Section 5314 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by inserting before the item ``Associate
Attorney General'' the following:
``Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology,
who also serves as Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.''.
(B) Level iv.--Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code,
is amended by striking ``Director, National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.''.
(2) National institute of standards and technology act.--
Section 5 of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 274) is amended by striking the
first, fifth, and sixth sentences.
SEC. 404. MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.
(a) Community College Support.--Section 25(a) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon in paragraph
(4);
(2) by striking ``Institute.'' in paragraph (5) and
inserting ``Institute; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) providing to community colleges information about the
job skills needed in small- and medium-sized manufacturing
businesses in the regions they serve.''.
(b) Innovative Services Initiative.--Section 25 of such Act
(15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Innovative Services Initiative.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish, within
the Centers program under this section, an innovative
services initiative to assist small- and medium-sized
manufacturers in--
``(A) reducing their energy usage, greenhouse gas
emissions, and environmental waste to improve profitability;
``(B) accelerating the domestic commercialization of new
product technologies, including components for renewable
energy and energy efficiency systems; and
``(C) identification of and diversification to new markets,
including support for transitioning to the production of
components for renewable energy and energy efficiency
systems.
``(2) Market demand.--The Director may not undertake any
activity to accelerate the domestic commercialization of a
new product technology under this subsection unless an
analysis of market demand for the new product technology has
been conducted.''.
(c) Reports.--Section 25 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), as
amended by subsection (b), is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(h) Reports.--
``(1) In general.--In submitting the 3-year programmatic
planning document and annual updates under section 23, the
Director shall include an assessment of the Director's
governance of the program established under this section.
``(2) Criteria.--In conducting the assessment, the Director
shall use the criteria established pursuant to the Malcolm
Baldrige National Quality Award under section 17(d)(1)(C) of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3711a(d)(1)(C)).''.
(d) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
Cost-Sharing.--Section 25(c) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(c))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology
Authorization Act of 2010, the Comptroller General shall
submit to Congress a report on the cost share requirements
under the program. The report shall--
``(A) discuss various cost share structures, including the
cost share structure in place prior to such date of
enactment, and the effect of such cost share structures on
individual Centers and the overall program; and
``(B) include recommendations for how best to structure the
cost share requirement to provide for the long-term
sustainability of the program.''.
``(8) If consistent with the recommendations in the report
transmitted to Congress under paragraph (7), the Secretary
shall alter the cost structure requirements specified under
paragraph (3)(B) and (5) provided that the modification does
not increase the cost share structure in place before the
date of enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
of 2010, or allow the Secretary to provide a Center more than
50 percent of the costs incurred by that Center.''.
(e) Advisory Board.--Section 25(e)(4) of such Act (15
U.S.C. 278k(e)(4)) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--
``(A) In general.--In discharging its duties under this
subsection, the MEP Advisory Board shall function solely in
an advisory capacity, in accordance with the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.
``(B) Exception.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act shall not apply to the MEP Advisory Board.'.
(f) Designation of Program.--
(1) In general.--Section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), as amended by
subsection (c), is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(i) Designation.--
``(1) Hollings manufacturing extension partnership.--The
program under this section shall be known as the `Hollings
Manufacturing Extension Partnership'.
``(2) Hollings manufacturing extension centers.--The
Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology
created and supported under subsection (a) shall be known as
the `Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers' (in this Act
referred to as the `Centers').''.
(2) Conforming amendment to consolidated appropriations
act, 2005.--Division B of title II of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 2879;
15 U.S.C. 278k note) is amended under the heading
``industrial technology services'' by striking ``2007:
Provided further, That'' and all that follows through
``Extension Centers.'' and inserting ``2007.''.
(3) Technical amendments.--
(A) Section 25(a) of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(a)) is amended in the
matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``Regional Centers
for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology'' and inserting
``regional centers for the transfer of manufacturing
technology''.
(B) Section 25 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), as amended by
subsection (f), is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(j) Community College Defined.--In this section, the term
`community college' means an institution of higher education
(as defined under section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) at which the highest degree that
is predominately awarded to students is an associate's
degree.''.
(h) Evaluation of Obstacles Unique to Small
Manufacturers.--Section 25 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k), as
amended by subsection (g), is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(k) Evaluation of Obstacles Unique to Small
Manufacturers.--The Director shall--
``(1) evaluate obstacles that are unique to small
manufacturers that prevent such manufacturers from
effectively competing in the global market;
``(2) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers
to address such obstacles; and
``(3) facilitate improved communication between the Centers
to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate,
targeted solutions to such obstacles.''.
(i) NIST Act Amendment.--Section 25(f)(3) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k(f)(3)) is amended by striking ``Director of the Centers
program,'' and inserting ``Director of the Hollings MEP
program,''.
SEC. 405. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
RESEARCH INITIATIVE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish a research
initiative to support the development of emergency
communication and tracking technologies for use in locating
trapped individuals in confined spaces, such as underground
mines, and other shielded environments, such as high-rise
buildings or collapsed structures, where conventional radio
communication is limited.
(b) Activities.--In order to carry out this section, the
Director shall work with the private sector and appropriate
Federal agencies to--
(1) perform a needs assessment to identify and evaluate the
measurement, technical standards, and conformity assessment
needs required to improve the operation and reliability of
such emergency communication and tracking technologies;
(2) support the development of technical standards and
conformance architecture to improve the operation and
reliability of such emergency communication and tracking
technologies; and
(3) incorporate and build upon existing reports and studies
on improving emergency communications.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to Congress
and make publicly available a report describing the
assessment performed under subsection (b)(1) and making
recommendations about research priorities to address gaps in
the measurement, technical standards, and conformity
assessment needs identified by the assessment.
SEC. 406. BROADENING PARTICIPATION.
(a) Research Fellowships.--Section 18 of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-1)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Underrepresented Minorities.--In evaluating
applications for fellowships under this section, the Director
shall give consideration to the goal of promoting the
participation of underrepresented minorities in research
areas supported by the Institute.''.
(b) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.--Section 19 of such
Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-2) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
[[Page H8830]]
``In evaluating applications for fellowships under this
section, the Director shall give consideration to the goal of
promoting the participation of underrepresented minorities in
research areas supported by the Institute.''.
(c) Teacher Development.--Section 19A(c) of such Act (15
U.S.C. 278g-2a(c)) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``The Director shall give special consideration to
an application from a teacher from a high-need school, as
defined in section 200 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1021).''.
SEC. 407. NIST FELLOWSHIPS.
(a) Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program.--Section 19 of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278g-2) is amended by striking ``, in conjunction with the
National Academy of Sciences,''.
(b) Research Fellowships.--Section 18(a) of that Act (15
USC 278g-1(a)) is amended by striking ``up to 1.5 percent of
the''.
(c) Commerce, Science, and Technology Fellowship Program.--
Section 5163(d) of the Omnibus Trade and Competition Act of
1988 (15 U.S.C. 1533) is repealed.
SEC. 408. GREEN MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION.
The Director shall carry out a green manufacturing and
construction initiative--
(1) to develop accurate sustainability metrics and
practices for use in manufacturing;
(2) to advance the development of standards, including high
performance green building standards, and the creation of an
information infrastructure to communicate sustainability
information about suppliers; and
(3) to move buildings toward becoming high performance
green buildings, including improving energy performance,
service life, and indoor air quality of new and retrofitted
buildings through validated measurement data.
SEC. 409. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(2) Federal agency.--The term ``Federal agency'' has the
meaning given such term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler
Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703).
(3) High performance green building.--The term ``high
performance green building'' has the meaning given that term
by section 401(13) of the Energy Independence and Security
Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 17061(13)).
TITLE V--SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS SUPPORT
PROGRAMS
SUBTITLE A--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 2010''.
SEC. 502. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
(2) EPSCoR.--The term ``EPSCoR'' means the Experimental
Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
(3) 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).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given
such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means one of 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, or any other
territory or possession of the United States.
(6) 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.
SEC. 503. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Year 2011.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $7,424,400,000 for fiscal year 2011.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $5,974,782,000 shall be made available to carry
research and related activities;
(B) $937,850,000 shall be made available for education and
human resources;
(C) $164,744,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $327,503,000 shall be made available for agency
operations and award management;
(E) $4,803,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board; and
(F) $14,718,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
(b) Fiscal Year 2012.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $7,800,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,234,281,000 shall be made available to carry
research and related activities;
(B) $978,959,000 shall be made available for education and
human resources;
(C) $225,544,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $341,676,000 shall be made available for agency
operations and award management;
(E) $4,808,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board; and
(F) $14,732,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
(c) Fiscal Year 2013.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Foundation $8,300,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.
(2) Specific allocations.--Of the amount authorized by
paragraph (1)--
(A) $6,637,849,000 shall be made available to carry
research and related activities;
(B) $1,041,762,000 shall be made available for education
and human resources;
(C) $236,764,000 shall be made available for major research
equipment and facilities construction;
(D) $363,670,000 shall be made available for agency
operations and award management;
(E) $4,906,000 shall be made available for the Office of
the National Science Board; and
(F) $15,049,000 shall be made available for the Office of
Inspector General.
SEC. 504. NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS.
(a) Staffing at the National Science Board.--Section 4(g)
of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C.
1863(g)) is amended by striking ``not more than 5''.
(b) National Science Board Reports.--Section 4(j)(2) of the
National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C.
1863(j)(2)) is amended by inserting ``within the authority of
the Foundation (or otherwise as requested by the Congress or
the President)'' after ``individual policy matters''.
(c) Board Adherence to Sunshine Act.--Section 15(a)(2) of
the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42
U.S.C. 1862n-5(a)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``To ensure
transparency of the Board's entire decision-making process,
including deliberations on Board business occurring within
its various subdivisions, the Board''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``The preceding
requirement will apply to meetings of the full Board,
whenever a quorum is present; and to meetings of its
subdivisions, whenever a quorum of the subdivision is
present.''.
SEC. 505. NATIONAL CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
STATISTICS.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Foundation a National Center for Science and Engineering
Statistics that shall serve as a central Federal
clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, analysis,
and dissemination of objective data on science, engineering,
technology, and research and development.
(b) Duties.--In carrying out subsection (a) of this
section, the Director, acting through the Center shall--
(1) collect, acquire, analyze, report, and disseminate
statistical data related to the science and engineering
enterprise in the United States and other nations that is
relevant and useful to practitioners, researchers,
policymakers, and the public, including statistical data on--
(A) research and development trends;
(B) the science and engineering workforce;
(C) United States competitiveness in science, engineering,
technology, and research and development; and
(D) the condition and progress of United States STEM
education;
(2) support research using the data it collects, and on
methodologies in areas related to the work of the Center; and
(3) support the education and training of researchers in
the use of large-scale, nationally representative data sets.
(c) Statistical Reports.--The Director or the National
Science Board, acting through the Center, shall issue
regular, and as necessary, special statistical reports on
topics related to the national and international science and
engineering enterprise such as the biennial report required
by section 4(j)(1) of the National Science Foundation Act of
1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(j)(1)) on indicators of the state of
science and engineering in the United States.
SEC. 506. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION MANUFACTURING RESEARCH
AND EDUCATION.
(a) Manufacturing Research.--The Director shall carry out a
program to award merit-reviewed, competitive grants to
institutions of higher education to support fundamental
research leading to transformative advances in manufacturing
technologies, processes, and enterprises that will support
United States manufacturing through improved performance,
productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness. Research
areas may include--
(1) nanomanufacturing;
(2) manufacturing and construction machines and equipment,
including robotics, automation, and other intelligent
systems;
(3) manufacturing enterprise systems;
(4) advanced sensing and control techniques;
(5) materials processing; and
(6) information technologies for manufacturing, including
predictive and real-time models and simulations, and virtual
manufacturing.
(b) Manufacturing Education.--In order to help ensure a
well-trained manufacturing workforce, the Director shall
award grants to strengthen and expand scientific and
technical education and training in advanced manufacturing,
including through the Foundation's Advanced Technological
Education program.
SEC. 507. NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REPORT ON MID-SCALE
INSTRUMENTATION.
(a) Mid-scale Research Instrumentation Needs.--The National
Science Board shall evaluate the needs, across all
disciplines supported by the Foundation, for mid-scale
research instrumentation that falls between the instruments
funded by the Major Research Instrumentation program and the
very large projects funded by the Major Research Equipment
and Facilities Construction program.
[[Page H8831]]
(b) Report on Mid-scale Research Instrumentation Program.--
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act, the National Science Board shall submit to Congress a
report on mid-scale research instrumentation at the
Foundation. At a minimum, this report shall include--
(1) the findings from the Board's evaluation of
instrumentation needs required under subsection (a),
including a description of differences across disciplines and
Foundation research directorates;
(2) a recommendation or recommendations regarding how the
Foundation should set priorities for mid-scale
instrumentation across disciplines and Foundation research
directorates;
(3) a recommendation or recommendations regarding the
appropriateness of expanding existing programs, including the
Major Research Instrumentation program or the Major Research
Equipment and Facilities Construction program, to support
more instrumentation at the mid-scale;
(4) a recommendation or recommendations regarding the need
for and appropriateness of a new, Foundation-wide program or
initiative in support of mid-scale instrumentation, including
any recommendations regarding the administration of and
budget for such a program or initiative and the appropriate
scope of instruments to be funded under such a program or
initiative; and
(5) any recommendation or recommendations regarding other
options for supporting mid-scale research instrumentation at
the Foundation.
SEC. 508. PARTNERSHIPS FOR INNOVATION.
(a) In General.--The Director shall carry out a program to
award merit-reviewed, competitive grants to institutions of
higher education to establish and to expand partnerships that
promote innovation and increase the impact of research by
developing tools and resources to connect new scientific
discoveries to practical uses.
(b) Partnerships.--
(1) In general.--To be eligible for funding under this
section, an institution of higher education must propose
establishment of a partnership that--
(A) includes at least one private sector entity; and
(B) may include other institutions of higher education,
public sector institutions, private sector entities, and
nonprofit organizations.
(2) Priority.--In selecting grant recipients under this
section, the Director shall give priority to partnerships
that include one or more institutions of higher education and
at least one of the following:
(A) A minority serving institution.
(B) A primarily undergraduate institution.
(C) A 2-year institution of higher education.
(c) Program.--Proposals funded under this section shall
seek--
(1) to increase the impact of the most promising research
at the institution or institutions of higher education that
are members of the partnership through knowledge transfer or
commercialization;
(2) to increase the engagement of faculty and students
across multiple disciplines and departments, including
faculty and students in schools of business and other
appropriate non-STEM fields and disciplines in knowledge
transfer activities;
(3) to enhance education and mentoring of students and
faculty in innovation and entrepreneurship through networks,
courses, and development of best practices and curricula;
(4) to strengthen the culture of the institution or
institutions of higher education to undertake and participate
in activities related to innovation and leading to economic
or social impact;
(5) to broaden the participation of all types of
institutions of higher education in activities to meet STEM
workforce needs and promote innovation and knowledge
transfer; and
(6) to build lasting partnerships with local and regional
businesses, local and State governments, and other relevant
entities.
(d) Additional Criteria.--In selecting grant recipients
under this section, the Director shall also consider the
extent to which the applicants are able to demonstrate
evidence of institutional support for, and commitment to--
(1) achieving the goals of the program as described in
subsection (c);
(2) expansion to an institution-wide program if the initial
proposal is not for an institution-wide program; and
(3) sustaining any new innovation tools and resources
generated from funding under this program.
(e) Limitation.--No funds provided under this section may
be used to construct or renovate a building or structure.
SEC. 509. SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY BASIC RESEARCH.
The Director shall establish a Green Chemistry Basic
Research program to award competitive, merit-based grants to
support research into green and sustainable chemistry which
will lead to clean, safe, and economical alternatives to
traditional chemical products and practices. The research
program shall provide sustained support for green chemistry
research, education, and technology transfer through--
(1) merit-reviewed competitive grants to individual
investigators and teams of investigators, including, to the
extent practicable, young investigators, for research;
(2) grants to fund collaborative research partnerships
among universities, industry, and nonprofit organizations;
(3) symposia, forums, and conferences to increase outreach,
collaboration, and dissemination of green chemistry advances
and practices; and
(4) education, training, and retraining of undergraduate
and graduate students and professional chemists and chemical
engineers, including through partnerships with industry, in
green chemistry science and engineering.
SEC. 510. GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT.
(a) Finding.--The Congress finds that--
(1) the Integrative Graduate Education and Research
Traineeship program is an important program for training the
next generation of scientists and engineers in team-based
interdisciplinary research and problem solving, and for
providing them with the many additional skills, such as
communication skills, needed to thrive in diverse STEM
careers; and
(2) the Integrative Graduate Education and Research
Traineeship program is no less valuable to the preparation
and support of graduate students than the Foundation's
Graduate Research Fellowship program.
(b) Equal Treatment of IGERT and GRF.--Beginning in fiscal
year 2011, the Director shall increase or, if necessary,
decrease funding for the Foundation's Integrative Graduate
Education and Research Traineeship program (or any program by
which it is replaced) at least at the same rate as it
increases or decreases funding for the Graduate Research
Fellowship program.
(c) Support for Graduate Student Research From the Research
Account.--For each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2013, at
least 50 percent of the total Foundation funds allocated to
the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship
program and the Graduate Research Fellowship program shall
come from funds appropriated for Research and Related
Activities.
(d) Cost of Education Allowance for GRF Program.--Section
10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C.
1869) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a) In General.--'' before ``The
Foundation is authorized''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Amount.--The Director shall establish for each year
the amount to be awarded for scholarships and fellowships
under this section for that year. Each such scholarship and
fellowship shall include a cost of education allowance of
$12,000, subject to any restrictions on the use of cost of
education allowance as determined by the Director.''.
SEC. 511. ROBERT NOYCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Matching Requirement.--Section 10A(h)(1) of the
National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42
U.S.C. 1862n-1a(h)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources,
to carry out the activities supported by the grant--
``(A) in the case of grants in an amount of less than
$1,500,000, an amount equal to at least 30 percent of the
amount of the grant, at least one half of which shall be in
cash; and
``(B) in the case of grants in an amount of $1,500,000 or
more, an amount equal to at least 50 percent of the amount of
the grant, at least one half of which shall be in cash.''.
(b) Retiring STEM Professionals.--Section 10A(a)(2)(A) of
the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42
U.S.C. 1862n-1a(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``including
retiring professionals in those fields,'' after ``mathematics
professionals,''.
SEC. 512 UNDERGRADUATE BROADENING PARTICIPATION PROGRAM.
The Foundation shall continue to support the Historically
Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, the
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program,
the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program, and Hispanic-
serving institutions as separate programs.
SEC. 513. RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.
The Director shall permit specialized STEM high schools
conducting research to participate in major data collection
initiatives from universities, corporations, or government
labs under a research grant from the Foundation, as part of
the research proposal.
SEC. 514. RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES.
