[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H7515-H7524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      REVITALIZE AMERICAN MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION ACT OF 2014

  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 2996) to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the 
Network for Manufacturing Innovation and for other purposes, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 2996

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Revitalize American 
     Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) In 2012, manufacturers contributed $2.03 trillion to 
     the economy, or \1/8\ of United States Gross Domestic 
     Product.
       (2) For every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, another $1.32 
     is added to the economy, the highest multiplier effect of any 
     economic sector.
       (3) Manufacturing supports an estimated 17,400,000 jobs in 
     the United States--about 1 in 6 private-sector jobs. More 
     than 12,000,000 Americans (or 9 percent of the workforce) are 
     employed directly in manufacturing.
       (4) In 2012, the average manufacturing worker in the United 
     States earned $77,505 annually, including pay and benefits. 
     The average worker in all industries earned $62,063.
       (5) Taken alone, manufacturing in the United States would 
     be the 8th largest economy in the world.
       (6) Manufacturers in the United States perform two-thirds 
     of all private-sector research and development in the United 
     States, driving more innovation than any other sector.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING 
                   INNOVATION.

       The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 34 as section 35; and
       (2) by inserting after section 33 (15 U.S.C. 278r) the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 34. NETWORK FOR MANUFACTURING INNOVATION.

       ``(a) Establishment of Network for Manufacturing Innovation 
     Program.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish within the 
     Institute a program to be known as the `Network for 
     Manufacturing Innovation Program' (referred to in this 
     section as the `Program').
       ``(2) Purposes of program.--The purposes of the Program 
     are--
       ``(A) to improve the competitiveness of United States 
     manufacturing and to increase the production of goods 
     manufactured predominantly within the United States;
       ``(B) to stimulate United States leadership in advanced 
     manufacturing research, innovation, and technology;
       ``(C) to facilitate the transition of innovative 
     technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-
     performing manufacturing capabilities;
       ``(D) to facilitate access by manufacturing enterprises to 
     capital-intensive infrastructure, including high-performance 
     electronics and computing, and the supply chains that enable 
     these technologies;
       ``(E) to accelerate the development of an advanced 
     manufacturing workforce;
       ``(F) to facilitate peer exchange of and the documentation 
     of best practices in addressing advanced manufacturing 
     challenges;
       ``(G) to leverage non-Federal sources of support to promote 
     a stable and sustainable business model without the need for 
     long-term Federal funding; and
       ``(H) to create and preserve jobs.
       ``(3) Support.--The Secretary, acting through the Director, 
     shall carry out the purposes set forth in paragraph (2) by 
     supporting--
       ``(A) the Network for Manufacturing Innovation established 
     under subsection (b); and
       ``(B) the establishment of centers for manufacturing 
     innovation.
       ``(4) Director.--The Secretary shall carry out the Program 
     through the Director.
       ``(b) Establishment of Network for Manufacturing 
     Innovation.--
       ``(1) In general.--As part of the Program, the Secretary 
     shall establish a network of centers for manufacturing 
     innovation.
       ``(2) Designation.--The network established under paragraph 
     (1) shall be known as the `Network for Manufacturing 
     Innovation' (referred to in this section as the `Network').
       ``(c) Centers for Manufacturing Innovation.--
       ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a `center 
     for manufacturing innovation' is a center that--
       ``(A) has been established by a person or group of persons 
     to address challenges in advanced manufacturing and to assist 
     manufacturers in retaining or expanding industrial production 
     and jobs in the United States;
       ``(B) has a predominant focus on a manufacturing process, 
     novel material, enabling technology, supply chain integration 
     methodology, or another relevant aspect of advanced 
     manufacturing, such as nanotechnology applications, advanced 
     ceramics, photonics and optics, composites, biobased and 
     advanced materials, flexible hybrid technologies, and tool 
     development for microelectronics;
       ``(C) as determined by the Secretary, has the potential--
       ``(i) to improve the competitiveness of United States 
     manufacturing, including key advanced manufacturing 
     technologies such as nanotechnology, advanced ceramics, 
     photonics and optics, composites, biobased and advanced 
     materials, flexible hybrid technologies, and tool development 
     for microelectronics;
       ``(ii) to accelerate non-Federal investment in advanced 
     manufacturing production capacity in the United States; or
       ``(iii) to enable the commercial application of new 
     technologies or industry-wide manufacturing processes; and
       ``(D) includes active participation among representatives 
     from multiple industrial entities, research universities, 
     community colleges, and such other entities as the Secretary 
     considers appropriate, which may include industry-led 
     consortia, career and technical education schools, Federal 
     laboratories, State, local, and tribal governments, 
     businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit 
     organizations.
       ``(2) Activities.--Activities of a center for manufacturing 
     innovation may include the following:
       ``(A) Research, development, and demonstration projects, 
     including proof-of-concept development and prototyping, to 
     reduce the cost, time, and risk of commercializing new 
     technologies and improvements in existing technologies, 
     processes, products, and research and development of 
     materials to solve precompetitive industrial problems with 
     economic or national security implications.
       ``(B) Development and implementation of education, 
     training, and workforce recruitment courses, materials, and 
     programs.
       ``(C) Development of innovative methodologies and practices 
     for supply chain integration and introduction of new 
     technologies into supply chains.
       ``(D) Outreach and engagement with small and medium-sized 
     manufacturing enterprises, including women and minority owned 
     manufacturing enterprises, in addition to large manufacturing 
     enterprises.
       ``(E) Such other activities as the Secretary, in 
     consultation with Federal departments and agencies whose 
     missions contribute to or are affected by advanced 
     manufacturing, considers consistent with the purposes 
     described in subsection (a)(2).
       ``(3) Additional centers for manufacturing innovation.--
       ``(A) In general.--The National Additive Manufacturing 
     Innovation Institute and other manufacturing centers formally 
     recognized as manufacturing innovation centers pursuant to 
     Federal law or executive actions, or under pending 
     interagency review for such recognition as of the date of 
     enactment of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and 
     Innovation Act of 2014, shall be considered centers for 
     manufacturing innovation, but such centers shall not receive 
     any financial assistance under subsection (d).
       ``(B) Network participation.--A manufacturing center that 
     is substantially similar to those established under this 
     subsection but that does not receive financial assistance 
     under subsection (d) may, upon request of the center, be 
     recognized as a center for manufacturing innovation by the 
     Secretary for purposes of participation in the Network.

[[Page H7516]]

       ``(d) Financial Assistance to Establish and Support Centers 
     for Manufacturing Innovation.--
       ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     Secretary shall award financial assistance to a person or 
     group of persons to assist the organization in planning, 
     establishing, or supporting a center for manufacturing 
     innovation.
       ``(2) Application.--A person or group of persons seeking 
     financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application therefor at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require. The application shall, at a minimum, describe the 
     specific sources and amounts of non-Federal financial support 
     for the center on the date financial assistance is sought, as 
     well as the anticipated sources and amounts of non-Federal 
     financial support during the period for which the center 
     could be eligible for continued Federal financial assistance 
     under this section.
       ``(3) Open process.--In soliciting applications for 
     financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall 
     ensure an open process that will allow for the consideration 
     of all applications relevant to advanced manufacturing 
     regardless of technology area.
       ``(4) Selection.--
       ``(A) Competitive, merit review.--In awarding financial 
     assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall use a 
     competitive, merit review process that includes peer review 
     by a diverse group of individuals with relevant expertise 
     from both the private and public sectors.
       ``(B) Participation in process.--
       ``(i) In general.--No political appointee may participate 
     on a peer review panel. The Secretary shall implement a 
     conflict of interest policy that ensures public transparency 
     and accountability, and requires full disclosure of any real 
     or potential conflicts of interest on the parts of 
     individuals that participate in the merit selection process.
       ``(ii) Definition.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the 
     term `political appointee' means any individual who--

       ``(I) is employed in a position described under sections 
     5312 through 5316 of title 5, United States Code, (relating 
     to the Executive Schedule);
       ``(II) is a limited term appointee, limited emergency 
     appointee, or noncareer appointee in the Senior Executive 
     Service, as defined under paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), 
     respectively, of section 3132(a) of title 5, United States 
     Code; or
       ``(III) is employed in a position in the executive branch 
     of the Government of a confidential or policy-determining 
     character under schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 
     5 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