(a) Research Sites.--The Director shall award grants, on a
merit-reviewed, competitive basis, to institutions of higher
education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such
institutions and organizations, for sites designated by the
Director to provide research experiences for 6 or more
undergraduate STEM students for sites designated at primarily
undergraduate institutions of higher education and 10 or more
undergraduate STEM students for all other sites, with
consideration given to the goal of promoting the
participation of individuals identified in section 33 or 34
of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42
U.S.C. 1885a or 1885b). The Director shall ensure that--
(1) at least half of the students participating in a
program funded by a grant under this subsection at each site
shall be recruited from institutions of higher education
where research opportunities in STEM are limited, including
2-year institutions;
(2) the awards provide undergraduate research experiences
in a wide range of STEM disciplines;
(3) the awards support a variety of projects, including
independent investigator-led projects, interdisciplinary
projects, and multi-institutional projects (including virtual
projects);
(4) students participating in each program funded have
mentors, including during the academic year to the extent
practicable, to help connect the students' research
experiences to the overall academic course of study and to
help students achieve success in courses of study leading to
a baccalaureate degree in a STEM field;
(5) mentors and students are supported with appropriate
salary or stipends; and
(6) student participants are tracked, for employment and
continued matriculation in STEM
[[Page H8832]]
fields, through receipt of the undergraduate degree and for
at least 3 years thereafter.
(b) Inclusion of Undergraduates in Standard Research
Grants.--The Director shall require that every recipient of a
research grant from the Foundation proposing to include 1 or
more students enrolled in certificate, associate, or
baccalaureate degree programs in carrying out the research
under the grant shall request support, including stipend
support, for such undergraduate students as part of the
research proposal itself rather than as a supplement to the
research proposal, unless such undergraduate participation
was not foreseeable at the time of the original proposal.
SEC. 515. STEM INDUSTRY INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--The Director may award grants, on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to institutions of higher
education, or consortia thereof, to establish or expand
partnerships with local or regional private sector entities,
for the purpose of providing undergraduate students with
integrated internship experiences that connect private sector
internship experiences with the students' STEM coursework.
The partnerships may also include industry or professional
associations.
(b) Internship Program.--The grants awarded under section
(a) may include internship programs in the manufacturing
sector.
(c) Use of Grant Funds.--Grants under this section may be
used--
(1) to develop and implement hands-on learning
opportunities;
(2) to develop curricula and instructional materials
related to industry, including the manufacturing sector;
(3) to perform outreach to secondary schools;
(4) to develop mentorship programs for students with
partner organizations; and
(5) to conduct activities to support awareness of career
opportunities and skill requirements.
(d) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Director shall give priority to institutions of higher
education or consortia thereof that demonstrate significant
outreach to and coordination with local or regional private
sector entities and Regional Centers for the Transfer of
Manufacturing Technology established by section 25(a) of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
278k(a)) in developing academic courses designed to provide
students with the skills or certifications necessary for
employment in local or regional companies.
(c) Outreach to Rural Communities.--The Foundation shall
conduct outreach to institutions of higher education and
private sector entities in rural areas to encourage those
entities to participate in partnerships under this section.
(d) Cost-share.--The Director shall require a 50 percent
non-Federal cost-share from partnerships established or
expanded under this section.
(e) Restriction.--No Federal funds provided under this
section may be used--
(1) for the purpose of providing stipends or compensation
to students for private sector internships unless private
sector entities match 75 percent of such funding; or
(2) as payment or reimbursement to private sector entities,
except for institutions of higher education.
(f) Report.--Not less than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit a report to
Congress on the number and total value of awards made under
this section, the number of students affected by those
awards, any evidence of the effect of those awards on
workforce preparation and jobs placement for participating
students, and an economic and ethnic breakdown of the
participating students.
SEC. 516. CYBER-ENABLED LEARNING FOR NATIONAL CHALLENGES.
The Director shall, in consultation with appropriate
Federal agencies, identify ways to use cyber-enabled learning
to create an innovative STEM workforce and to help retrain
and retain our existing STEM workforce to address national
challenges, including national security and competitiveness,
and use technology to enhance or supplement laboratory based
learning.
SEC. 517. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE
RESEARCH.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 stated,
``it shall be an objective of the Foundation to strengthen
research and education in the sciences and engineering,
including independent research by individuals, throughout the
United States, and to avoid undue concentration of such
research and education,'';
(2) National Science Foundation funding remains highly
concentrated, with 27 States and 2 jurisdictions, taken
together, receiving only about 10 percent of all NSF research
funding; each of these States received only a fraction of one
percent of Foundation's research dollars each year;
(3) the Nation requires the talent, expertise, and research
capabilities of all States in order to prepare sufficient
numbers of scientists and engineers, remain globally
competitive and support economic development.
(b) Continuation of Program.--The Director shall continue
to carry out EPSCoR, with the objective of helping the
eligible States to develop the research infrastructure that
will make them more competitive for Foundation and other
Federal research funding. The program shall continue to
increase as the National Science Foundation funding
increases.
(c) Congressional Reports.--The Director shall report to
the appropriate committees of Congress on an annual basis,
using the most recent available data--
(1) the total amount made available, by State, under
EPSCoR;
(2) the amount of co-funding made available to EPSCoR
States;
(3) the total amount of National Science Foundation funding
made available to all institutions and entities within EPSCoR
States; and
(4) efforts and accomplishments to more fully integrate the
29 EPSCoR jurisdictions in major activities and initiatives
of the Foundation.
(d) Coordination of EPSCoR and Similar Federal Programs.--
(1) Another finding.--The Congress finds that a number of
Federal agencies have programs, such as Experimental Programs
to Stimulate Competitive Research and the National Institutes
of Health Institutional Development Award program, designed
to increase the capacity for and quality of science and
technology research and training at academic institutions in
States that historically have received relatively little
Federal research and development funding.
(2) Coordination required.--The EPSCoR Interagency
Coordinating Committee, chaired by the National Science
Foundation, shall--
(A) coordinate EPSCoR and Federal EPSCoR-like programs to
maximize the impact of Federal support for building
competitive research infrastructure, and in order to achieve
an integrated Federal effort;
(B) coordinate agency objectives with State and
institutional goals, to obtain continued non-Federal support
of science and technology research and training;
(C) develop metrics to assess gains in academic research
quality and competitiveness, and in science and technology
human resource development;
(D) conduct a cross-agency evaluation of EPSCoR and other
Federal EPSCoR-like programs and accomplishments, including
management, investment, and metric-measuring strategies
implemented by the different agencies aimed to increase the
number of new investigators receiving peer-reviewed funding,
broaden participation, and empower knowledge generation,
dissemination, application, and national research and
development competitiveness;
(E) coordinate the development and implementation of new,
novel workshops, outreach activities, and follow-up mentoring
activities among EPSCoR or EPSCoR-like programs for colleges
and universities in EPSCoR States and territories in order to
increase the number of proposals submitted and successfully
funded and to enhance statewide coordination of EPSCoR and
Federal EPSCoR-like programs;
(F) coordinate the development of new, innovative
solicitations and programs to facilitate collaborations,
partnerships, and mentoring activities among faculty at all
levels in non-EPSCoR and EPSCoR States and jurisdictions;
(G) conduct an evaluation of the roles, responsibilities
and degree of autonomy that program officers or managers (or
the equivalent position) have in executing EPSCoR programs at
the different Federal agencies and the impacts these
differences have on the number of EPSCoR State and
jurisdiction faculty participating in the peer review process
and the percentage of successful awards by individual EPSCoR
State jurisdiction and individual researcher; and
(H) conduct a survey of colleges and university faculty at
all levels regarding their knowledge and understanding of
EPSCoR, and their level of interaction with and knowledge
about their respective State or Jurisdictional EPSCoR
Committee.
(3) Meetings and reports.--The Committee shall meet at
least twice each fiscal year and shall submit an annual
report to the appropriate committees of Congress describing
progress made in carrying out paragraph (2).
(e) Federal Agency Reports.--Each Federal agency that
administers an EPSCoR or Federal EPSCoR-like program shall
submit to the OSTP as part of its Federal budget submission--
(1) a description of the program strategy and objectives;
(2) a description of the awards made in the previous year,
including--
(A) the percentage of reviewers and number of new reviewers
from EPSCoR States;
(B) the percentage of new investigators from EPSCoR States;
(C) the number of programs or large collaborator awards
involving a partnership of organizations and institutions
from EPSCoR and non-EPSCoR States; and
(3) an analysis of the gains in academic research quality
and competitiveness, and in science and technology human
resource development, achieved by the program in the last
year.
(f) National Academy of Sciences Study.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall contract with the
National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on all
Federal agencies that administer an Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research or a program similar to the
Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
(2) Matters to be addressed.--The study conducted under
paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) A delineation of the policies of each Federal agency
with respect to the awarding of grants to EPSCoR States.
(B) The effectiveness of each program.
(C) Recommendations for improvements for each agency to
achieve EPSCoR goals.
(D) An assessment of the effectiveness of EPSCoR States in
using awards to develop science and engineering research and
education, and science and engineering infrastructure within
their States.
(E) Such other issues that address the effectiveness of
EPSCoR as the National Academy of Sciences considers
appropriate.
SEC. 518. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING THE SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS TALENT
EXPANSION PROGRAM.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
[[Page H8833]]
(1) the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Talent Expansion Program established by the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 continues to be an
effective program to increase the number of students, who are
citizens or permanent residents of the United States,
receiving associate or baccalaureate degrees in established
or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics, and its authorization continues;
(2) the strategies employed continue to strengthen
mentoring and tutoring between faculty and students and
provide students with information and exposure to potential
career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics areas;
(3) this highly competitive program awarded 145 Program
implementation awards and 12 research projects in the first 6
years of operations; and
(4) the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Talent Expansion Program should continue to be supported by
the National Science Foundation.
SEC. 519. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING THE NATIONAL
SCIENCE FOUNDATION'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO BASIC
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) the National Science Foundation is an independent
Federal agency created by Congress in 1950 to, among other
things, promote the progress of science, to advance the
national health, prosperity, and welfare, and to secure the
national defense;
(2) the Foundation is the funding source for approximately
20 percent of all federally supported basic research
conducted by America's colleges and universities, and is the
major source of Federal backing for mathematics, computer
science and other sciences;
(3) the America COMPETES Act of 2007 helped rejuvenate our
focus on increasing basic research investment in the physical
sciences, strengthening educational opportunities in the
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields and
developing a robust innovation infrastructure; and
(4) reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act should
continue a robust investment in basic research and education
and preserve the essence of the original Act by increasing
the investment focus on science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics basic research and education as a national
priority.
(b) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that--
(1) the National Science Foundation is the finest
scientific foundation in the world, and is a vital agency
that must support basic research needed to advance the United
States into the 21st century;
(2) the National Science Foundation should focus Federal
research and development resources primarily in the areas of
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics basic
research and education; and
(3) the National Science Foundation should strive to ensure
that federally-supported research is of the finest quality,
is ground breaking, and answers questions or solves problems
that are of utmost importance to society at large.
SEC. 520. ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND COMMERCIALIZATION
OF UNIVERSITY RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Any institution of higher education (as
such term is defined in section 101(A) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) that receives
National Science Foundation research support and has received
at least $25,000,000 in total Federal research grants in the
most recent fiscal year shall keep, maintain, and report
annually to the National Science Foundation the universal
record locator for a public website that contains information
concerning its general approach to and mechanisms for
transfer of technology and the commercialization of research
results, including--
(1) contact information for individuals and university
offices responsible for technology transfer and
commercialization;
(2) information for both university researchers and
industry on the institution's technology licensing and
commercialization strategies;
(3) success stories, statistics, and examples of how the
university supports commercialization of research results;
(4) technologies available for licensing by the university
where appropriate; and
(5) any other information deemed by the institution to be
helpful to companies with the potential to commercialize
university inventions.
(b) NSF Website.--The National Science Foundation shall
create and maintain a website accessible to the public that
links to each website mentioned under (a).
(c) Trade Secret Information.--Notwithstanding subsection
(a), an institution shall not be required to reveal
confidential, trade secret, or proprietary information on its
website.
SEC. 521. STUDY TO DEVELOP IMPROVED IMPACT-ON-SOCIETY
METRICS.
(a) In General.--Within 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Science
Foundation shall contract with the National Academy of
Sciences to initiate a study to evaluate, develop, or improve
metrics for measuring the potential impact-on-society,
including--
(1) the potential for commercial applications of research
studies funded in whole or in part by grants of financial
assistance from the Foundation or other Federal agencies;
(2) the manner in which research conducted at, and
individuals graduating from, an institution of higher
education contribute to the development of new intellectual
property and the success of commercial activities;
(3) the quality of relevant scientific and international
publications; and
(4) the ability of such institutions to attract external
research funding.
(b) Report.--Within 1 year after initiating the study
required by subsection (a), the Director shall submit a
report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on
Science and Technology setting forth the Director's findings,
conclusions, and recommendations.
SEC. 522. NSF GRANTS IN SUPPORT OF SPONSORED POST-DOCTORAL
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS.
The Director of the National Science Foundation may utilize
funds appropriated to carry out grants to institutions of
higher education (as such term is defined in section 101(a)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) to
provide financial support for post-graduate research in
fields with potential commercial applications to match, in
whole or in part, any private sector grant of financial
assistance to any post-doctoral program in such a field of
study.
SEC. 523. COLLABORATION IN PLANNING FOR STEWARDSHIP OF LARGE-
SCALE FACILITIES.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Foundation should, in its planning for construction
and stewardship of large facilities, coordinate and
collaborate with other Federal agencies, including the
Department of Energy's Office of Science, to ensure that
joint investments may be made when practicable;
(2) in particular, the Foundation should ensure that it
responds to recommendations by the National Academy of
Sciences and working groups convened by the National Science
and Technology Council regarding such facilities and
opportunities for partnership with other agencies in the
design and construction of such facilities; and
(3) for facilities in which research in multiple
disciplines will be possible, the Director should include
multiple units within the Foundation during the planning
process.
SEC. 524. CLOUD COMPUTING RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT.
(a) Research Focus Area.--The Director may support a
national research agenda in key areas affected by the
increased use of public and private cloud computing,
including--
(1) new approaches, techniques, technologies, and tools
for--
(A) optimizing the effectiveness and efficiency of cloud
computing environments; and
(B) mitigating security, identity, privacy, reliability,
and manageability risks in cloud-based environments,
including as they differ from traditional data centers;
(2) new algorithms and technologies to define, assess, and
establish large-scale, trustworthy, cloud-based
infrastructures;
(3) models and advanced technologies to measure, assess,
report, and understand the performance, reliability, energy
consumption, and other characteristics of complex cloud
environments; and
(4) advanced security technologies to protect sensitive or
proprietary information in global-scale cloud environments.
(b) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall initiate a review
and assessment of cloud computing research opportunities and
challenges, including research areas listed in subsection
(a), as well as related issues such as--
(A) the management and assurance of data that are the
subject of Federal laws and regulations in cloud computing
environments, which laws and regulations exist on the date of
enactment of this Act;
(B) misappropriation of cloud services, piracy through
cloud technologies, and other threats to the integrity of
cloud services;
(C) areas of advanced technology needed to enable trusted
communications, processing, and storage; and
(D) other areas of focus determined appropriate by the
Director.
(2) Unsolicited proposals.--The Director may accept
unsolicited proposals that review and assess the issues
described in paragraph (1). The proposals may be judged
according to existing criteria of the National Science
Foundation.
(c) Report.--The Director shall provide an annual report
for not less than 5 consecutive years to Congress on the
outcomes of National Science Foundation investments in cloud
computing research, recommendations for research focus and
program improvements, or other related recommendations. The
reports, including any interim findings or recommendations,
shall be made publicly available on the website of the
National Science Foundation.
(d) NIST Support.--The Director of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology shall--
(1) collaborate with industry in the development of
standards supporting trusted cloud computing infrastructures,
metrics, interoperability, and assurance; and
(2) support standards development with the intent of
supporting common goals.
SEC. 525. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director shall continue to support a
program to award grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed
basis to tribal colleges and universities (as defined in
section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c), including institutions described in section 317 of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d), to enhance the quality of
undergraduate STEM education at such institutions and to
increase the retention and graduation rates of Native
American students pursuing associate's or baccalaureate
degrees in STEM.
(b) Program Components.--Grants awarded under this section
shall support--
[[Page H8834]]
(1) activities to improve courses and curriculum in STEM;
(2) faculty development;
(3) stipends for undergraduate students participating in
research; and
(4) other activities consistent with subsection (a), as
determined by the Director.
(c) Instrumentation.--Funding provided under this section
may be used for laboratory equipment and materials.
SEC. 526. BROADER IMPACTS REVIEW CRITERION.
(a) Goals.--The Foundation shall apply a Broader Impacts
Review Criterion to achieve the following goals:
(1) Increased economic competitiveness of the United
States.
(2) Development of a globally competitive STEM workforce.
(3) Increased participation of women and underrepresented
minorities in STEM.
(4) Increased partnerships between academia and industry.
(5) Improved pre-K-12 STEM education and teacher
development.
(6) Improved undergraduate STEM education.
(7) Increased public scientific literacy.
(8) Increased national security.
(b) Policy.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop and
implement a policy for the Broader Impacts Review Criterion
that--
(1) provides for educating professional staff at the
Foundation, merit review panels, and applicants for
Foundation research grants on the policy developed under this
subsection;
(2) clarifies that the activities of grant recipients
undertaken to satisfy the Broader Impacts Review Criterion
shall--
(A) to the extent practicable employ proven strategies and
models and draw on existing programs and activities; and
(B) when novel approaches are justified, build on the most
current research results;
(3) allows for some portion of funds allocated to broader
impacts under a research grant to be used for assessment and
evaluation of the broader impacts activity;
(4) encourages institutions of higher education and other
nonprofit education or research organizations to develop and
provide, either as individual institutions or in partnerships
thereof, appropriate training and programs to assist
Foundation-funded principal investigators at their
institutions in achieving the goals of the Broader Impacts
Review Criterion as described in subsection (a); and
(5) requires principal investigators applying for
Foundation research grants to provide evidence of
institutional support for the portion of the investigator's
proposal designed to satisfy the Broader Impacts Review
Criterion, including evidence of relevant training, programs,
and other institutional resources available to the
investigator from either their home institution or
organization or another institution or organization with
relevant expertise.
SEC. 527. TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY GRADUATE EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--The Director shall award grants, on a
competitive, merit-reviewed basis, to institutions of higher
education to implement or expand research-based reforms in
master's and doctoral level STEM education that emphasize
preparation for diverse careers utilizing STEM degrees,
including at diverse types of institutions of higher
education, in industry, and at government agencies and
research laboratories.
(b) Uses of Funds.--Activities supported by grants under
this section may include--
(1) creation of multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary
courses or programs for the purpose of improved student
instruction and research in STEM;
(2) expansion of graduate STEM research opportunities to
include interdisciplinary research opportunities and research
opportunities in industry, at Federal laboratories, and at
international research institutions or research sites;
(3) development and implementation of future faculty
training programs focused on improved instruction, mentoring,
assessment of student learning, and support of undergraduate
STEM students;
(4) support and training for graduate students to
participate in instructional activities beyond the
traditional teaching assistantship, and especially as part of
ongoing educational reform efforts, including at pre-K-12
schools, and primarily undergraduate institutions;
(5) creation, improvement, or expansion of innovative
graduate programs such as science master's degree programs;
(6) development and implementation of seminars, workshops,
and other professional development activities that increase
the ability of graduate students to engage in innovation,
technology transfer, and entrepreneurship;
(7) development and implementation of seminars, workshops,
and other professional development activities that increase
the ability of graduate students to effectively communicate
their research findings to technical audiences outside of
their own discipline and to nontechnical audiences;
(8) expansion of successful STEM reform efforts beyond a
single academic unit to other STEM academic units within an
institution or to comparable academic units at other
institutions; and
(9) research on teaching and learning of STEM at the
graduate level related to the proposed reform effort,
including assessment and evaluation of the proposed reform
activities and research on scalability and sustainability of
approaches to reform.
(c) Partnership.--An institution of higher education may
partner with one or more other nonprofit education or
research organizations, including scientific and engineering
societies, for the purposes of carrying out the activities
authorized under this section.
(d) Selection Process.--
(1) Applications.--An institution of higher education
seeking a grant under this section shall submit an
application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director may require. The
application shall include, at a minimum--
(A) a description of the proposed reform effort;
(B) in the case of applications that propose an expansion
of a previously implemented reform effort at the applicant's
institution or at other institutions, a description of the
previously implemented reform effort;
(C) evidence of institutional support for, and commitment
to, the proposed reform effort, including long-term
commitment to implement successful strategies from the
current reform effort beyond the academic unit or units
included in the grant proposal or to disseminate successful
strategies to other institutions; and
(D) a description of the plans for assessment and
evaluation of the grant proposed reform activities.
(2) Review of applications.--In selecting grant recipients
under this section, the Director shall consider at a
minimum--
(A) the likelihood of success in undertaking the proposed
effort at the institution submitting the application,
including the extent to which the faculty, staff, and
administrators of the institution are committed to making the
proposed institutional reform a priority of the participating
academic unit or units;
(B) the degree to which the proposed reform will contribute
to change in institutional culture and policy such that a
greater value is placed on preparing graduate students for
diverse careers utilizing STEM degrees;
(C) the likelihood that the institution will sustain or
expand the reform beyond the period of the grant; and
(D) the degree to which scholarly assessment and evaluation
plans are included in the design of the reform effort.
SUBTITLE B--STEM-TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM
SEC. 551. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subtitle is to replicate and implement
programs at institutions of higher education that provide
integrated courses of study in science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics, and teacher education, that lead
to a baccalaureate degree in science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics with concurrent teacher
certification.
SEC. 552. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
The Director shall replicate and implement undergraduate
degree programs under this subtitle that--
(1) are designed to recruit and prepare students who pursue
a baccalaureate degree in science, technology, engineering,
or mathematics to become certified as elementary and
secondary teachers;
(2) require the education department (or its equivalent)
and the departments or division responsible for preparation
of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors
at an institution of higher education to collaborate in
establishing and implementing the program at that
institution;
(3) require students participating in the program to enter
the program through a field-based course and to continue to
complete field-based courses supervised by master teachers
throughout the program;
(4) hire sufficient teachers so that the ratio of students
to master teachers in the program does not exceed 100 to 1;
(5) include instruction in the use of scientifically-based
instructional materials and methods, assessments, pedagogical
content knowledge (including the interaction between
mathematics and science), the use of instructional
technology, and how to incorporate State and local standards
into the classroom curriculum;
(6) restrict to students participating in the program those
courses that are specifically designed for the needs of
teachers of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics; and
(7) require students participating in the program to
successfully complete a final evaluation of their teaching
proficiency, based on their classroom teaching performance,
conducted by multiple trained observers, and a portfolio of
their accomplishments.
SEC. 553. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Director shall establish a grant
program to support programs at institutions of higher
education to carry out the purpose of this subtitle.
(b) Geographical Considerations.--In the administration of
this subtitle, the Director shall take such steps as may be
necessary to ensure that grants are equitably distributed
across all regions of the United States, taking into account
population density and other geographic and demographic
considerations.
(c) Amount of Grant.--Subject to the requirements of
subsection (d), the Director may award grants annually on a
competitive basis to institutions of higher education in the
amount of $2,000,000, per institution of which--
(1) $1,500,000 shall be used--
(A) to design, implement, and evaluate a program that meets
the requirements of section 552;
(B) to employ master teachers at the institution to oversee
field experiences;
(C) to provide a stipend to mentor teachers participating
in the program; and
(D) to support curriculum development and implementation
strategies for science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics content courses taught through the program; and
(2) up to $500,000 shall be set aside by the grantee for
technical support and evaluation services from the
institution whose programs will be replicated.
(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to apply for a grant under
this section, an institution of higher education shall--
[[Page H8835]]
(1) include former secondary school science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics master teachers as faculty in its
science department for this program;
(2) grant terminal degrees in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics; and
(3) have a process to be used in establishing partnerships
with local educational agencies for placement of
participating students in their field experiences, including
a process for identifying mentor teachers working in local
schools to supervise classroom field experiences in
cooperation with university-based master teachers;
(4) maintain policies allowing flexible entry to the
program throughout the undergraduate coursework;
(5) require that master teachers employed by the
institution will supervise field experiences of students in
the program;
(6) require that the program complies with State
certification or licensing requirements and the requirements
under section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(23)) for highly
qualified teachers;
(7) develop during the course of the grant a plan for long-
term support and assessment of its graduates, which shall
include--
(A) induction support for graduates in their first one to
two years of teaching;
(B) systems to determine the teaching status of graduates
and thereby determine retention rates; and
(C) methods to analyze the achievement of students taught
by graduates, and methods to analyze classroom practices of
graduates; and
(8) be able upon completion of the grant at the end of 5
years to fund essential program costs, including salaries of
master teachers and other necessary personnel, from recurring
university budgets.
(e) Application Requirements.--An institution of higher
education seeking a grant under the program shall submit an
application to the Director in such form, at such time, and
containing such information and assurances as the Director
may require, including--
(1) a description of the current rate at which individuals
majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
become certified as elementary and secondary teachers;
(2) a description for the institution's plan for increasing
the numbers of students enrolled in and graduating from the
program supported under this subtitle;
(3) a description of the institution's capacity to develop
a program in which individuals majoring in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics can become certified
as elementary and secondary teachers;
(4) identification of the organizational unit within the
department or division of arts and sciences or the science
department at the institution that will adopt teacher
certification for elementary and secondary teachers as its
primary mission;
(5) identification of core faculty within the department or
division of arts and sciences or the science department at
the institution to champion teacher preparation in their
departments by teaching courses dedicated to preparing future
elementary and secondary school teachers, helping create new
degree plans, advising prospective students within their
major, and assisting as needed with program administration;
(6) identification of core faculty in the education
department or its equivalent at the institution to champion
teacher preparation by creating and teaching courses specific
to the preparation of science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics and working closely with colleagues in the
department or division of arts and sciences or the science
department; and
(7) a description of involving practical, field-based
experience in teaching and degree plans enabling students to
graduate in 4 years with a major in science, technology,
engineering, or mathematics and elementary or secondary
school teacher certification.
(f) Matching Requirement.--An institution of higher
education may not receive a grant under this section unless
it provides, from non-federal sources, to carry out the
activities supported by the grant, an amount that is not less
than--
(1) 35 percent of the amount of the grant for the first
fiscal year of the grant;
(2) 55 percent of the amount of the grant for the second
and third fiscal years of the grant; and
(3) 75 percent of the amount of the grant for the fourth
and fifth fiscal years of the grant.
(g) Guidance.--Within 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Director shall initiate a proceeding to
promulgate guidance for the administration of the grant
program established under subsection (a).
SEC. 554. GRANT OVERSIGHT AND ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Director may execute a contract for
program oversight and fiscal management with an organization
at an institution of higher education, a non-profit
organization, or other entity that demonstrates capacity for
and experience in--
(1) replicating 1 or more similar programs at regional or
national levels;
(2) providing programmatic and technical implementation
assistance for the program;
(3) performing data collection and analysis to ensure
proper implementation and continuous program improvement; and
(4) providing accountability for results by measuring and
monitoring achievement of programmatic milestones.
(b) Oversight Responsibilities.--
(1) Mandatory duties.--If the Director executes a contract
under subsection (a) with an organization for program
oversight and fiscal management, the organization shall--
(A) ensure that a grant recipient faithfully replicates and
implements the program or programs for which the grant is
awarded;
(B) ensure that grant funds are used for the purposes
authorized and that a grant recipient has a system in place
to track and account for all Federal grant funds provided;
(C) provide technical assistance to grant recipients;
(D) collect and analyze data and report to the Director
annually on the effects of the program on--
(i) the progress of participating students in achieving
teaching competence and teaching certification;
(ii) the participation of students in the program by major,
compared with local and State needs on secondary teachers by
discipline; and
(iii) the participation of students in the program by
demographic subgroup;
(E) collect and analyze data and report to the Director
annually on the effects of the program on the academic
achievement of elementary and secondary school students
taught by graduates of programs funded by grants under this
subtitle; and
(F) submit an annual report to the Director demonstrating
compliance with the requirements of subparagraphs (A) through
(E).
(2) Discretionary duties.--At the request of the Director,
the organization under contract under subsection (a) may
assist the Director in evaluating grant applications.
(c) Reports to Congress.--The Director shall submit a copy
of the annual report required by subsection (b)(1)(F) to the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, the House of Representatives Committee on Science
and Technology, and the House of Representatives Committee on
Education and Labor.
SEC. 555. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:
(1) Field-based course.--The term ``field-based course''
means a course of instruction offered by an institution of
higher education that includes a requirement that students
teach a minimum of 3 lessons or sequences of lessons to
elementary or secondary students.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given
that term by section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Master teacher.--The term ``master teacher'' means an
individual--
(A) who has been awarded a master's or doctoral degree by
an institution of higher education;
(B) whose graduate coursework included courses in
mathematics, science, computer science, or engineering;
(C) who has at least 3 years teaching experience in K-12
settings; and
(D) whose teaching has been recognized for exceptional
accomplishments in educating students, or is demonstrated to
have resulted in improved student achievement.
(4) Mentor teacher.--The term ``mentor teacher'' means an
elementary or secondary school classroom teacher who assists
with the training of students participating in a field-based
course.
(5) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Science Foundation.
SEC. 556. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to
carry out this subtitle $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2011 through 2013.
TITLE VI--INNOVATION
SEC. 601. OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), as amended by section 106 of this Act,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 25. OFFICE OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an Office
of Innovation and Entrepreneurship to foster innovation and
the commercialization of new technologies, products,
processes, and services with the goal of promoting
productivity and economic growth in the United States.
``(b) Duties.--The Office of Innovation and
Entrepreneurship shall be responsible for--
``(1) developing policies to accelerate innovation and
advance the commercialization of research and development,
including federally funded research and development;
``(2) identifying existing barriers to innovation and
commercialization, including access to capital and other
resources, and ways to overcome those barriers, particularly
in States participating in the Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research;
``(3) providing access to relevant data, research, and
technical assistance on innovation and commercialization;
``(4) strengthening collaboration on and coordination of
policies relating to innovation and commercialization,
including those focused on the needs of small businesses and
rural communities, within the Department of Commerce, between
the Department of Commerce and other Federal agencies, and
between the Department of Commerce and appropriate State
government agencies and institutions, as appropriate; and
``(5) any other duties as determined by the Secretary.
``(c) Advisory Committee.--The Secretary shall establish an
Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship to
provide advice to the Secretary on carrying out subsection
(b).''.
SEC. 602. FEDERAL LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
IN MANUFACTURING.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), as amended by section 601, is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
[[Page H8836]]
``SEC. 26. FEDERAL LOAN GUARANTEES FOR INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGIES IN MANUFACTURING.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
program to provide loan guarantees for obligations to small-
or medium-sized manufacturers for the use or production of
innovative technologies.
``(b) Eligible Projects.--A loan guarantee may be made
under the program only for a project that re-equips, expands,
or establishes a manufacturing facility in the United
States--
``(1) to use an innovative technology or an innovative
process in manufacturing;
``(2) to manufacture an innovative technology product or an
integral component of such a product; or
``(3) to commercialize an innovative product, process, or
idea that was developed by research funded in whole or in
part by a grant from the Federal government.
``(c) Eligible Borrower.--A loan guarantee may be made
under the program only for a borrower who is a small- or
medium-sized manufacturer, as determined by the Secretary
under the criteria established pursuant to subsection (l).
``(d) Limitation on Amount.--A loan guarantee shall not
exceed an amount equal to 80 percent of the obligation, as
estimated at the time at which the loan guarantee is issued.
``(e) Limitations on Loan Guarantee.--No loan guarantee
shall be made unless the Secretary determines that--
``(1) there is a reasonable prospect of repayment of the
principal and interest on the obligation by the borrower;
``(2) the amount of the obligation (when combined with
amounts available to the borrower from other sources) is
sufficient to carry out the project;
``(3) the obligation is not subordinate to other financing;
``(4) the obligation bears interest at a rate that does not
exceed a level that the Secretary determines appropriate,
taking into account the prevailing rate of interest in the
private sector for similar loans and risks; and
``(5) the term of an obligation requires full repayment
over a period not to exceed the lesser of--
``(A) 30 years; or
``(B) 90 percent of the projected useful life, as
determined by the Secretary, of the physical asset to be
financed by the obligation.
``(f) Defaults.--
``(1) Payment by secretary.--
``(A) In general.--If a borrower defaults (as defined in
regulations promulgated by the Secretary and specified in the
loan guarantee) on the obligation, the holder of the loan
guarantee shall have the right to demand payment of the
unpaid amount from the Secretary.
``(B) Payment required.--Within such period as may be
specified in the loan guarantee or related agreements, the
Secretary shall pay to the holder of the loan guarantee the
unpaid interest on and unpaid principal of the obligation as
to which the borrower has defaulted, unless the Secretary
finds that there was no default by the borrower in the
payment of interest or principal or that the default has been
remedied.
``(C) Forbearance.--Nothing in this subsection precludes
any forbearance by the holder of the obligation for the
benefit of the borrower which may be agreed upon by the
parties to the obligation and approved by the Secretary.
``(2) Subrogation.--
``(A) In general.--If the Secretary makes a payment under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall be subrogated to the
rights, as specified in the loan guarantee, of the recipient
of the payment or related agreements including, if
appropriate, the authority (notwithstanding any other
provision of law)--
``(i) to complete, maintain, operate, lease, or otherwise
dispose of any property acquired pursuant to such loan
guarantee or related agreement; or
``(ii) to permit the borrower, pursuant to an agreement
with the Secretary, to continue to pursue the purposes of the
project if the Secretary determines that such an agreement is
in the public interest.
``(B) Superiority of rights.--The rights of the Secretary,
with respect to any property acquired pursuant to a loan
guarantee or related agreements, shall be superior to the
rights of any other person with respect to the property.
``(3) Notification.--If the borrower defaults on an
obligation, the Secretary shall notify the Attorney General
of the default.
``(g) Terms and Conditions.--A loan guarantee under this
section shall include such detailed terms and conditions as
the Secretary determines appropriate--
``(1) to protect the interests of the United States in the
case of default; and
``(2) to have available all the patents and technology
necessary for any person selected, including the Secretary,
to complete and operate the project.
``(h) Consultation.--In establishing the terms and
conditions of a loan guarantee under this section, the
Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of the Treasury.
``(i) Fees.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall charge and collect
fees for loan guarantees in amounts the Secretary determines
are sufficient to cover applicable administrative expenses.
``(2) Availability.--Fees collected under this subsection
shall--
``(A) be deposited by the Secretary into the Treasury of
the United States; and
``(B) remain available until expended, subject to such
other conditions as are contained in annual appropriations
Acts.
``(3) Limitation.--In charging and collecting fees under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into consideration
the amount of the obligation.
``(j) Records.--
``(1) In general.--With respect to a loan guarantee under
this section, the borrower, the lender, and any other
appropriate party shall keep such records and other pertinent
documents as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation,
including such records as the Secretary may require to
facilitate an effective audit.
``(2) Access.--The Secretary and the Comptroller General of
the United States, or their duly authorized representatives,
shall have access to records and other pertinent documents
for the purpose of conducting an audit.
``(k) Full Faith and Credit.--The full faith and credit of
the United States is pledged to the payment of all loan
guarantees issued under this section with respect to
principal and interest.
``(l) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue final
regulations before making any loan guarantees under the
program. The regulations shall include--
``(1) criteria that the Secretary shall use to determine
eligibility for loan guarantees under this section,
including--
``(A) whether a borrower is a small- or medium-sized
manufacturer; and
``(B) whether a borrower demonstrates that a market exists
for the innovative technology product, or the integral
component of such a product, to be manufactured, as evidenced
by written statements of interest from potential purchasers;
``(2) criteria that the Secretary shall use to determine
the amount of any fees charged under subsection (i),
including criteria related to the amount of the obligation;
``(3) policies and procedures for selecting and monitoring
lenders and loan performance; and
``(4) any other policies, procedures, or information
necessary to implement this section.
``(m) Audit.--
``(1) Annual independent audits.--The Secretary shall enter
into an arrangement with an independent auditor for annual
evaluations of the program under this section.
``(2) Comptroller general review.--The Comptroller General
of the United States shall conduct a biennial review of the
Secretary's execution of the program under this section.
``(3) Report.--The results of the independent audit under
paragraph (1) and the Comptroller General's review under
paragraph (2) shall be provided directly to the Committee on
Science and Technology of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate.
``(n) Report to Congress.--Concurrent with the submission
to Congress of the President's annual budget request in each
year after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010, the Secretary shall transmit to
the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report containing a summary of
all activities carried out under this section.
``(o) Coordination and Nonduplication.--To the maximum
extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that the
activities carried out under this section are coordinated
with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, other loan
guarantee programs within the Federal Government.
``(p) MEP Centers.--The Secretary may use centers
established under section 25 of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) to provide
information about the program established under this section
and to conduct outreach to potential borrowers, as
appropriate.
``(q) Minimizing Risk.--The Secretary shall promulgate
regulations and policies to carry out this section in
accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular No.
A-129, entitled `Policies for Federal Credit Programs and
Non-Tax Receivables', as in effect on the date of enactment
of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.
``(r) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
no loan guarantee shall be made under this section unless the
borrower agrees to use a federally-approved electronic
employment eligibility verification system to verify the
employment eligibility of--
``(1) all persons hired during the contract term by the
borrower to perform employment duties within the United
States; and
``(2) all persons assigned by the borrower to perform work
within the United States on the project.
``(s) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Cost.--The term `cost' has the meaning given such
term under section 502 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of
1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a).
``(2) Innovative process.--The term `innovative process'
means a process that is significantly improved as compared to
the process in general use in the commercial marketplace in
the United States at the time the loan guarantee is issued.
``(3) Innovative technology.--The term `innovative
technology' means a technology that is significantly improved
as compared to the technology in general use in the
commercial marketplace in the United States at the time the
loan guarantee is issued.
``(4) Loan guarantee.--The term `loan guarantee' has the
meaning given such term in section 502 of the Federal Credit
Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a). The term includes a loan
guarantee commitment (as defined in section 502 of such Act
(2 U.S.C. 661a)).
``(5) Obligation.--The term `obligation' means the loan or
other debt obligation that is guaranteed under this section.
``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the loan guarantee
program established in subsection (a).
``(t) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2011 through 2013 to provide the cost of loan
guarantees under this section.''.
[[Page H8837]]
SEC. 603. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15
U.S.C. 3701 et seq.), as amended by section 602, is further
amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
``SEC. 27. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a
regional innovation program to encourage and support the
development of regional innovation strategies, including
regional innovation clusters and science and research parks.
`(b) Cluster Grants.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary may award grants on a
competitive basis to eligible recipients for activities
relating to the formation and development of regional
innovation clusters.