       ``(C) Performance measurement, transparency, and 
     accountability.--For each award of financial assistance under 
     paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
       ``(i) make publicly available at the time of the award a 
     description of the bases for the award, including an 
     explanation of the relative merits of the winning applicant 
     as compared to other applications received, if applicable; 
     and
       ``(ii) develop and implement metrics-based performance 
     measures to assess the effectiveness of the activities 
     funded.
       ``(D) Collaboration.--In awarding financial assistance 
     under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, acting through the 
     National Program Office established under subsection (f)(1), 
     collaborate with Federal departments and agencies whose 
     missions contribute to or are affected by advanced 
     manufacturing.
       ``(E) Considerations.--In selecting a person who submitted 
     an application under paragraph (2) for an award of financial 
     assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider, 
     at a minimum, the following:
       ``(i) The potential of the center for manufacturing 
     innovation to advance domestic manufacturing and the 
     likelihood of economic impact, including the creation or 
     preservation of jobs, in the predominant focus areas of the 
     center for manufacturing innovation.
       ``(ii) The commitment of continued financial support, 
     advice, participation, and other contributions from non-
     Federal sources, to provide leverage and resources to promote 
     a stable and sustainable business model without the need for 
     long-term Federal funding.
       ``(iii) Whether the financial support provided to the 
     center for manufacturing innovation from non-Federal sources 
     significantly exceeds the requested Federal financial 
     assistance.
       ``(iv) How the center for manufacturing innovation will 
     increase the non-Federal investment in advanced manufacturing 
     research in the United States.
       ``(v) How the center for manufacturing innovation will 
     engage with small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises, 
     to improve the capacity of such enterprises to commercialize 
     new processes and technologies.
       ``(vi) How the center for manufacturing innovation will 
     carry out educational and workforce activities that meet 
     industrial needs related to the predominant focus areas of 
     the center.
       ``(vii) How the center for manufacturing innovation will 
     advance economic competitiveness and generate substantial 
     benefits to the Nation that extend beyond the direct return 
     to participants in the Program.
       ``(viii) Whether the predominant focus of the center for 
     manufacturing innovation is a manufacturing process, novel 
     material, enabling technology, supply chain integration 
     methodology, or other relevant aspect of advanced 
     manufacturing that has not already been commercialized, 
     marketed, distributed, or sold by another entity.
       ``(ix) How the center for manufacturing innovation will 
     strengthen and leverage the assets of a region.
       ``(x) How the center for manufacturing will encourage the 
     education and training of veterans and individuals with 
     disabilities.
       ``(5) Limitations on awards.--
       ``(A) In general.--No award of financial assistance may be 
     made under paragraph (1) to a center of manufacturing 
     innovation after the 7-year period beginning on the date on 
     which the Secretary first awards financial assistance to that 
     center under that paragraph.
       ``(B) Matching funds and preferences.--The total Federal 
     financial assistance awarded to a center of manufacturing 
     innovation, including the financial assistance under 
     paragraph (1), in a given year shall not exceed 50 percent of 
     the total funding of the center in that year, except that the 
     Secretary may make an exception in the case of large capital 
     facilities or equipment purchases. The Secretary shall give 
     weighted preference to applicants seeking less than the 