``(2) Permissible activities.--Grants awarded under this
subsection may be used for activities determined appropriate
by the Secretary, including the following:
``(A) Feasibility studies.
``(B) Planning activities.
``(C) Technical assistance.
``(D) Developing or strengthening communication and
collaboration between and among participants of a regional
innovation cluster.
``(E) Attracting additional participants to a regional
innovation cluster.
``(F) Facilitating market development of products and
services developed by a regional innovation cluster,
including through demonstration, deployment, technology
transfer, and commercialization activities.
``(G) Developing relationships between a regional
innovation cluster and entities or clusters in other regions.
``(H) Interacting with the public and State and local
governments to meet the goals of the cluster.
``(3) Eligible recipient defined.--In this subsection, the
term `eligible recipient' means--
``(A) a State;
``(B) an Indian tribe;
``(C) a city or other political subdivision of a State;
``(D) an entity that--
``(i) is a nonprofit organization, an institution of higher
education, a public-private partnership, a science or
research park, a Federal laboratory, or an economic
development organization or similar entity; and
``(ii) has an application that is supported by a State or a
political subdivision of a State; or
``(E) a consortium of any of the entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D).
``(4) Application.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible recipient shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require.
``(B) Components.--The application shall include, at a
minimum, a description of the regional innovation cluster
supported by the proposed activity, including a description
of--
``(i) whether the regional innovation cluster is supported
by the private sector, State and local governments, and other
relevant stakeholders;
``(ii) how the existing participants in the regional
innovation cluster will encourage and solicit participation
by all types of entities that might benefit from
participation, including newly formed entities and those
rival existing participants;
``(iii) the extent to which the regional innovation cluster
is likely to stimulate innovation and have a positive impact
on regional economic growth and development;
``(iv) whether the participants in the regional innovation
cluster have access to, or contribute to, a well-trained
workforce;
``(v) whether the participants in the regional innovation
cluster are capable of attracting additional funds from non-
Federal sources; and
``(vi) the likelihood that the participants in the regional
innovation cluster will be able to sustain activities once
grant funds under this subsection have been expended.
``(C) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall give
special consideration to applications from regions that
contain communities negatively impacted by trade.
``(5) Special consideration.--The Secretary shall give
special consideration to an eligible recipient who agrees to
collaborate with local workforce investment area boards.
``(6) Cost share.--The Secretary may not provide more than
50 percent of the total cost of any activity funded under
this subsection.
``(7) Use and application of research and information
program.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary
shall ensure that activities funded under this subsection use
and apply any relevant research, best practices, and metrics
developed under the program established in subsection (c).
``(c) Science and Research Park Development Grants.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary may award grants for the
development of feasibility studies and plans for the
construction of new science parks or the renovation or
expansion of existing science parks.
``(2) Limitation on amount of grants.--The amount of a
grant awarded under this subsection may not exceed $750,000.
``(3) Award.--
``(A) Competition required.--The Secretary shall award
grants under this subsection pursuant to a full and open
competition.
``(B) Geographic dispersion.--In conducting a competitive
process, the Secretary shall consider the need to avoid undue
geographic concentration among any one category of States
based on their predominant rural or urban character as
indicated by population density.
``(C) Selection criteria.--The Secretary shall publish the
criteria to be utilized in any competition for the selection
of recipients of grants under this subsection, which shall
include requirements relating to the--
``(i) effect the science park will have on regional
economic growth and development;
``(ii) number of jobs to be created at the science park and
the surrounding regional community each year during its first
3 years;
``(iii) funding to be required to construct, renovate or
expand the science park during its first 3 years;
``(iv) amount and type of financing and access to capital
available to the applicant;
``(v) types of businesses and research entities expected in
the science park and surrounding regional community;
``(vi) letters of intent by businesses and research
entities to locate in the science park;
``(vii) capability to attract a well trained workforce to
the science park;
``(viii) the management of the science park during its
first 5 years;
``(ix) expected financial risks in the construction and
operation of the science park and the risk mitigation
strategy;
``(x) physical infrastructure available to the science
park, including roads, utilities, and telecommunications;
``(xi) utilization of energy-efficient building technology
including nationally recognized green building design
practices, renewable energy, cogeneration, and other methods
that increase energy efficiency and conservation;
``(xii) consideration to the transformation of military
bases affected by the base realignment and closure process or
the redevelopment of existing buildings, structures, or
brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled, or underused into
single or multiple building facilities for science and
technology companies and institutions;
``(xiii) ability to collaborate with other science parks
throughout the world;
``(xiv) consideration of sustainable development practices
and the quality of life at the science park; and
``(xv) other such criteria as the Secretary shall
prescribe.
``(4) Allocation constraints.--The Secretary may not
allocate less than one-third of the total grant funding
allocated under this section for any fiscal year to grants
under subsection (b) or this subsection without written
notification to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation and the House of Representatives
Committees on Science and Technology and on Energy and
Commerce.
``(d) Loan Guarantees for Science Park Infrastructure.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
may guarantee up to 80 percent of the loan amount for
projects for the construction or expansion, including
renovation and modernization, of science park infrastructure.
``(2) Limitations on guarantee amounts.--The maximum amount
of loan principal guaranteed under this subsection may not
exceed--
``(A) $50,000,000 with respect to any single project; and
``(B) $300,000,000 with respect to all projects.
``(3) Selection of guarantee recipients.--The Secretary
shall select recipients of loan guarantees under this
subsection based upon the ability of the recipient to
collateralize the loan amount through bonds, equity,
property, and such other things of values as the Secretary
shall deem necessary. Recipients of grants under subsection
(c) are not eligible for a loan guarantee during the period
of the grant. To the extent that the Secretary determines it
to be feasible, the Secretary may select recipients of
guarantee assistance in accord with a competitive process
that takes into account the factors set out in subsection
(c)(3)(C) of this section.
``(4) Terms and conditions for loan guarantees.--The loans
guaranteed under this subsection shall be subject to such
terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, except
that--
``(A) the final maturity of such loans made or guaranteed
may not exceed the lesser of--
``(i) 30 years; or
``(ii) 90 percent of the useful life of any physical asset
to be financed by the loan;
``(B) a loan guaranteed under this subsection may not be
subordinated to another debt contracted by the borrower or to
any other claims against the borrowers in the case of
default;
``(C) a loan may not be guaranteed under this subsection
unless the Secretary determines that the lender is
responsible and that provision is made for servicing the loan
on reasonable terms and in a manner that adequately protects
the financial interest of the United States;
``(D) a loan may not be guaranteed under this subsection
if--
``(i) the income from the loan is excluded from gross
income for purposes of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986; or
``(ii) the guarantee provides significant collateral or
security, as determined by the Secretary in coordination with
the Secretary of the Treasury, for other obligations the
income from which is so excluded;
``(E) any guarantee provided under this subsection shall be
conclusive evidence that--
``(i) the guarantee has been properly obtained;
``(ii) the underlying loan qualified for the guarantee; and
``(iii) absent fraud or material misrepresentation by the
holder, the guarantee is presumed to be valid, legal, and
enforceable;
``(F) the Secretary may not extend credit assistance unless
the Secretary has determined that there is a reasonable
assurance of repayment; and
``(G) new loan guarantees may not be committed except to
the extent that appropriations of budget authority to cover
their costs are made in advance, as required under section
504 of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661c).
``(5) Payment of losses.--
``(A) In general.--If, as a result of a default by a
borrower under a loan guaranteed under
[[Page H8838]]
this subsection, after the holder has made such further
collection efforts and instituted such enforcement
proceedings as the Secretary may require, the Secretary
determines that the holder has suffered a loss, the Secretary
shall pay to the holder the percentage of the loss specified
in the guarantee contract. Upon making any such payment, the
Secretary shall be subrogated to all the rights of the
recipient of the payment. The Secretary shall be entitled to
recover from the borrower the amount of any payments made
pursuant to any guarantee entered into under this section.
``(B) Enforcement of rights.--The Attorney General shall
take such action as may be appropriate to enforce any right
accruing to the United States as a result of the issuance of
any guarantee under this section.
``(C) Forbearance.--Nothing in this section may be
construed to preclude any forbearance for the benefit of the
borrower which may be agreed upon by the parties to the
guaranteed loan and approved by the Secretary, if budget
authority for any resulting subsidy costs (as defined in
section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990) is
available.
``(6) Evaluation of credit risk.--
``(A) The Secretary shall periodically assess the credit
risk of new and existing direct loans or guaranteed loans.
``(B) Not later than 2 years after the date of the
enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010, the Comptroller General of the United States shall--
``(i) conduct a review of the subsidy estimates for the
loan guarantees under this section; and
``(ii) submit to Congress a report on the review conducted
under this paragraph.
``(7) Termination.--A loan may not be guaranteed under this
section after September 30, 2013.
``(8) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2011 through 2013 for the cost (as defined in section
502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990) of
guaranteeing $300,000,000 in loans under this section, such
sums to remain available until expended.
``(e) Regional Innovation Research and Information
Program.--
``(1) In general.--As part of the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a regional
innovation research and information program--
``(A) to gather, analyze, and disseminate information on
best practices for regional innovation strategies (including
regional innovation clusters), including information relating
to how innovation, productivity, and economic development can
be maximized through such strategies;
``(B) to provide technical assistance, including through
the development of technical assistance guides, for the
development and implementation of regional innovation
strategies (including regional innovation clusters);
``(C) to support the development of relevant metrics and
measurement standards to evaluate regional innovation
strategies (including regional innovation clusters),
including the extent to which such strategies stimulate
innovation, productivity, and economic development; and
``(D) to collect and make available data on regional
innovation cluster activity in the United States, including
data on--
``(i) the size, specialization, and competitiveness of
regional innovation clusters;
``(ii) the regional domestic product contribution, total
jobs and earnings by key occupations, establishment size,
nature of specialization, patents, Federal research and
development spending, and other relevant information for
regional innovation clusters; and
``(iii) supply chain product and service flows within and
between regional innovation clusters.
``(2) Research grants.--The Secretary may award research
grants on a competitive basis to support and further the
goals of the program established under this subsection.
``(3) Dissemination of information.--Data and analysis
compiled by the Secretary under the program established in
this subsection shall be made available to other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, and nonprofit and for-
profit entities.
``(4) Regional innovation grant program.--The Secretary
shall incorporate data and analysis relating to any grant
under subsection (b) or (c) and any loan guarantee under
subsection (d) into the program established under this
subsection.
``(f) Interagency Coordination.--
``(1) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure that the activities carried out under
this section are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the
efforts of, other programs at the Department of Commerce or
other Federal agencies.
``(2) Collaboration.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall explore and pursue
collaboration with other Federal agencies, including through
multiagency funding opportunities, on regional innovation
strategies.
``(B) Small businesses.--The Secretary shall ensure that
such collaboration with Federal agencies prioritizes the
needs and challenges of small businesses.
``(g) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an
independent entity, such as the National Academy of Sciences,
to conduct an evaluation of the program established under
subsection (a).
``(2) Requirements.--The evaluation shall include--
``(A) whether the program is achieving its goals;
``(B) any recommendations for how the program may be
improved; and
``(C) a recommendation as to whether the program should be
continued or terminated.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Regional innovation cluster.--The term `regional
innovation cluster' means a geographically bounded network of
similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that--
``(A) are engaged in or with a particular industry sector;
``(B) have active channels for business transactions and
communication;
``(C) share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and
services; and
``(D) leverage the region's unique competitive strengths to
stimulate innovation and create jobs.
``(2) Science park.--The term `Science park' means a
property-based venture, which has--
``(A) master-planned property and buildings designed
primarily for private-public research and development
activities, high technology and science-based companies, and
research and development support services;
``(B) a contractual or operational relationship with one or
more science- or research-related institution of higher
education or governmental or non-profit research
laboratories;
``(C) a primary mission to promote research and development
through industry partnerships, assisting in the growth of new
ventures and promoting innovation-driven economic
development;
``(D) a role in facilitating the transfer of technology and
business skills between researchers and industry teams; and
``(E) a role in promoting technology-led economic
development for the community or region in which the science
park is located. A science park may be owned by a
governmental or not-for-profit entity, but it may enter into
partnerships or joint ventures with for-profit entities for
development or management of specific components of the park.
``(3) State.--The term `State' means one of 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, or any other
territory or possession of the United States.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--Except as provided
in subsection (d)(8), there are authorized to be appropriated
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013 to
carry out this section (other than for loan guarantees under
subsection (d)).''.
SEC. 604. STUDY ON ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND INNOVATIVE
CAPACITY OF UNITED STATES AND DEVELOPMENT OF
NATIONAL ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS STRATEGY.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall
complete a comprehensive study of the economic
competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States.
(2) Matters covered.--The study required by paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) An analysis of the United States economy and innovation
infrastructure.
(B) An assessment of the following:
(i) The current competitive and innovation performance of
the United States economy relative to other countries that
compete economically with the United States.
(ii) Economic competitiveness and domestic innovation in
the current business climate, including tax and Federal
regulatory policy.
(iii) The business climate of the United States and those
of other countries that compete economically with the United
States.
(iv) Regional issues that influence the economic
competitiveness and innovation capacity of the United States,
including--
(I) the roles of State and local governments and
institutions of higher education; and
(II) regional factors that contribute positively to
innovation.
(v) The effectiveness of the Federal Government in
supporting and promoting economic competitiveness and
innovation, including any duplicative efforts of, or gaps in
coverage between, Federal agencies and departments.
(vi) Barriers to competitiveness in newly emerging business
or technology sectors, factors influencing underperforming
economic sectors, unique issues facing small and medium
enterprises, and barriers to the development and evolution of
start-ups, firms, and industries.
(vii) The effects of domestic and international trade
policy on the competitiveness of the United States and the
United States economy.
(viii) United States export promotion and export finance
programs relative to export promotion and export finance
programs of other countries that compete economically with
the United States, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
Japan, Korea, and the United Kingdom, with noting of export
promotion and export finance programs carried out by such
countries that are not analogous to any programs carried out
by the United States.
(ix) The effectiveness of current policies and programs
affecting exports, including an assessment of Federal trade
restrictions and State and Federal export promotion
activities.
(x) The effectiveness of the Federal Government and
Federally funded research and development centers in
supporting and promoting technology commercialization and
technology transfer.
(xi) Domestic and international intellectual property
policies and practices.
(xii) Manufacturing capacity, logistics, and supply chain
dynamics of major export sectors, including access to a
skilled workforce, physical infrastructure, and broadband
network infrastructure.
(xiii) Federal and State policies relating to science,
technology, and education and other relevant Federal and
State policies designed to promote commercial innovation,
including immigration policies.
[[Page H8839]]
(C) Development of recommendations on the following:
(i) How the United States should invest in human capital.
(ii) How the United States should facilitate
entrepreneurship and innovation.
(iii) How best to develop opportunities for locally and
regionally driven innovation by providing Federal support.
(iv) How best to strengthen the economic infrastructure and
industrial base of the United States.
(v) How to improve the international competitiveness of the
United States.
(3) Consultation.--
(A) In general.--The study required by paragraph (1) shall
be conducted in consultation with the National Economic
Council of the Office of Policy Development, such Federal
agencies as the Secretary considers appropriate, and the
Innovation Advisory Board established under subparagraph (B).
The Secretary shall also establish a process for obtaining
comments from the public.
(B) Innovation advisory board.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
Innovation Advisory Board for purposes of obtaining advice
with respect to the conduct of the study required by
paragraph (1).
(ii) Composition.--The Advisory Board established under
clause (i) shall be comprised of 15 members, appointed by the
Secretary--
(I) who shall represent all major industry sectors;
(II) a majority of whom should be from private industry,
including large and small firms, representing advanced
technology sectors and more traditional sectors that use
technology; and
(III) who may include economic or innovation policy
experts, State and local government officials active in
technology-based economic development, and representatives
from higher education.
(iii) Exemption from faca.--The Federal Advisory Committee
Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the advisory board
established under clause (i).
(b) Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the completion
of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall
develop, based on the study required by subsection (a)(1), a
national 10-year strategy to strengthen the innovative and
competitive capacity of the Federal Government, State and
local governments, United States institutions of higher
education, and the private sector of the United States.
(2) Elements.--The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) Actions to be taken by individual Federal agencies and
departments to improve competitiveness.
(B) Proposed legislative actions for consideration by
Congress.
(C) Annual goals and milestones for the 10-year period of
the strategy.
(D) A plan for monitoring the progress of the Federal
Government with respect to improving conditions for
innovation and the competitiveness of the United States.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Upon the completion of the strategy
required by subsection (b), the Secretary of Commerce shall
submit to Congress and the President a report on the study
conducted under subsection (a) and the strategy developed
under subsection (b).
(2) Elements.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall
include the following:
(A) The findings of the Secretary with respect to the study
conducted under subsection (a).
(B) The strategy required by subsection (b).
SEC. 605. PROMOTING USE OF HIGH-END COMPUTING SIMULATION AND
MODELING BY SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED
MANUFACTURERS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the utilization of high-end computing simulation and
modeling by large-scale government contractors and Federal
research entities has resulted in substantial improvements in
the development of advanced manufacturing technologies; and
(2) such simulation and modeling would also benefit small-
and medium-sized manufacturers in the United States if such
manufacturers were to deploy such simulation and modeling
throughout their manufacturing chains.
(b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States to take
all effective measures practicable to ensure that Federal
programs and policies encourage and contribute to the use of
high-end computing simulation and modeling in the United
States manufacturing sector.
(c) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in
consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall carry out,
through an interagency consulting process, a study of the
barriers to the use of high-end computing simulation and
modeling by small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the
United States.
(2) Factors.--In carrying out the study required by
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation
with the Secretary of Energy and the Director of the Office
of Science and Technology Policy, shall consider the
following:
(A) The access of small- and medium-sized manufacturers in
the United States to high-performance computing facilities
and resources.
(B) The availability of software and other applications
tailored to meet the needs of such manufacturers.
(C) Whether such manufacturers employ or have access to
individuals with appropriate expertise for the use of such
facilities and resources.
(D) Whether such manufacturers have access to training to
develop such expertise.
(E) The availability of tools and other methods to such
manufacturers to understand and manage the costs and risks
associated with transitioning to the use of such facilities
and resources.
(3) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the commencement
of the study required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of
Commerce shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy
and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy, submit to Congress a report on such study. Such
report shall include such recommendations for such
legislative or administrative action as the Secretary of
Commerce considers appropriate in light of the study to
increase the utilization of high-end computing simulation and
modeling by small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the
United States.
(d) Authorization of Demonstration and Pilot Programs.--As
part of the study required by subsection (c)(1), the
Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy may
carry out such demonstration or pilot programs as either
Secretary or the Director considers appropriate to gather
experiential data to evaluate the feasibility and
advisability of a specific program or policy initiative to
reduce barriers to the utilization of high-end computer
modeling and simulation by small- and medium-sized
manufacturers in the United States.
TITLE VII--NIST GREEN JOBS
SEC. 701. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``NIST Grants for Energy
Efficiency, New Job Opportunities, and Business Solutions Act
of 2010'' or the ``NIST GREEN JOBS Act of 2010''.
SEC. 702. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Over its 20-year existence, the Hollings Manufacturing
Extension Partnership has proven its value to manufacturers
as demonstrated by the resulting impact on jobs and the
economies of all 50 States and the Nation as a whole.
(2) The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership has
helped thousands of companies reinvest in themselves through
process improvement and business growth initiatives leading
to more sales, new markets, and the adoption of technology to
deliver new products and services.
(3) Manufacturing is an increasingly important part of the
construction sector as the industry moves to the use of more
components and factory built sub-assemblies.
(4) Construction practices must become more efficient and
precise if the United States is to construct and renovate its
building stock to reduce related carbon emissions to levels
that are consistent with combating global warming.
(5) Many companies involved in construction are small,
without access to innovative manufacturing techniques, and
could benefit from the type of training and business analysis
activities that the Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership routinely provides to the Nation's manufacturers
and their supply chains.
(6) Broadening the competitiveness grant program under
section 25(f) of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(f)) could help develop and
diffuse knowledge necessary to capture a large portion of the
estimated $100 billion or more in energy savings if buildings
in the United States met the level and quality of energy
efficiency now found in buildings in certain other countries.
(7) It is therefore in the national interest to expand the
capabilities of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension
Partnership to be supportive of the construction and green
energy industries.
SEC. 703. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 25(f)(3) of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(f)(3)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``to develop'' in the first sentence and
inserting ``to add capabilities to the MEP program, including
the development of''; and
(2) by striking the last sentence and inserting ``Centers
may be reimbursed for costs incurred under the program. These
themes--
``(A) shall be related to projects designed to increase the
viability both of traditional manufacturing sectors and other
sectors, such as construction, that increasingly rely on
manufacturing through the use of manufactured components and
manufacturing techniques, including supply chain integration
and quality management;
``(B) shall be related to projects related to the transfer
of technology based on the technological needs of
manufacturers and available technologies from institutions of
higher education, laboratories, and other technology
producing entities; and
``(C) may extend beyond these traditional areas to include
projects related to construction industry modernization.''.
(b) Selection.--Section 25(f)(5) of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(f)(5)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(5) Selection.--
``(A) In general.--Awards under this section shall be peer
reviewed and competitively awarded. The Director shall
endeavor to select at least one proposal in each of the 9
statistical divisions of the United States (as designated by
the Bureau of the Census). The Director shall select
proposals to receive awards that will--
``(i) create jobs or train newly hired employees;
``(ii) promote technology transfer and commercialization of
environmentally focused materials, products, and processes;
``(iii) increase energy efficiency; and
``(iv) improve the competitiveness of industries in the
region in which the Center or Centers are located.
[[Page H8840]]
``(B) Additional selection criteria.--The Director may
select proposals to receive awards that will--
``(i) encourage greater cooperation and foster partnerships
in the region with similar Federal, State, and locally funded
programs to encourage energy efficiency and building
technology; and
``(ii) collect data and analyze the increasing connection
between manufactured products and manufacturing techniques,
the future of construction practices, and the emerging
application of products from the green energy industries.''.
(c) Other Modifications.--Section 25(f) of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(f))
is amended--
(1) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Duration.--Awards under this section shall last no
longer than 3 years.
``(8) Eligible participants.--In addition to manufacturing
firms eligible to participate in the Centers program, awards
under this subsection may be used by the Centers to assist
small- or medium-sized construction firms. Centers may be
reimbursed under the program for working with such eligible
participants.
``(9) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to any
amounts otherwise authorized or appropriated to carry out
this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary of Commerce $7,000,000 for each of the fiscal years
2011 through 2013 to carry out this subsection.''.
TITLE VIII--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 801. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW.
Not later than May 31, 2013, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit a report to the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and Technology that
evaluates the status of the programs authorized in this Act,
including the extent to which such programs have been funded,
implemented, and are contributing to achieving the goals of
the Act.
SEC. 802. SALARY RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Obscene Matter on Federal Property.--None of the funds
authorized under this Act may be used to pay the salary of
any individual who is convicted of violating section 1460 of
title 18, United States Code.
(b) Use of Federal Computers for Child Pornography or
Exploitation of Minors.--None of the funds authorized under
this Act may be used to pay the salary of any individual who
is convicted of a violation of section 2252 of title 18,
United States Code.
SEC. 803. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AUTHORITIES OF THE FCC.
Title I of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 12. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH AUTHORITIES OF THE FCC.
``In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the
Commission may--
``(1) undertake research and development work in connection
with any matter in relation to which the Commission has
jurisdiction; and
``(2) promote the carrying out of such research and
development by others, or otherwise to arrange for such
research and development to be carried out by others.''.
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
SEC. 901. SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Sections 3171, 3175, and 3191 of the
Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42
U.S.C. 7381h, 7381j, 7381p) are repealed.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations for Summer
Institutes.--Section 3185(f) of the Department of Energy
Science Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381n(f)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through
2013.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subpart B of the Department of Energy Science Education
Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381g et seq.) is amended by
striking chapters 1, 2, and 5 (42 U.S.C. 7381h, 7381j,
7381p).
(2) Section 3195 of the Department of Energy Science
Education Enhancement Act (42 U.S.C. 7381r) is amended by
striking ``chapters 1, 3, and 4'' each place it appears and
inserting ``chapters 3 and 4''.
SEC. 902. ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
(a) Nuclear Science Talent Program.--Section 5004(f) of the
America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16532(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(E) $10,100,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(F) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $8,240,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(E) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(F) $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
(b) Hydrocarbon Systems Science Talent Program.--Section
5005 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16533) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(J) hydrocarbon spill response and remediation.''; and
(2) in subsection (f)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(E) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(F) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
(c) Early Career Awards.--Section 5006(h) of the America
COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16534(h)) is amended by striking
``2010'' and inserting ``2013''.
(d) Protecting America's Competitive Edge (PACE) Graduate
Fellowship Program.--Section 5009(f) of the America COMPETES
Act (42 U.S.C. 16536(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) $20,600,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(5) $21,200,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(6) $21,900,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
(e) Distinguished Scientist Program.--Section 5011(j) of
the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16537(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(5) $32,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(6) $33,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
SEC. 903. BASIC RESEARCH.
Section 971(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16311(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) $5,247,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(6) $5,614,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(7) $6,007,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.''.
SEC. 904. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY-ENERGY.
Section 5012 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16538)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``subsection (m)(1)''
and inserting ``subsection (n)(1)'';
(2) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by inserting ``and applied''
after ``advances in fundamental'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) research and development of advanced manufacturing
process and technologies for the domestic manufacturing of
novel energy technologies; and''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(C)--
``(A) ensuring that applications for funding disclose the
extent of current and prior efforts, including monetary
investments as appropriate, in pursuit of the technology area
for which funding is being requested;
``(B) adopting measures to ensure that, in making awards,
program managers adhere to the purposes of subsection
(c)(2)(C); and
``(C) providing as part of the annual report required by
subsection (h)(1) a summary of the instances of and reasons
for ARPA-E funding projects in technology areas already being
undertaken by industry.'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (m) as
subsections (g) through (n), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) Awards.--In carrying out this section, the Director
may provide awards in the form of grants, contracts,
cooperative agreements, cash prizes, and other
transactions.'';
(6) in subsection (g) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs
(2) and (3), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (A)) the following:
``(1) In general.--The Director shall establish and
maintain within ARPA-E a staff with sufficient qualifications
and expertise to enable ARPA-E to carry out the
responsibilities of ARPA-E under this section in conjunction
with other operations of the Department.'';
(C) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(A))--
(i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Program
managers'' and inserting ``Program directors'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``program managers
for each of'' and inserting ``program directors for'';
(iii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``program manager'' and inserting ``program director'';
(II) in clause (iv), by striking ``, with advice under
subsection (j) as appropriate,'';
(III) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi) as clauses (vi)
and (viii), respectively;
(IV) by inserting after clause (iv) the following:
``(v) identifying innovative cost-sharing arrangements for
ARPA-E projects, including through use of the authority
provided under section 988(b)(3) of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352(b)(3));'';
(V) in clause (vi) (as redesignated by subclause (III)), by
striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
[[Page H8841]]
(VI) by inserting after clause (vi) (as redesignated by
subclause (III)) the following:
``(vii) identifying mechanisms for commercial application
of successful energy technology development projects,
including through establishment of partnerships between
awardees and commercial entities; and'';
(iv) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``not more than''
after ``shall be''; and
(D) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(A))--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon
at the end; and
(II) by striking clause (ii) and inserting the following:
``(ii) fix the basic pay of such personnel at a rate to be
determined by the Director at rates not in excess of Level II
of the Executive Schedule (EX-II) without regard to the civil
service laws; and
``(iii) pay any employee appointed under this subpart
payments in addition to basic pay, except that the total
amount of additional payments paid to an employee under this
subpart for any 12-month period shall not exceed the least of
the following amounts:
``(I) $25,000.
``(II) The amount equal to 25 percent of the annual rate of
basic pay of the employee.
``(III) The amount of the limitation that is applicable for
a calendar year under section 5307(a)(1) of title 5, United
States Code.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``not less than 70,
and not more than 120,'' and inserting ``not more than 120'';
(7) in subsection (h)(2) (as redesignated by paragraph
(4))--
(A) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010''; and
(B) by striking ``2011'' and inserting''2013'';
(8) by striking subsection (j) (as redesignated by
paragraph (4)) and inserting the following:
``(j) Federal Demonstration of Technologies.--The Director
shall seek opportunities to partner with purchasing and
procurement programs of Federal agencies to demonstrate
energy technologies resulting from activities funded through
ARPA-E.'';
(9) in subsection (l) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``4 years'' and
inserting'' 6 years''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, and the manner in
which those lessons may apply to the operation of other
programs of the Department'' after ``ARPA-E''; and
(10) in subsection (n) (as redesignated by paragraph (4))--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(D) $306,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; and
``(E) $312,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.'';
(B) by striking paragraph (4);
(C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and
(D) in paragraph (4)(B) (as redesignated by subparagraph
(C))--
(i) by striking ``2.5 percent'' and inserting ``5
percent''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, consistent with the goal described in
subsection (c)(2)(D) and within the responsibilities of
program directors described in subsection (g)(2)(B)(vii)''
after ``outreach activities''.
TITLE X--EDUCATION
SEC. 1001. REFERENCES.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this
title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to a section or
other provision of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-
69).
SEC. 1002. REPEALS AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Repeals.--The following provisions of the Act are
repealed:
(1) Section 6001 (20 U.S.C. 9801).
(2) Part III of subtitle A of title VI (20 U.S.C. 9841).
(3) Subtitle B of title VI (20 U.S.C. 9851 et seq.)
(4) Subtitle C of title VI (20 U.S.C. 9861 et seq.).
(5) Subtitle E of title VI (20 U.S.C. 9881 et seq.).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 6002 (20 U.S.C. 9802) as
section 6001;
(2) by redesignating subtitle D of title VI (20 U.S.C.
9871) as subtitle B of title VI; and
(3) by redesignating section 6401 (20 U.S.C. 9871) as
section 6201.
SEC. 1003. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS AND MATCHING
REQUIREMENT.
(a) Teachers for a Competitive Tomorrow.--Section 6116 (20
U.S.C. 9816) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 6116. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
part $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013,
of which--
``(1) $2,000,000 shall be available to carry out section
6113 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013; and
``(2) $2,000,000 shall be available to carry out section
6114 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.''.
(b) Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate
Programs and Matching Requirement.--Section 6123 (20 U.S.C.
9833) is amended--
(1) in subsection (h)(1)--
(A) by striking ``100'' and inserting ``50''; and
(B) by striking ``200'' and inserting ``100''; and
(2) by striking subsection (l) and inserting the following:
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2013.''.
(c) Alignment of Education Programs.--Section 6201(j), as
redesignated by section 1002(b)(3), is amended to read as
follows:
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
$120,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.''.
Motion to Concur
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion.
The Clerk read as follows:
Mr. Gordon of Tennessee moves that the House concur in the
Senate amendment to H.R. 5116.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1781, the
motion shall be debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled by
the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science and
Technology.
The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) and the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Hall) each will control 30 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.
{time} 1340
General Leave
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill, H.R.
5116.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Tennessee?
There was no objection.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
On October 12, 2005, in response to a bipartisan request by the
Science and Technology Committee and some of our colleagues in the
Senate, Lamar Alexander and Jeff Bingaman, the National Academies
released their report, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm.'' The
distinguished panel painted a very scary picture. The report made it
clear that, without action, the future was bleak for our children and
grandchildren. This report was, without question, a call to arms.
September of this year, Norm Augustine released, ``Rising Above the
Gathering Storm, Revisited: Rapidly Approaching Category 5.'' The
updated report highlights progress that has been made in the past 5
years, including enactment of the original America COMPETES Act, but he
underscores that America's competitive position in the world now faces
greater challenges and that research investments are even more critical
today.
The message from the report is clear: We need to double-down on our
investments in science and technology. The worst thing we could do
would be to downshift while the rest of the world kicks it into high
gear.
As chairman of the Gathering Storm Committee and former chairman and
CEO of Lockheed Martin, Norm Augustine said, in all the years he was an
aircraft engineer and dealing with the common dilemma of trying to make
an overweight aircraft fly, the solution was never to lop off an
engine. Science funding is the engine of a knowledge-based economy. If
we remove it, our economy will crash and burn.
More than half of our economic growth since World War II can be
attributed to development and adoption of new technologies. These
investments are the path towards sustained economic recovery and growth
and the path toward prosperity for the next 50 years. There is an
undeniable relationship between investment in R&D and the creation of
jobs, the creation of companies, and economic growth.
The Science Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization of the
Nation's leading research universities, released a report entitled,
``Sparking Economic Growth: How Federally Funded University Research
Creates Innovation, New Companies and Jobs.'' This report tells the
stories of 100 companies, including Google, Cisco, SAS, Genentech,
Orbital Sciences, Sun Power, Medtronic, Hewlett Packard, and many
others, that were all created based on research funded with Federal
dollars.
[[Page H8842]]
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, the National
Association of Manufacturers, the Council on Competitiveness, and the
Task Force on American Innovation all understand the benefits to U.S.
companies of making a sustained commitment to research and STEM
education. We have a huge opportunity before us to make progress toward
that goal.
While there have been concessions made in light of the economic
environment, this bill preserves the intent of the ``Rising Above the
Gathering Storm'' report and the original COMPETES. It keeps our basic
research agencies on a doubling path. It continues to invest in high-
risk, high-reward energy technology development. It will help improve
STEM education, and it will help unleash the American spirit of
innovation. COMPETES is, and will continue to be, a bipartisan,
bicameral effort about which every Member can feel proud.
I applaud all of the people who have worked on this bill, including
all the members of the Science and Technology Committee and my dear
friend, Ralph Hall. This has been a team effort, across the aisle and
across the Capitol.
I also want to take a moment to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank
you to the staff of the Committee on Science and Technology, both
minority and majority. Their tireless efforts in crafting the House
version of this legislation, working through the tough spots, and
shepherding it to final passage today deserves special acknowledgment.
Without them, this reauthorization of COMPETES would not have been
possible.
We are all familiar with the legions of smart, talented professionals
who grace the corridors of this institution, and I am sure each of us
is impressed on a regular basis with the knowledge and expertise of the
staff we work with most closely. However, I am always amazed by the
wealth of knowledge lodged with the staff of the Science and Technology
Committee. I simply can't say enough about the staff's talent, insight,
and institutional knowledge. Their hard work has made the Science
Committee more productive, and it has made me a better chairman.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud that, in the two terms that I have had the
privilege to lead the Science and Technology Committee, the committee
has had 151 bills and resolutions pass the House, all with bipartisan
support. But there is nothing that I am more proud of than the America
COMPETES Act. There is nothing that we have done that will have deeper,
longer lasting, and more positive impacts on our Nation than this bill.
I cannot think of anything I would rather be doing, on what is likely
my final act on this House floor after 26 years of service, than
sending this bill to the President's desk. It's important to me
personally because I have a 9-year-old daughter, and if we do not want
our children and grandchildren to inherit a national standard of living
less than their parents, a reversal of the American Dream, we need to
support research, foster innovation, and improve education.
The business community has urged us to pass this bill to support
research, foster innovation, and improve education. The academic
community has urged us to pass this bill to support research, foster
innovation, and improve education. The scientific community has urged
us to pass this bill to support research, foster innovation, and
improve education. And every one of our colleagues in the Senate has
agreed that this bill needs to be sent to the President's desk so the
U.S. can support research, foster innovation, and improve education and
create 21st century jobs.
I urge my colleagues to stand with the business community, the
academic community, the scientific community, and to send a strong
message that the U.S. must maintain its scientific and economic
leadership.
With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a very
robust basic research and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
This COMPETES Act is back again. It's been here before, and it's
living proof that Billy Graham was right when he said you can hate the
sin but love the sinner. I'm fond of Bart Gordon, have worked with him.
We're going to miss him when he leaves here. But I've never really
liked to have a great bill like COMPETES with so much piled on it, so
many hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars piled on it that has
never really been debated on either floor.
I've stated on this floor a lot of times this year, I remain
committed to the goals of the original America COMPETES. Unfortunately,
the Senate omnibus language before us today includes a hodgepodge of so
many extraneous measures that it is indeed most surprising that we are
considering this 5 days before Christmas. Like the House-passed
version, it continues to take us off track from what he set out to do,
in a bipartisan fashion, more than 5 years ago.
In 2007, Congress responded to the recommendations of many experts
that the Federal Government must increase its investment in basic
research and in science and math education by developing the America
COMPETES Act. The principles behind the legislation were sound,
bipartisan, and well-understood.
When COMPETES first passed, our budget deficit was projected at $160
billion, and the national debt was $8 trillion. Sadly, today, just 3
years later, the deficit's projected not $160 billion but $1.5
trillion, and the national debt is over $13 trillion, a 60 percent
increase in less than 3 years. This dramatic collapse in our fiscal
condition demands that we get spending under control and work harder
than ever to patronize taxpayer dollars.
Before I delve into the depths of the bill, let me discuss the
process that brought us to this point.
The Senate negotiated amongst themselves and hotlined a bill, then
passed it via unanimous consent, that is much different than the bill
reported out of even the Senate conference committee back in July. The
report on that bill was not filed until December 10, and we didn't see
the actual text of the amendment before us until last Friday, this past
Friday. We still don't have a complete CBO cost estimate.
{time} 1350
Now as we are under a closed rule, we are considering a measure that
the Senate has spoken on; but the House as a body, both Democrats and
Republicans alike, are having to either accept or reject the Senate's
desire in whole, with no opportunity to offer amendments. This is not
the way the American people want us to do their business.
They told us in November that they want us to do things differently,
and this lame duck Congress is going against those wishes and denying
us opportunity to carefully review the items in this $46 billion
amendment.
Men who are much smarter than me and whom I greatly respect, like
Norm Augustine and Peter O'Donnell, Jr., have encouraged me to support
this bill. But, Mr. Speaker, it is hard for me to say that I just can't
support this version of COMPETES. If this Senate COMPETES amendment is
defeated today, I pledge as the incoming chairman of the Science and
Technology Committee to reintroduce the good, fiscally responsible
pieces of this comprehensive legislation agency by agency and issue by
issue, giving each individual piece the opportunity to be reviewed and
voted on by every Member.
Science and technology are the fundamental movers of our economy, and
if we want to remain globally competitive, this bill should be
considered in smaller pieces and not on the last day of a lame duck
congressional session.
Yes, our friends in the Senate have made it a 3-year reauthorization
bill, and, yes, they have nearly cut the cost in half; but this $46
billion bill still contains $7.4 billion in new spending.