     maximum Federal share of funds allowed under this paragraph.
       ``(C) Funding decrease.--The amount of financial assistance 
     provided to a center of manufacturing innovation under 
     paragraph (1) shall decrease after the second year of funding 
     for the center, and shall continue to decrease thereafter in 
     each year in which financial assistance is provided, unless 
     the Secretary determines that--
       ``(i) the center is otherwise meeting its stated goals and 
     metrics under this section;
       ``(ii) unforeseen circumstances have altered the center's 
     anticipated funding; and
       ``(iii) the center can identify future non-Federal funding 
     sources that would warrant a temporary exemption from the 
     limitations established in this subparagraph.
       ``(e) Funding.--
       ``(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     no funds are authorized to be appropriated by the Revitalize 
     American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 for 
     carrying out this section.
       ``(2) Authority.--
       ``(A) NIST industrial technical services account.--To the 
     extent provided for in advance by appropriations Acts, the 
     Secretary may use not to exceed $5,000,000 for each of the 
     fiscal years 2015 through 2024 to carry out this section from 
     amounts appropriated to the Institute for Industrial 
     Technical Services.
       ``(B) Energy efficiency and renewable energy account.--To 
     the extent provided for in advance by appropriations Acts, 
     the Secretary of Energy may transfer to the Institute not to 
     exceed $250,000,000 for the period encompassing fiscal years 
     2015 through 2024 for the Secretary to carry out this section 
     from amounts appropriated for advanced manufacturing research 
     and development within the Energy Efficiency and Renewable 
     Energy account for the Department of Energy.
       ``(f) National Program Office.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish, within 
     the Institute, the National Office of the Network for 
     Manufacturing Innovation Program (referred to in this section 
     as the `National Program Office'), which shall oversee and 
     carry out the Program.
       ``(2) Functions.--The functions of the National Program 
     Office are--
       ``(A) to oversee the planning, management, and coordination 
     of the Program;
       ``(B) to enter into memorandums of understanding with 
     Federal departments and agencies whose missions contribute to 
     or are affected by advanced manufacturing, to carry out the 
     purposes described in subsection (a)(2);
       ``(C) to develop, not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and 
     Innovation Act of 2014, and update not less frequently than 
     once every 3 years thereafter, a strategic plan to guide the 
     Program;
       ``(D) to establish such procedures, processes, and criteria 
     as may be necessary and appropriate to maximize cooperation 
     and coordinate the activities of the Program with programs 
     and activities of other Federal departments and agencies 
     whose missions contribute to or are affected by advanced 
     manufacturing;
       ``(E) to establish a clearinghouse of public information 
     related to the activities of the Program; and
       ``(F) to act as a convener of the Network.
       ``(3) Recommendations.--In developing and updating the 
     strategic plan under paragraph (2)(C), the Secretary shall 
     solicit recommendations and advice from a wide range of 
     stakeholders, including industry, small and medium-sized 
     manufacturing enterprises, research universities, community 
     colleges, and other relevant organizations and institutions 
     on an ongoing basis.
       ``(4) Report to congress.--Upon completion, the Secretary 
     shall transmit the strategic plan required under paragraph 
     (2)(C) to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, 
     Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.
       ``(5) Hollings manufacturing extension partnership.--The 
     Secretary shall ensure that the National Program Office 
     incorporates the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership 
     into Program planning to