My good friend and chairman of the committee will tell you that the
Senate stripped a number of provisions from the version previously
passed and trimmed the bill considerably. I, too, think the Senate
missed an opportunity to retain some of the House-passed language,
particularly language to assist institutions serving our Nation's
veterans and those with disabilities, and language to eliminate pay for
Federal employees officially disciplined for viewing, downloading, or
exchanging pornography on their work computers.
Unfortunately, it also does not include two bipartisan interagency
bills
[[Page H8843]]
that passed the House as standalone legislation, bills that would
reauthorize our Nation's nanotechnology program and our networking
information technology R&D program, NITRD.
On the other hand, I am heartened to see that the Senate removed a
number of expensive and in many cases duplicative initiatives added by
the House both in committee and on the floor: among them energy hubs, a
clean energy consortium, never-before-funded STEM programs at the
Department of Education, a laboratory science program, and a decades-
old infrastructure construction program at the National Science
Foundation.
Alas, it is the items that they did not remove or have not removed on
their own, without our input, that cause me the most heartburn. I still
have great concern that we are authorizing ARPA-E to the tune of $900
million. This program was never voted on by the House or Senate outside
of a conference report, nor has it ever received appropriate funding
outside of the stimulus bill. Yet we are going to authorize $900
million to a program that focuses on late-stage technology development
and commercialization activities often already supported by the private
sector. The amendment before us also keeps and expands a loan guarantee
program to build or renovate science parks and develop ``regional
innovation clusters,'' alters the MEP program for NIST to make grants
to construction and green energy companies, and puts NSF in the
business of replicating university programming for future STEM
teachers.
Mr. Speaker, correct me if I'm wrong, but America COMPETES is about
making this Nation more competitive and ensuring that our basic
research agencies have the funding they need to pursue the unknown and
scientific and engineering breakthroughs that propel us into the
future. It is not about turning these agencies into infrastructure
contractors and leaders or oracles, for that matter, who pick winners
and losers.
As much as I want to support COMPETES and see NSF, NIST, and the DOE
Office of Science reauthorized, I simply can't support this version.
Just like I stated when the House took up the measure on all three
previous occasions, this measure continues to be far too expensive,
particularly in light of the new and duplicative programs it creates.
Further, we have not had the opportunity to give proper oversight to
the programs we put in motion in the first COMPETES before authorizing
new, additional programs. And, unfortunately, this bill still goes way
beyond the goals and direction of the original America COMPETES, taking
us from good, solid fundamental research and much too far into the
world of commercialization, which many of us on this side of the aisle
do not believe is the proper role of the Federal Government.
I want to again thank Bart Gordon for the good services he's rendered
and for the good service he'll render as a civilian over in the great
State of Tennessee.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), the chairman of the
Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, as unemployment remains painfully high,
and we see our students falling behind in math and science, Americans
are asking: What can be done to make our future better?
Although today's bill won't gain big headlines, it is a critical step
forward. This approach to research, education, and innovation will lead
to a better prepared and better educated domestic workforce and an
economy built for long-term success.
I am particularly grateful for the leadership of Chairman Bart
Gordon, the driving force behind the original COMPETES bill and this
reauthorization. He has accomplished much in his 26 years in Congress
and has fought tirelessly to make Congress and all Americans realize
that science and engineering advancements mean economic growth.
As a former college professor, an engineer, and an advocate for
American manufacturing, I firmly believe that this bill will help
create jobs and ensure a higher standard of living for future
generations.
Much of the National Science Foundation title of this bill comes from
my bill in the Research and Science Education Subcommittee. Although
not as much as I would like to see, this compromise authorizes a
steady, responsible increase in research and STEM education funding and
properly emphasizes commercialization. The bill also includes language
based on the GENIUS Act I introduced with Frank Wolf to authorize
offering cash prizes for solutions to our most difficult scientific
problems.
Perhaps most important are the provisions that will help reinvigorate
American manufacturing, including the newly created NSF manufacturing
research program, and an initiative to help smaller manufacturers
reduce costs and increase quality through high-performance computing.
The bill calls for a national competitiveness strategy that includes
some elements from my National Manufacturing Strategy Act that the
House passed this past summer.
I urge my colleagues to join me not only in voting for this today,
but also fighting to fully fund it. If we want to maintain our economic
strength, we cannot shortchange critical investments made in this bill
for our people or for our research infrastructure. I urge passage of
this bill, and I want to especially thank Chairman Bart Gordon for all
of his work in Congress and all that he has accomplished. This bill is
a great testament to his leadership.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman
from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).
Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I did
not expect to speak, and I do not have any prepared comments or notes;
but I am going to speak on issues of science which I feel qualified to
speak on because I am a scientist, specifically a nuclear physicist. I
also want to make it clear I have never received any grant money from
the NSF. When I did research, I was supported by the Federal Government
directly through the Department of Energy or by the U.S. Navy.
The Federal Government plays an important role in guiding the economy
of our Nation. Much of that role is carried forth by the National
Science Foundation and some of the other funding agencies.
Let me just give one specific example which I am very familiar with
because it is related to my area of research. My good friend, Charlie
Townes, who won a Nobel Prize for developing the laser, discovered some
years ago that he could make a maser--microwave amplification by
stimulated emission of radiation. He decided he could do it with
microwaves, and he could do it with light.
So he developed a laser and won the Nobel Prize. How much money did
he get from the Federal Government for his research, I don't really
know, but I would guess probably not more than $50,000. How much has
that contributed to the economy of this Nation? Billions and billions
of dollars. Just look at the laser industry and the use of lasers today
in so many ways--a huge payoff on government investment in research.
{time} 1400
Also, we tend to fund the National Institutes of Health with a
healthy amount every year because we are very interested in improving
health. How many in this body know that some of the greatest
discoveries in health were done by physicists, many of whom were
supported by the National Science Foundation? X rays, how would we get
along without x rays? Discovered by a physicist, a gentleman by the
name of Rontgen in Germany. What about the MRI? The basic concepts
developed by physicists. The same for the CAT scan. The basic idea was
developed by physicists--not by doctors, not by M.D.'s, but physicists
doing basic research. And that's what the National Science Foundation
is all about, and that's what keeps our economy stimulated in this
Nation.
We have a great deal to fear from the nation of China. China is
investing huge amounts of money and is training more engineers and
scientists far more than we are producing. They are spending a lot of
money on research. And if we wonder why they are doing better than we
are in the Nation's economy, it is largely because they are supporting
the people who contribute to the development of technology, science, et
cetera.
Now, I worked on this issue several years ago. I do not claim credit
for the
[[Page H8844]]
COMPETES Act. But I did work with Sherry Boehlert, a Congressman who
was chairing the Science Committee; Frank Wolf, who was the chair of
the Appropriations Committee dealing with science, and at the
suggestion of Frank Wolf, I arranged for a meeting with the White
House. I tried to meet with President Bush. Instead, I met with the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget. And over breakfast, I
explained, in far more detail than I can do here, precisely what this
country needed if we are going to compete in the international
marketplace. And the Director of Management and Budget said afterwards,
You sold me, but where are we going to get the money? I said, I have
ideas for that, too, and presented my ideas.
Out of that, in the next State of the Union speech, President George
W. Bush developed the idea of the COMPETES Act. And it was a delight to
work with the White House, with the President and with the Office of
Management and Budget in developing the COMPETES Act.
Now, I know some of you are concerned about some aspects of the
COMPETES Act as it is before us today. I share some of those concerns
but certainly not all of them. But the basic point here is that, if we
do not act, we are letting down the manufacturers of America.
I was here for the debate on the rule, and I noticed a gentleman from
Oklahoma commenting against this act, we should not be supporting this
sort of thing. That is very easy to say if you are representing a State
where you simply drill holes in the ground and pull out money in the
form of oil. Michigan does not have that. Michigan has to work very,
very hard to manufacture cars that will sell to the public and get its
money, and we all know what has happened there over the last few years.
I think it's very important that we recognize we are not going to
compete successfully in the international marketplace unless we invest
more money in research, research which is then used by manufacturers to
develop new products and to make money and provide jobs.
I strongly urge us to pass this bill. I know it has shortcomings.
There are a lot of things I am not happy with either. But the
Republicans are taking over next year, and we can then proceed to write
the bill precisely the way we want it. But I urge that we do not kill
this bill at this time but, rather, that we pass it.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, let me first congratulate Dr.
Ehlers on a stellar congressional career. His contribution to the
Science Committee was enormous, and he will be missed. And having spent
as much time as I have on the Science Committee, you develop affection
for the committee, for the people, for the Members, and for the staff.
So it is with, really, gratitude that I know that the gentlelady from
Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson) is going to be the ranking member in
the coming 112th Congress, and I yield to her 5 minutes.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support
of H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. And I am proud
to say that I have worked with Dr. Ehlers, with our incoming chairman,
Mr. Hall, as well as our outgoing chairman.
We all know that the reauthorization of America COMPETES is to ensure
that our future is more prosperous than our past. It is about ensuring
America's memories are honored by investing in dreams that are even
higher. The legislation before the U.S. Congress today is a message, a
message that makes America understand that we are not here just to
compete but to lead the 21st century.
As a member of the House Science and Technology Committee for over 18
years, I am proud to be an author of this bipartisan legislation. As it
returns from the Senate, it is not the same bill that we sent over. But
nothing is perfect around here, and we are not headed in the future to
be perfect. But we must stand up and make sure that our
responsibilities to our country and to our future will be intact.
Therefore, I will support this legislation and hope that we can improve
it at another time.
I am eager to serve with Mr. Hall, as ranking member on the
committee, and I hope that we can continue to look at what this country
needs to do to educate its young people so that we can be in the
future. We are losing ground, and I hope that we will find ways to
regain it. I have in mind to try to bring with the chairman a group of
CEOs, superintendents, teachers together around the table so we can all
understand what we must do to educate our young people for the future
if we want to be anywhere near competing with the rest of the world.
I am pleased that this bill reauthorized the Noyce Teacher
Scholarship Program, a program which I helped to shape. This program
helps to prepare thousands of qualified new teachers and provides
current teachers with academic and development courses. Every bit of
our research shows that that's one of our major problems. We have
teachers teaching courses where they have never majored. Seventy
percent of them, as a matter of fact, in this country are teaching
courses where they never majored.
It is never going to be what we want as long as we have teachers
teaching math, science, engineering that have never majored in it in
college. We have to have teachers who are more prepared. And as women
and minorities continue to be underrepresented in the sciences, it is
unfortunate that the Senate chose to cut out the Fulfilling the
Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering Act. I have
sponsored that for two sessions. I will again. I do not believe that
we, as a Nation, can compete ever with ignoring the fact that 50
percent of its brainpower is left behind. I am pleased that this bill
does prohibit the consolidation of programs that serve minority
institutions and students in the National Science Foundation.
We must be proactive. We have more work to ensure that all Americans
are afforded the same chance to compete in the 21st century. It is not
an in-your-face. It is not a civil rights act. It is to make sure that
the majority of the students in this Nation become prepared to save
this Nation.
We cannot sit around and think that it is going to happen without
effort. We need to help our schools around the Nation to elevate their
math and science programs so that they can achieve the standard
exemplified by the School of Science and Engineering at Townview, a
high school in my district, in Dallas, Texas, which is rated one of the
best public schools in the Nation. But that's only 20 percent of the
students in the District. We must make sure that that quality of
education is offered to all of our students.
I want to commend Chairman Gordon and Ranking Member, soon-to-be
chairman, Mr. Hall for their hard work on the legislation. And I
believe that if nothing else gels us as a committee, looking out for
our young people and the future of our Nation will become a real goal
to achieve because it represents what is bipartisan; it represents a
concerted effort to create a more competitive science and engineering
workforce.
I support this bill, Mr. Speaker. It is not perfect. But we have got
to move on and look to the future.
{time} 1410
Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleague who will be
working side by side with me for the next 2 years, my neighbor from
Dallas and Rockwall County, that I appreciate her, look forward to
working with her. She was the very first person, when I switched
parties, to call me and say it didn't matter one iota to her. I've
always appreciated her for that, and I still do and I will.
And thank you, Dr. Ehlers, a man who's always educated for us. That's
his thrust, and he's done a good job. But for him, we'd have gone the
wrong way a lot of times.
I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun).
Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the
Senate amendment to H.R. 5116, the American COMPETES Reauthorization
Act of 2010.
But before sharing my views on this COMPETES reauthorization, I want
to take this opportunity to share my frustration and express the
frustration of my constituents. I know that I'm not alone in the view
that working on consequential pieces of legislation in a lame duck
session, outside of the proper legislative process, is simply wrong.
[[Page H8845]]
In fact, it could be argued that it's unconstitutional.
The 20th amendment of the Constitution moved the start date of new
Congresses from March to January to stop exactly what we're doing here
today, passing important legislation in a lame duck session. In 1932,
Democratic Representative Wilburn Cartwright of Oklahoma stated, ``This
amendment will free Congress of the dead hand of the so-called lame
duck.'' Sadly, he could not have been more wrong.
The Democrats are using this lame duck session to continue pursuing
their rejected agenda. This is no different than a CEO being fired and
continuing to make major decisions for the company that he was just
fired from for another 2 months. We must stop this end-run around the
electoral process and the U.S. Constitution by prohibiting further lame
duck legislation.
Now, this COMPETES reauthorization is the perfect example of why we
need to end lame duck legislation. It contains reckless spending and
misguided policy initiatives. The closed-door process through which it
was developed is irresponsible at a time when the Federal deficit has
ballooned to $1.5 trillion, and our national debt will soon eclipse $14
trillion. These unprecedented figures are not deterring our Democratic
colleagues from authorizing over $45 billion of spending, $7 billion of
which is new spending in this bill.
Beyond the out-of-control spending, a clear shift in policy
priorities away from those envisioned in the original COMPETES process
now exists in this bill.
When the National Academy of Sciences unveiled the ``Gathering
Storm'' report in 2005, it identified funding for long-term basic
research as the top priority for science and technology. Today's
reauthorization emphasizes late-stage technology commercialization
activities and beyond to manufacturing and construction activities,
priorities that should not be the responsibility of the Federal
Government.
For example, title VI of this bill creates a loan guarantee program
to stabilize innovative manufacturing, a loan guarantee program to
subsidize construction and renovation of research parks, and a vaguely
defined regional innovation program to support grants to create
innovation clusters as well as construct and renovate research parks.
Finally, I want to note my disappointment associated with the process
on this bill. Many Republican amendments that were incorporated in the
House-passed bill were changed or deleted without any Member
consultation. This was the case with an amendment I offered prohibiting
any lobbying effort associated with the activities authorized in the
bill.
This bill spends money that we don't have on things we don't need
and, in some cases, on things the government simply should not be
involved in. It is the product of backroom dealings that excluded House
Republicans, and it simply should not pass at this late stage of 111th
Congress.
I urge opposition to this bill. I urge a ``no'' vote.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of a unanimous
consent request, I yield to a very important contributor to this bill,
the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), chairman of the Education
and Labor Committee.
(Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California asked and was given permission to
revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I thank the chairman for yielding,
and I thank him for all of his work on this legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act.
This legislation makes strategic and smart investments in students
pursuing degrees in the science, technology, engineering or math
fields.
It continues the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, which encourages
students studying in STEM fields to earn a teaching credential and
enter the classroom.
It makes changes to encourage more colleges and universities to
participate in these programs.
This will ensure we have prepared teachers in our nation's science
and mathematics classrooms to educate and inspire the next generation
of engineers and entrepreneurs.
The COMPETES Act also continues funding for the Advanced Placement
and International Baccalaureate programs--programs that set high
standards and give students the advanced skills they need for the
workforce of tomorrow.
This legislation couldn't come at a more important time. It invests
in our future competitiveness at a time when our global reputation is
not where it should be.
Over just the past few years we have begun to reinvigorate and awaken
the American drive to innovate, but we have much further to go.
Earlier this month, the results of the 2009 Program for International
Student Assessment showed that the United States ranks average, or 17th
out of the 33 other industrialized nations.
The difference between the countries at the top of these rankings and
the U.S. is that the countries that are outperforming us have made
developing the best education system in the world a national goal.
They've recognized that the strength of their economy will be
inextricably tied to the strength of their education system in the 21st
century.
It is time we decide as a nation that we can no longer afford to stay
just average.
By passing this legislation, we will continue our efforts to
strengthen the STEM fields. We will improve our global competitiveness
and our economic stability.
I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu), the subcommittee chairman on Technology
and Innovation, someone who made a great contribution to this bill.
Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this reauthorization
bill, and I want to just point out to my friend from Georgia that not
everything that one is opposed to is unconstitutional. And I share the
gentleman's concern about this lame duck session. And if the gentleman
wanted to propose a constitutional amendment to move our swearing-in
date to the first Tuesday in November, perhaps his concerns would be
addressed. But pending that, we have a lot of legitimate activity for
very, very important legislation. And I can think of no greater tribute
to the outgoing chairman, Mr. Gordon, and Mr. Hall, who has worked with
the chairman for a long time on this legislation, than the passage of
this bill.
I'm particularly proud of the contribution that my subcommittee, the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee, has made to this legislation,
because long-term investment in innovation is absolutely crucial to our
Nation's global competitiveness, and we have a responsibility to
support the kind of economic environment that empowers our Nation's
private sector to innovate and create high-wage, private-sector jobs.
The bipartisan legislation that we are considering today will
strengthen our Nation's economic competitiveness by helping to create
an environment that encourages innovation and which facilitates growth.
As the chairman rightfully pointed out, innovation accounted for
greater than 50 percent of U.S. GDP growth from World War II to the
year 2000, and innovation can help America grow our way out of our
current anemic economic state.
Among other things, the bill makes crucial investments in the
Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which will help us better address
the needs of our Nation's small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The bill will also help ensure that students and trainees will have
what is necessary to secure a good-paying job in their own community by
requiring MEP centers to work with community colleges to train for the
skills needed by local manufacturers.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Halvorson). The time of the gentleman
has expired.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield the gentleman an additional 30
seconds.
Mr. WU. This is great legislation. The chairman has done a great job,
and I urge passage.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our
resident authority on nuclear energy, the gentleman from California
(Mr. Garamendi).
Mr. GARAMENDI. I want to commend you, Mr. Chairman, for an
extraordinary piece of work, and Ranking Member Hall and the other
members
[[Page H8846]]
of the committee. I came to this committee halfway through the year,
and I was absolutely amazed and delighted to see the intensity of
discussions--35 separate hearings.
And my colleague from Georgia who thinks we ought to put this off, I
cannot imagine leaving a job half done--not half done, but 99 percent
done, and then let it go after all the work that's been put together
here.
This is a good bill. I don't ever like what the other House does to
my legislation, and I'm sure all of us feel the same way. But what I'd
like to point out here in this bill is that there are basically five
things that this Nation needs to do if we're going to succeed
economically: best education, best research, make the things that come
from that research, have the infrastructure, and then be international.
{time} 1420
This is about three of those things, three very important things. The
education, the STEM education is in this legislation. Without it, we
will never be able to compete. And we ought not wait until next year to
get that going.
Secondly, with regard to the research, it is fundamental. I come from
California, the great Silicon Valley and all of those new technologies
come from the research at the universities in the surrounding area.
This legislation promotes that research agenda across the Nation, not
just in California, but at every other research institution throughout
the United States.
And finally, there is a major piece of this legislation that talks
about making it in America. If we are going to have a strong middle
class, a strong economy, we must once again make it in America. This
legislation provides some fundamental elements necessary for us to do
that. For example, the loan guarantee that was degraded just a few
moments ago is exceedingly important because that's the valley of
death. How does an entrepreneur, how does a new business get through
the valley of death? That's what this is about.
This legislation also provides a way in which we can coordinate our
manufacturing expertise. With that, we ought to pass this bill and
acknowledge the enormous amount of work that was done over the last
Congress.
Mr. HALL of Texas. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to the
amount of time that is remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Tennessee has 12\1/2\
minutes remaining and the gentleman from Texas has 13 minutes
remaining.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentlelady from Maryland (Ms. Edwards), who has been a very active and
articulate member of our committee.
Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Thank you to the chairman for your
leadership and your vision. I rise today in strong support of the work
that you have put in on America COMPETES. It's legislation that's going
to usher in a new era of scientific and economic leadership and
prosperity for the country.
In particular, I want to highlight an amendment I authored that will
give special consideration to high-needs schools and underrepresented
teachers and minorities when determining STEM fellowship grants. My
colleagues, we often come together to discuss the importance of
education, laying the groundwork for economic prosperity. And here,
America COMPETES is an important step forward to laying that
foundation, to ensuring that opportunities provided in this legislation
will be available to all of our young people, regardless of race or
economic circumstance.
This is a game changer; not a Hail Mary pass but a playoff strategy
for the future and for the long term success of our children. And we
need all of these players on the field. So today let's put our shared
sentiments into action, send America COMPETES to the President's desk
so we can continue to generate economic competitiveness, creating high-
wage jobs, and educating and preparing all our young people for the
future.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to another
active member of our committee from Michigan (Mr. Peters), who has been
very active particularly in advanced vehicle technology.
Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, the America COMPETES Act supports American
manufacturing, innovation, and global competitiveness. COMPETES
recognizes the challenges facing America's 21st century manufacturers,
as well as the importance of a healthy manufacturing base. The bill
includes new manufacturing loan guarantees, improved research and
development, and strengthens the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
program. The bill also places a much-needed emphasis on science
education, from grade schools to the university level. We need a highly
educated workforce to create the next advanced vehicle technology or
innovative product that will produce more high-quality jobs in America.
COMPETES also supports innovation clusters around the country and
creates a focus on innovation within our Federal programs and agencies.
America simply cannot afford to sacrifice its innovative edge to
growing economies like China and India. The investments made by
COMPETES are critical to America's long-term economic health, and I
hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bipartisan
legislation.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), who has brought his energy
expertise to our committee.
Mr. TONKO. I rise today in support of the America COMPETES Act, a
debate that has continued for many months, and negotiations have
followed, and we are finally one step away from this bipartisan
victory. This legislation will create prosperity through science and
innovation, reassert our economic and technological leadership
throughout the world, and give future generations greater opportunity
to achieve the American dream for decades to come.
I have seen firsthand the impact science and innovation can have on
our communities. Recently, the Albany, New York, area in my district
was named the third fastest high-tech job market in the country. This
growth, coupled with today's legislation, is vital if the capital
region of New York and the rest of our Nation are to continue on a path
toward an innovation economy that, quote, ``Makes It In America.''
We must also educate the next generation of mathematicians and
scientists. This bill does that by providing opportunities for STEM
students to participate in hands-on scientific research.
Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership on
this issue. Without his tireless work and that of the committee staff,
along with Ranking Member Hall, we would not be here today.
Mr. Chair, you and your leadership will be sorely missed, and I wish
you all the best.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to an
alumnus of our committee, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
(Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, let me personally thank you
for your leadership and continued focus on important issues here in
this Congress.
I rise today to celebrate and to thank the chairman of the Science
Committee, Chairman Gordon, for his years of commitment and intensity
as it relates to the importance of this work. I also add my
appreciation to Chairman-elect Hall, whom I have worked with, as I did
Congressman Gordon, for some 12 years on the Science Committee. And
once on the Science Committee, one can never leave its values and its
importance.
As I sat on the Science Committee in the end of the 20th century, I
always said that science was the work of the 21st century. And although
bills are not perfect, and this bill that has come over from the other
body is not, it is where we need to go. And I would simply remind my
colleagues of the history of the Model T. When Henry Ford
[[Page H8847]]
developed the Model T, that technology generated into an enormous
industry in the United States that created new technology and millions
of jobs, I might say.
And so here we are today with a great need to reignite, restart our
manufacturing journey. And I am delighted that this bill has seen the
vision of getting elementary, middle school, high school students
involved in the sciences. That's where our Achilles' heels are. That's
where the vision comes to invent things, to make things to develop the
next generation of jobs. And so it establishes an interagency with a
STEM education coordination committee. It provides an interagency
committee for coordination of manufacturing R&D.
And to listen to my colleagues talk about subsidies--do they realize
that every country around the world is subsidizing their manufacturing
to make them more competitive, to have a greater competitive edge?
There is nothing wrong with creating jobs for America.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield the lady 2 more minutes.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. There is nothing wrong with us subsidizing
good work, good science, the opportunity for jobs. I don't know what
the structure was. Maybe I will go and research what happened with
Henry Ford. I saw in those days he put together his family pennies, he
made the Model T, and here we are today. But we live in a different
economy. We live in a changing time of the dollar. And we live in a
time when other countries have no shame in subsidizing business.
{time} 1430
We were on the floor earlier today where Germany is subsidizing
Airbus. That is their right. But the question is, What are we doing to
promote manufacturing?
This reauthorizes the National Science Foundation. It authorizes
grants and manufacturing, research and education. That is a good thing.
It authorizes program grants for 21st-century graduate education, as
well as authorizing a program dealing with research for undergraduates.
That is exciting. Innovation is part of what happens here. Then, of
course, it authorizes research experiences for high school students as
part of the research grants.
So, overall, I guess my bottom line is I am ready to go. I am excited
about the opportunities in the 21st century. I want us making things
again, whether it is submarines, whether it is airplanes, whether it is
new technology for our military personnel, whether or not it is a new
space shuttle, a CEV. I want us to make things again. That is how you
put people back to work. That is how you keep people's minds churning:
What is the next invention we can get? There is no shame to subsidizing
this work. And I am delighted that not only are we doing that, but we
are expanding the manufacturing loan guarantee program to permit loan
guarantees to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
I tell you, my colleagues, these companies are out here waiting. They
want to get going. There is limited opportunity for access to credit;
and I can tell you, they are excited about this opportunity. Government
not involved in helping a country go forward in manufacturing? Whoever
heard of that. That is what everybody is doing. It is time for us to
stand up as well.
So let me thank you, Chairman Gordon, for your service. I know you
are going on to great things. Thank you for allowing me to share some
time with you on the Science Committee, and the same to Chairman Hall.
Again, vote for this.
I rise in support of H.R. 5116 to invest in innovation through
research and development, to improve the competitiveness of the United
States, and for other purposes.
This legislation is crucial to our efforts to keep America number one
by investing in modernizing our Nation's manufacturing, spurring
American innovation through basic Research and Development, R&D, and
high-risk, high-reward clean energy research, and strengthening math
and science education to prepare students for the good jobs of the 21st
century.
Today, we consider the Senate amendment to the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act, H.R. 5116, which passed the Senate by unanimous
consent on Friday.
The Senate Amendment:
Keeps our Nation on a path to double funding for basic scientific
research, which is crucial to some of our most innovative
breakthroughs;
Creates jobs with innovative technology loan guarantees for small and
mid-sized manufacturers and Regional Innovation Clusters to expand
scientific and economic collaboration;
Promotes high-risk high-reward research to pioneer cutting edge
discoveries through ARPA-E and promotes job creation in clean energy;
and
Creates the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs by
improving science, math, technology, and engineering education at all
levels
This bill:
Is a fiscally responsible compromise that reduces the authorization
from 5 to 3 years, reducing the cost, and repeals the original COMPETES
programs that have not been funded. The Bowles-Simpson deficit
commission singled out basic scientific research as a long-term gain
for the budget, as it is vital to our Nation's scientific and economic
leadership. The bill also bans the use of funds to pay the salary of
Federal employees convicted of looking at pornography on Federal
property.
The bill is supported by the Chamber of Commerce, National
Association of Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, TechAmerica,
TechNet, American Association for the Advancement of Science, National
Venture Capital Association, Information Technology Industry Council,
Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and Association of
American Universities.
It is imperative for us to demonstrate our firm commitment to
creating economic prosperity and maintaining the status of the United
States as a worldwide leader in science and technology throughout the
decades to come, and to give future generations a greater opportunity
to achieve the American Dream. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join
me in supporting the passage of this important legislation.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to our
example of the benefits of STEM education, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Holt).
Mr. HOLT. I thank the chairman.
Madam Speaker, for decades, it's been clear that our investments in
scientific research and education underwrite our national prosperity,
yet we've continued to underinvest in these economic drivers. The
National Academy issued a call for action 5 years ago with ``Rising
Above the Gathering Storm,'' and Congress responded by holding a number
of national town meetings arranged by then-Minority Leader Pelosi and
then passing the America COMPETES Act under the chairmanship of
Chairman Gordon. That legislation is now set to expire, and the
National Academies has issued an update on our progress. It is an
ominous warning. It says bluntly: ``Our Nation's outlook has
worsened.''
Now, as a Member who has conducted NSF-funded research and who
continually argues that our economic health depends on investment and
research, I would have preferred the more robust funding authorization
levels passed by this House earlier this year. However, this
legislation does maintain a 10-year doubling path for funding for our
basic research agencies.
I am especially pleased that the bill requires the development of a
comprehensive national competitiveness and innovation strategy, a
provision I wrote. The nations that are outcompeting us already have
national innovation strategies in place. We should too. To guarantee a
secure economic future for our children and in our Nation, we must not
fail to provide robust funding for the programs in this legislation.
I want to commend Chairman Gordon for writing and taking action on
this legislation. It is another part of a good legacy of his
distinguished career.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (H.R 5116). Our investments in scientific
research and education underwrite our national prosperity and success.
Economists attribute over half of the growth in our gross domestic
product (GDP) since World War II to progress in science and technology.
Yet for decades, we have underinvested in our nation's tools for
advancing innovation and competitiveness. In 2005, the National
Academies issued a call for action in the Rising Above the Gathering
Storm report. Two years later, following a series of national town
halls arranged by the then Majority Leader Pelosi, Congress responded
by implementing many of the report's recommendations in the America
COMPETES Act.
[[Page H8848]]
Yet now we are faced with the impending expiration of the COMPETES
Act, and the National Academies has released an update on our progress
since the original Rising Above the Gathering Storm report. It tells us
that we have not done enough. It says bluntly, ``Our nation's outlook
has worsened.'' Other countries are implementing many of the changes
suggested five years ago while we continue to hold back on the
necessary investments to rebuild, restructure, and renew our national
innovation infrastructure. The reauthorization of the America COMPETES
Act is essential if we are to maintain our competitive edge in the
global economy.
Basic research is a powerful source of new and unexpected discoveries
that can transform our economy. While I would have preferred the more
robust funding authorization levels passed by the House earlier this
year, this legislation maintains a 10-year doubling path for funding at
our nation's basic research agencies--the National Science Foundation
(NSF), the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST), and
the Department of Energy's Office of Science. These funds support
fundamental research in every discipline, maintain our national
laboratories, and provide vital training for the next generation of
scientists and engineers. The dividends from our investments in
research and development are the breakthroughs that yield new
industries, drive job growth, and sustain our future economic and
technological competitiveness.
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act includes a number of new
programs and initiatives to foster innovation. The Regional Innovation
Program will help create and expand science parks and Regional
Innovation Clusters to leverage collaboration between businesses,
academic institutions, and other participants to facilitate the
transfer of technologies from the laboratory to the commercial sector.
The Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Department of
Commerce will accelerate the commercialization of research and
development by identifying ways to overcome existing barriers and
providing access to relevant data and technical assistance. The
legislation authorizes the Partnerships for Innovation program to help
move research out of the lab and into the marketplace by strengthening
ties between institutions of higher education and private sector
entities.
Additional assistance for manufacturers and other businesses would
promote the adoption of new technologies and improve productivity. The
legislation requires NSF to support research in transformative advances
in manufacturing, and it ensures that the Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (MEP) program will inform regional community colleges of
the skill sets needed by local manufacturers. A newly established
Innovative Services Initiative will assist small- and medium-sized
manufacturers in implementing energy and waste reduction technologies,
including renewable energy systems. A loan guarantee program will allow
manufacturers to access capital for the installation of innovative
technologies and processes that will help increase their efficiency and
maintain their competitiveness. A new interagency committee under the
National Science and Technology Council will establish goals and
coordinate federal programs in advanced manufacturing research and
development.
To preserve our leadership in scientific and technical fields and
strengthen our competitiveness in the twenty-first century economy, the
U.S. must continue to produce the world's best scientists, and we must
ensure that every student is exposed to the fundamentals of science,
technology, engineering, and math, STEM. The America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act will establish an interagency committee to
coordinate federal STEM education programs and report to Congress
annually on implementation of the STEM education strategic plan.
Updates to the NSF's Robert Noyce Scholarship program will allow more
schools to participate and more qualified STEM educators to reach high-
need schools. Undergraduates will have more opportunities to
participate in research, and support for graduate students will be
strengthened. Women and minorities remain underrepresented in STEM
fields, and this legislation continues programs to help expand the STEM
talent pool and increase the diversity of our nation's future
scientists.
In the energy field, this legislation reauthorizes programs at the
Department of Energy's Office of Science, which is the nation's largest
supporter of physical sciences research. In addition, the
reauthorization of the Advanced Research Projects agency for Energy,
ARPA-E, which is modeled on the successful Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency, DARPA, will help us pursue high-risk, high-reward
energy technology develop that might not receive support otherwise.
Finally, I am pleased that this legislation incorporates two
provisions that I offered and the House passed when it considered a
previous version of this bill. The first requires the working group
responsible for coordinating policies related to the dissemination and
long-term stewardship of unclassified federally funded research to take
into consideration the importance of peer-review and the role of
scientific publishers in the peer-review process.
The second requires the Secretary of Commerce to prepare a
comprehensive national competitiveness and innovation strategy. For
decades, U.S. leadership in science, technology, engineering, and
innovation was unquestionable. But we cannot pretend this is a given.
In 2009, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found
that among 40 major nations or regions, the U.S. ranks sixth in overall
innovation and competitiveness. More importantly, over the last decade,
every one of our competitors has improved their innovation capacity
faster than us. Each of the five nations ranked by ITIF as ``out-
competing'' the U.S. already has a national competitiveness or
innovation strategy in place. All together, at least thirty other
countries have implemented plans to boost their economic
competitiveness through innovation and technological development. The
United States has yet to put forward a similarly comprehensive roadmap
for success. Our competitors are making plans to grow their economies
by competing in the global marketplace. We should be too.
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act makes long overdue
investments in the foundations of our national innovation system. It
will create jobs in both the short- and long- term, support
manufacturers and businesses in commercializing new technologies, help
us pursue a clean energy economy, improve STEM education, and
strengthen our international competitiveness. Yet authorizing the
programs in this legislation is only the first step in keeping the
United States competitive. To guarantee a secure economic future for
our children and for our nation, we must not fail to provide robust
funding for these programs. Even as we face budgetary challenges and
political pressure, we must ensure that our scientists, engineers,
innovators, and entrepreneurs have the tools and resources they need to
renew our economy and help us truly rise above the gathering storm. I
commend the United States Senate for taking action on this bill, and I
urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to our great
majority leader and my great friend, Steny Hoyer.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Maryland is recognized.
Mr. HOYER. Thank you very much, Speaker Halvorson. I appreciate your
presiding over this historic piece of legislation.
I want to thank my friend Bart Gordon. Chairman Gordon has been an
extraordinary leader of this committee, an extraordinary member of the
Energy and Commerce Committee; and in both of those venues he has
focused on making sure that America could in fact compete and compete
successfully and be the great Nation it has been, is now, and will
continue to be as long as we keep investing in that which grows an
economy--education, science, mathematics and engineering.
I know that he has worked with some of the great industrial leaders
of our Nation on this legislation. Mr. Augustine comes to mind. We're
very proud of him in Maryland.
But I want you to know how proud I am of Bart Gordon. He said that I
was one of his close friends. I think Bart Gordon is one of my closest
friends, not just in Congress, but in life. He and I have been here for
a long time together.
The good news is the ranking--used to be Democrat, now Republican--
Ralph Hall, is also a very close and dear friend of mine whom I have
known all of my service here. He and I came together in the same class.
He is a very good friend of Bob Slagle, who is a good friend of mine as
well, and I want to thank him for his service to our country.
The America COMPETES Act expands support for research and
development, helping the United States to remain the world's innovation
leader. It creates jobs for the short-term and lays a foundation for
long-term prosperity. That is its key, of course. And it is an
important part of the Make It In America agenda, a series of important
bills designed to help America regain its manufacturing strength.
Let me say just a word about Make It In America. We heard a lot about
made in America, things that were made yesterday in America, things
that we did in the past. Make It In America is about what we are going
to do in the future.
[[Page H8849]]
Make It In America is a non-ideological, non-party, nonpartisan
premise; and that premise is shared widely by the American public: that
if we are going to be successful in the future and continue to grow our
economy, it is going to be in part because we make it in America; we
make things in America, we manufacture things in America, we grow it in
America, and we sell it abroad. Our products, whether they be hard
products or soft products, we sell them throughout the world.
America is the innovative center of the world, one of the
enterprising nations of the world. We invent things, innovate and bring
to scale. Strike that. We don't bring them to scale often enough.
Andy Grove, who was one of the co-founders of Intel, wrote an
excellent article in the New Yorker. I tell my friends on the
Republican side and on the Democratic side, this is an issue that can
bring us together to make America better, to grow America, to provide
the kinds of jobs that Americans need.
Make It In America not only means manufacturing in America, but that
we make it, that we succeed, that people believe and have the
confidence that there will be an American economy which will provide
them with jobs and they will be able to provide for themselves and
their families. This is a significant step in making sure that America
makes it in America.
One of the things that Andy Grove said in his article in the New
Yorker was that the problem we have is innovation, invention,
enterprise exists here more than any other place in the world; but what
we are doing is we are inventing, innovating and enterprising, and then
we are taking it overseas to take it to scale, to manufacture it.
The Kindle, I bought a Kindle for my grandson last Christmas, about
$185. About 40 to 45 of those dollars are U.S. The rest is overseas.
Andy Grove's premise is if we do that, what is essentially going to
happen over the years is the innovators and the ``enterprisers'' and
the inventors are going to follow where we're making it, whether it's
in China or any other place. America, we cannot let that happen. This
bill is a critical step in ensuring America's prosperity and job
creating capacity in the long term.
Bart Gordon, congratulations to you. You will leave here in a few
days. You will not be a Member of the Congress of the United States.
You will never leave here in the sense you will always be in our
hearts, and you are going to be on this floor, and we're going to see
you regularly. But you will leave an extraordinary legacy for your
country for decades and a century to come in this bill.
The bill establishes innovative technology and Federal loan
guarantees for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Make It In
America. Those loans will help American businesses respond to the needs
of a changing economy, increase productivity, and keep pace with
overseas competition.
Further, the COMPETES Act makes important investments in science,
technology, engineering and math, as I said earlier, because helping
our children excel in these fields is absolutely crucial to our
economic competitiveness.
{time} 1440
Finally, the bill strengthens the crucial national Science
Foundation, which funds cutting-edge research in fields from computer
science and mathematics to genomics. That's our future. America does it
well. Let's do it here. Let's make sure that we're investing so that
that will be the future as well as the present.
Federal support for research and innovation is one of the best
investments we can make. Federal support helped create GPS, the
computer mouse, computer-aided design, and the Internet; and there's no
telling the ways in which it might shape our lives in the years to
come. But, surely, there is no doubt that shape it, it will. And that's
why we must invest. I urge my colleagues to boost American innovation
by supporting this bill.
I end again as I started, by congratulating Bart Gordon, my good
friend, an individual who's given so much to his country for so long,
an individual that makes us proud to be his colleague and who has given
added luster to service in this House by his own service.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, we sometimes throw the term
``friend'' around here a lot. I do thank very much the majority leader
for his friendship.
I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the cochair of the New Dems, who are our
leaders in innovation policy, the gentleman from Wisconsin, Mr. Ron
Kind.
(Mr. KIND asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, as one of the co-chairs of the New
Democratic Coalition, I rise in strong support of the reauthorization
of the America COMPETES Act and commend the chairman of the Science
Committee, our good friend and colleague, Mr. Gordon, for his tenacious
focus on making sure that America COMPETES gets reauthorized in this
session of Congress and working with the Senate in the waning days of
this session to get it done. And we're sorely going to miss his
leadership on this subject, as well as the leadership of our colleague
from the State of Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), who has given tremendous
guidance on what it means for the United States to remain the most
innovative and creative Nation in the world.
And that's what America COMPETES is all about. It's answering the
question of whether or not we will remain the most innovative and on
the cutting edge of scientific, medical, technological, and
manufacturing discoveries and breakthroughs or whether we will continue
our slide in second-rate status compared to other nations in the
investments that we are seeing taking place overseas.
It builds on seminal studies by the National Academy of Sciences'
``Rising Above the Gathering Storm,'' and even before that, the John
Glenn Commission, ``Before it's Too Late,'' warning us of the peril of
losing our innovation and competitiveness if we continue to underinvest
in those crucial STEM studies of science, technology, engineering, and
math, or the investments we have to make in basic and applied research,
which we accomplish in this bill through the National Science
Foundation; National Institute of Science and Technology; the ARPA-E
program at the Department of Energy; new programs now at NOAA and NASA;
and now directing the Department of Commerce to come up after 1 year
with an actionable plan of how all this comes together.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield the gentleman 2 minutes.
Mr. KIND. I thank my colleague for yielding me the time.
It really speaks to the question many Americans have on their minds
as we continue our slow emergence of the worse economic recession since
the Great Depression, and that is where are we going as a Nation
economically and how are we going to get there. America COMPETES Act is
a part of that equation of not only spurring the innovation that we
need in this country, but helping to make sure that we make those
products in this country, along with the good-paying jobs that come
from it.
Will this be the end of the innovation agenda? I think not. But it's
an important step forward--one that received huge bipartisan support in
the previous Congress with 357 of our colleagues supporting the
original authorization of America COMPETES.
I commend former President Bush and current President Obama for
recognizing the need for this type of legislation and all of the
members on the Science and Education Committee that had a tremendous
say in the product that's before us today. It's worthy of our support;
but, more importantly, it's worthy of a great Nation and a great
economy that we can build upon.
I encourage my colleagues to support the America COMPETES
reauthorization and the work that we have before us.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time I
have remaining.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Tennessee has 3\1/2\
minutes remaining.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, on many occasions I have
[[Page H8850]]
heard speaker Nancy Pelosi talk about the future of our Nation. And
when she talks about the future of our Nation, she says there's three
things we need to do: science, science, science. She believes it. She
has led us in that direction.
I yield 1 minute to the Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Nancy Pelosi.
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for
his kind words. More especially, I thank him for his great leadership.
Few people who have served in this Congress and outside the Congress
have done more to promote that ``science, science, science'' agenda
than Bart Gordon.
Sadly, for Mr. Gordon, this will be the last bill that he will bring
to the floor. I want to take the occasion to thank him for his
tremendous leadership as chair of the Science and Technology Committee
and for being a leader on these issues. When the report came out about
the gathering storm, he was the first to say we need to not only
respond to it, but he had already taken initiatives, recognizing what
would be in that report, seeing what was happening to science,
technology, engineering, math, and all the rest of it in our country.
His departure from the Congress is a loss for us, but I know he takes
with him this passion that he has for science. It is something that has
served our country well in the Congress, and I know he will continue to
do so outside the Congress.
So, Mr. Gordon, thank you for your tremendous leadership. I know I
speak for everyone here when I say it is an honor to call you
colleague, and that today would be a day, toward the end of the
session, that we would be taking up your bill--this is your bill, Mr.
Chairman.
On these occasions I am reminded, Madam Speaker, that nearly 50 years
ago, in launching the initiative to send a man to the Moon and back
safely within 10 years, President Kennedy summed up America's common
commitment to innovation and competitiveness when he said, ``The vows
of this Nation can be fulfilled only if we are first, and therefore we
intend to be first. Our leadership in science and in industry, our
hopes for peace and security, our obligations to ourselves, as well as
others, all require us to make this effort.''
Since then, Americans have lived up to those words. Science and
technological innovation have formed the backbone of our progress as a
people and our prosperity as a Nation. And today we have the
opportunity to play one more part in that same tradition to support the
COMPETES Act, to reaffirm our leadership in science and technology, to
keep America first.
Again, few have done more for this Congress than Chairman Bart
Gordon, who recognized the urgency of this challenge early on and has
never stopped fighting to keep science and technology at the top of our
agenda. And to the distinguished ranking member, one of the beauties of
this agenda, this innovation agenda, is there's really nothing partisan
about it. It isn't ideological. It's scientific. It is about keeping
America number one and using the best resources technologically in our
country to have us be competitive in the world economy.
In acting to update and extend the COMPETES Act, we will spur
innovation, invest in cutting-edge research, modernize manufacturing,
and increase opportunity. You know the provisions. Others have spoken
to them. The gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) has talked about the
importance of the STEM--education, science, technology, engineering and
math--and how important that is not only to the fulfillment of our
students but to competitiveness internationally and the success of our
economy.
With this bill, we will lay the foundation for new industries that
provide good jobs for our workers; that open new markets for our
American products; that offer more students, more young people, and
entrepreneurs a better chance to live out the American Dream.
{time} 1450
Simply put, we will continue to ``rise above the gathering storm''
and keep America number one.
The COMPETES Act is a central component of our innovation agenda,
rolled out by Democrats 5 years ago to ensure our Nation's economic
competitiveness around the globe and double basic research funding.
Yes, as has been mentioned, the COMPETES Act was signed by President
Bush and now will be signed by President Obama; but I wish to
acknowledge that it was only when we got into the Recovery Act that we
were able to get the substantial funding to move forward with these
initiatives. We had a little downpayment before that, but we got
serious about our commitment in the Recovery Act.
As part of that effort, again, we passed the Recovery Act, investing
$17 billion for basic research and $19 billion to promote the adoption
of health IT. We dedicated $11 billion to improve our smart grid
capabilities and provided more than $7 billion to expand broadband
access nationwide. It is very important for us to do so in rural areas.
Through a series of actions, the Democrat-led Congress has extended
broadband to rural and underserved areas, invested in clean energy jobs
and energy independence, and helped spur the development of new
technologies.
The America COMPETES Act builds on that record of achievement. This
bill is about good-paying jobs for American workers, strong American
leadership in the global economy, an investment in America's students,
and long-term prosperity for America's families and businesses.
As I have said, as was mentioned by Mr. Kind, this bill passed the
first time with overwhelming bipartisan support. I think the majority
of Republicans voted for the bill the first time it was put forth, and
now we are reauthorizing it.
What we are doing today is about echoing President Kennedy's call
once more to fulfill the vows of our Nation, to make the effort to
strengthen America's future, to be first. In voting ``aye'' today, we
can come together for innovation, for competitiveness, and for our
prosperity. I urge all of my colleagues to support the reauthorization
of the America COMPETES Act.
As I close, I once again want to salute Chairman Bart Gordon for his
tremendous, tremendous leadership. He has a wealth of knowledge, a
depth of understanding, a boundless commitment to the future.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa).
Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to
support the Senate amendment to H.R. 5116, the America COMPETES Act.
Chairman Bart Gordon and Congressman Ralph Hall, I commend you for
bringing this legislation to the floor.
More than ever, our Nation must invest in the scientific and
technological building blocks that bolster American competitiveness in
a 21st century global economy. The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act
of 2010 achieves this and more by fostering innovation, supporting
manufacturers and industry, preparing a STEM workforce, and creating
jobs. This bill takes bold steps in broadening the participation of
underrepresented minorities and women in the STEM fields.
I want to recognize Representatives Eddie Bernice Johnson, Ben Ray
Lujan, Silvestre Reyes, the Diversity and Innovation Caucus, and other
members of the Tri-Caucus for their outstanding leadership in
championing diversity issues in the reauthorization of this act.
As Subcommittee chairman for Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and
Competitiveness, I am pleased that America COMPETES will more fully
integrate our Nation's minority-serving institutions into research
partnerships and Federal programs and promote the inclusion and success
of minorities in the STEM fields. Establishing strong regional
university and industry partnerships in research and innovation at the
National Science Foundation will spur economic growth and connect
students to high-tech jobs.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman
from Texas.
Mr. HINOJOSA. This bill will expand undergraduate research
opportunities
[[Page H8851]]
for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities at the National
Science Foundation. Hands-on learning experiences are key to improving
the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in the STEM
fields and in preparing a new generation of scientists who will
contribute to our Nation's technological innovation and
competitiveness.
This bill complements our work on the Student Aid and Fiscal
Responsibility Act, known as SAFRA, enacted as part of the Health Care
and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and our efforts to improve
science and math literacy in our Nation's public schools.
I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R.
5116.
Again, I compliment our chairman, Bart Gordon, for his tremendous
leadership.
Mr. HALL of Texas. I yield myself the balance of my time.
Madam Speaker, I reiterate that I remain committed to the underlying
goals of the America COMPETES Act, and believe that we ought to
continue to prioritize investments in basic science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics--STEM research and development.
These long-term investments, coupled with policies that reduce tax
burdens, streamline Federal regulations, and balance the Federal budget
are necessary steps for our Nation to remain competitive in the global
marketplace. I hope my colleagues will join with me in seeking to do
just that when the 112th Congress convenes.
In the meantime, I thank everybody involved; but for the reasons I
have previously outlined, I must regretfully oppose this amendment.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, in closing, let me just once
again thank the members and staff on a bicameral, bipartisan basis who
have done so much to bring this excellent piece of legislation to the
floor.
I doubt there has ever been a piece of legislation that has had as
much outward support for the business community, the academic
community, the scientific community. It is a good bill. It is going to
help move our country forward.
Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I spoke on the House floor in strong
support of the COMPETES Reauthorization. I wish to reinforce these
comments. America is in a Global Race to innovate. COMPETES propels us
forward, helping us win this race through smart investments.
Improvements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
education will result in an educated workforce, who will develop the
technology of the future. A strengthening of our research capacity is
inherently valuable and will pay huge dividends when this knowledge is
leveraged towards technological development. COMPETES helps turn these
lab bench discoveries into products that we can buy and sell on the
market. By strengthening American manufacturing, COMPETES helps us to
make it in America again. Improvements in R&D will grow America's
economy and increase our ability to export our products around the
world.
I express strong support for the COMPETES Reauthorization Act of
2010, H.R. 5116.
Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act, I rise today in strong support of this
legislation, and I commend the United States Senate for passing this
legislation before the end of 111th Congress. Today's consideration
shows Congress's commitment to ensuring our children and grandchildren
receive the education they need to compete in a global marketplace in
the 21st Century.
While our country and our children have not lost the spirit of
innovation and creativity, we have in recent years watched as our
country has fallen woefully behind in educating our children. Passage
of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act will help to reverse this
trend by making the strong investments necessary in research, education
and manufacturing.
This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes our basic research programs,
making needed increased investments in the National Science Foundation,
the Department of Energy Office of Science, and the National Institute
of Standards and Technology and laying the groundwork for doubling the
authorized funding levels for these programs. Funding through these
programs has been critical to hundreds of the faculty, staff,
scientists and investigators in my district who rely on opportunities
from these agencies to support their research. America COMPETES also
reauthorizes the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy, which
has made great efforts at developing the energy technology of the
future.
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act investment in research
cannot be fulfilled without a renewed focus in our education system on
STEM education. H.R. 5116 will coordinate STEM education across the
federal government to increase and bolster effective programs, increase
graduate fellowships at NSF and DOE, support research and internship
opportunities for high school and undergraduate students in STEM
fields, and encourage students to enter into the education system as
teachers to continue to build the next generation of scientists,
educators, and researchers.
And of particular importance to my district, the America COMPETES
legislation will provide critically needed help to our small- and
medium-sized manufacturers who have been hard hit by the financial
downturn. In order to improve competitiveness and access to capital,
America COMPETES will create a new program that will provide Innovative
Technology Federal Loan Guarantees for these manufacturers. To help
manufacturers modernize and green their manufacturing practices, this
legislation directs NIST to develop sustainability metrics and
practices for manufacturers. To ensure manufacturers have a well-
trained workforce, this legislation directs NSF to award competitive
grants to strengthen and expand scientific and technical education and
training in advanced manufacturing practices. To continue the success
of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program centers, this
legislation will also reduce the cost share contribution, ensuring
access to invaluable assistance that increases technological
capabilities, institutes green or lean manufacturing techniques, and
promotes increased sales.
Madam Speaker, I believe strongly that it is our moral duty to
prepare our children and grandchildren with the education and training
necessary to be successful in a highly competitive, and increasingly
globalized marketplace. By allowing our education system to fall behind
our peers, we have slipped in this duty. The America COMPETES
legislation will once again put us on the path towards a strengthened
education system, and a talented and competitive workforce that will
continue the high-risk, high-reward research, innovations and
technology development that this country is renowned for. The America
COMPETES Reauthorization Act will allow the United States to truly
compete with our neighbors abroad, which is why I urge my colleagues to
vote ``yes''.
Mr. COSTELLO. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5116,
the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010.
I commend Chairman Gordon for his leadership in developing this
important legislation, passing it through the House, and working with
our colleagues in the Senate to move the measure forward.
In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released its landmark
report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, which recommended Congress
and the administration more heavily invest in science education,
research, and technology to preserve the U.S. role as the world leader
in innovation.
In response to this report, Congress passed the America COMPETES Act
with bipartisan support in 2007.
In the three years since COMPETES was signed into law, we have made
great strides in innovation, education, and technology.
However, a 2010 follow-up report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm,
Revisited, clearly indicates the U.S. remains at risk of falling behind
in developing and patenting new technology; publishing cutting edge
research; training the next generation of scientists and engineers; and
maintaining the most competitive workforce in the world.
H.R. 5116 builds upon the accomplishments of the 2007 America
COMPETES in a fiscally responsible manner.
The bill reauthorizes ongoing federal research and development
programs for three years at a lower authorization level than what the
House passed in May, creates opportunities for innovation in the
private sector through programs like ARPA-E, and trains the most
innovative, competitive workforce in the world.
In addition, I am pleased the bill contains important investments in
two STEM education programs.
First, the bill invests in community colleges and other two-year
institutions of higher education by building connections between
community colleges and Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, other
institutions of higher education, research institutions, and regional
innovation hubs. These investments will ensure that students have the
job training necessary to secure good-paying jobs in their communities
and manufacturers have a workforce with the right skill set to promote
innovation.
Second, the bill ensures the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) STEM
education programs mirror the important research being conducted by the
agency on carbon capture
[[Page H8852]]
and sequestration (CCS) technology, the future of coal-powered energy;
which is the nation's most abundant and affordable energy source and a
vital part of Illinois' economy. Including CCS in DOE's STEM education
programming will ensure that we continue to expand deployment of this
important technology and train a new generation of CCS scientists.
I urge my colleagues to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5116.
Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I regret that illness prevents me from
casting my vote in favor of H.R. 5116 today, but I would like to
express my strong support for H.R 5116, America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act of 2010, for the record.
I commend Chairman Bart Gordon and the other members of the Science
and Technology Committee, on which I am proud to have once served, for
the hard work and thoughtful consideration that went into this bill.
The America COMPETES Act of 2007 significantly bolstered American
innovation, the most fundamental hope for sustainable economic growth
and competitiveness in the United States and a critical driver of the
economy in my Silicon Valley district. It helped drive new research and
its commercialization, encouraged the creation of a more dynamic
business environment, and made improvements to science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) education that are important for our
nation's long term economic health.
It is critical that we sustain proper support for scientific research
and STEM education, or our ability to compete in the global economy
will be put in jeopardy. As the Business Roundtable noted in its
Roadmap for Growth, a new report released last week, investing in
scientific research and math and science education will create
sustained, long-term economic competiveness and growth. That is why I
am proud to support H.R. 5116, which authorizes those much needed
investments.
Although the Senate's amendment to H.R. 5116 is a significantly
trimmed down version of the House bill, it maintains the key principles
of investment and innovation, ensuring America remains competitive in
the 21st century global economy.
I am pleased that the bill includes provisions to ensure coordination
of federal STEM education activities by elevating an existing committee
under the National Science and Technology (NSTC). Providing this
coordinating mechanism for the federal STEM education programs is long
overdue.
According to the Academic Competitiveness Council's (ACC) report, in
2006 the U.S. sponsored 105 STEM education programs at more than a
dozen different federal agencies. These programs devoted approximately
$3.12 billion to STEM education activities spanning pre- kindergarten
through postgraduate education and outreach. The report notes that many
of these agencies do not share information or work collaboratively on
similar programs, demonstrating a need for better coordination.
The STEM education coordination provisions of this bill are similar
to those included in my own bill, the Enhancing Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics Education (E-STEM) Act, H.R. 2710. Both
bills seek to ensure that the various agencies involved in STEM
education efforts are aware of what is being done and what has already
been done elsewhere so agencies can strategically invest in programs
and activities.
Again, I congratulate the Science and Technology Committee and
Chairman Gordon for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to
support this important legislation to ensure that our nation leads the
world in innovation and science and technology.
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the America COMPETES
Reauthorization Act.
As the United States faces increasing competition in the global
economy, we will only maintain our advantage by fostering our ability
to innovate. America COMPETES makes the investments necessary to ensure
that we remain at the cutting edge of research and development.
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act is a comprehensive approach
to invest in education, research, and small business to grow America's
innovation economy. By providing resources for basic research,
facilitating the use of new technologies by American manufacturers, and
training a new generation of science, technology, math, and engineering
(STEM) workers, we can create good, sustainable jobs at home and ensure
that the United States remains competitive.
The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act creates a path to double
basic research funding at NSF, NIST, and DOE's Office of Science over
the next ten years. It supports important programs to expand American
energy technology and fosters regional innovation clusters and research
parks for economic development across the country. And it coordinates
STEM education activities across the Federal Government so we can focus
resources on our most effective programs.
Madam Speaker, every dollar that we invest in science and technology
pays dividends in economic growth and ensures that the United States
remains at the forefront of discovery. I thank Chairman Gordon for his
work on this issue and urge my colleagues to vote to pass this bill.
Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
Pursuant to House Resolution 1781, the previous question is ordered.
Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further proceedings on this
motion will be postponed.
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