[[Page H7517]]

     ensure that the results of the Program reach small and 
     medium-sized entities.
       ``(6) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be 
     detailed to the National Program Office without 
     reimbursement. Such detail shall be without interruption or 
     loss of civil service status or privilege.
       ``(g) Reporting and Auditing.--
       ``(1) Annual reports to the secretary.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall require each 
     recipient of financial assistance under subsection (d)(1) to 
     annually submit a report to the Secretary that describes the 
     finances and performance of the center for manufacturing 
     innovation for which such assistance was awarded.
       ``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall include--
       ``(i) an accounting of expenditures of amounts awarded to 
     the recipient under subsection (d)(1); and
       ``(ii) consistent with the metrics-based performance 
     measures developed and implemented by the Secretary under 
     this section, a description of the performance of the center 
     for manufacturing innovation with respect to--

       ``(I) its goals, plans, financial support, and 
     accomplishments; and
       ``(II) how the center for manufacturing innovation has 
     furthered the purposes described in subsection (a)(2).

       ``(2) Annual reports to congress.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not less frequently than once each year 
     until December 31, 2024, the Secretary shall submit a report 
     to Congress that describes the performance of the Program 
     during the most recent 1-year period.
       ``(B) Elements.--Each report submitted under subparagraph 
     (A) shall include, for the period covered by the report--
       ``(i) a summary and assessment of the reports received by 
     the Secretary under paragraph (1);
       ``(ii) an accounting of the funds expended by the Secretary 
     under the Program, including any temporary exemptions granted 
     from the requirements of subsection (d)(5)(C);
       ``(iii) an assessment of the participation in, and 
     contributions to, the Network by any centers for 
     manufacturing innovation not receiving financial assistance 
     under subsection (d)(1); and
       ``(iv) an assessment of the Program with respect to meeting 
     the purposes described in subsection (a)(2).
       ``(3) Assessments by gao.--
       ``(A) Assessments.--Not less frequently than once every 2 
     years, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an 
     assessment of the operation of the Program during the most 
     recent 2-year period.
       ``(B) Final assessment.--Not later than December 31, 2024, 
     the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a final 
     report regarding the overall success of the Program.
       ``(C) Elements.--Each assessment submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) or (B) shall include, for the period covered 
     by the report--
       ``(i) a review of the management, coordination, and 
     industry utility of the Program;
       ``(ii) an assessment of the extent to which the Program has 
     furthered the purposes described in subsection (a)(2);
       ``(iii) such recommendations for legislative and 
     administrative action as the Comptroller General considers 
     appropriate to improve the Program; and
       ``(iv) an assessment as to whether any prior 
     recommendations for improvement made by the Comptroller 
     General have been implemented or adopted.
       ``(h) Additional Authorities.--
       ``(1) Appointment of personnel and contracts.--The 
     Secretary may appoint such personnel and enter into such 
     contracts, financial assistance agreements, and other 
     agreements as the Secretary considers necessary or 
     appropriate to carry out the Program, including support for 
     research and development activities involving a center for 
     manufacturing innovation.
       ``(2) Transfer of funds.--Of amounts available under the 
     authority provided by subsection (e), the Secretary may 
     transfer to other Federal agencies such sums as the Secretary 
     considers necessary or appropriate to carry out the Program. 
     No funds so transferred may be used to reimburse or otherwise 
     pay for the costs of financial assistance incurred or 
     commitments of financial assistance made prior to the date of 
     enactment of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and 
     Innovation Act of 2014.
       ``(3) Authority of other agencies.--In the event that the 
     Secretary exercises the authority to transfer funds to 
     another agency under paragraph (2), such agency may accept 
     such funds to award and administer, under the same conditions 
     and constraints applicable to the Secretary, all aspects of 
     financial assistance awards under this section.
       ``(4) Use of resources.--In furtherance of the purposes of 
     the Program, the Secretary may use, with the consent of a 
     covered entity and with or without reimbursement, the land, 
     services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of such 
     covered entity.
       ``(5) Acceptance of resources.--In addition to amounts 
     appropriated to carry out the Program, the Secretary may 
     accept funds, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities 
     from any covered entity to carry out the Program, subject to 
     the same conditions and constraints otherwise applicable to 
     the Secretary under this section and such funds may only be 
     obligated to the extent provided for in advance by 
     appropriations Acts.
       ``(6) Covered entity.--For purposes of this subsection, a 
     covered entity is any Federal department, Federal agency, 
     instrumentality of the United States, State, local 
     government, tribal government, territory, or possession of 
     the United States, or of any political subdivision thereof, 
     or international organization, or any public or private 
     entity or individual.
       ``(i) Patents.--Chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code, 
     shall apply to any funding agreement (as defined in section 
     201 of that title) awarded to new or existing centers for 
     manufacturing innovation.''.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.

       Section 102 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 
     2010 (42 U.S.C. 6622) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: 
     ``In furtherance of the Committee's work, the Committee shall 
     consult with the National Economic Council.'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (7) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(7) develop and update a national strategic plan for 
     advanced manufacturing in accordance with subsection (c).''; 
     and
       (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing.--
       ``(1) In general.--The President shall submit to Congress, 
     and publish on an Internet website that is accessible to the 
     public, the strategic plan developed under paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Development.--The Committee shall develop, and update 
     as required under paragraph (4), in coordination with the 
     National Economic Council, a strategic plan to improve 
     Government coordination and provide long-term guidance for 
     Federal programs and activities in support of United States 
     manufacturing competitiveness, including advanced 
     manufacturing research and development.
       ``(3) Contents.--The strategic plan described in paragraph 
     (2) shall--
       ``(A) specify and prioritize near-term and long-term 
     objectives, including research and development objectives, 
     the anticipated time frame for achieving the objectives, and 
     the metrics for use in assessing progress toward the 
     objectives;
       ``(B) describe the progress made in achieving the 
     objectives from prior strategic plans, including a discussion 
     of why specific objectives were not met;
       ``(C) specify the role, including the programs and 
     activities, of each relevant Federal agency in meeting the 
     objectives of the strategic plan;
       ``(D) 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;
       ``(E) describe how such Federal agencies and centers will 
     strengthen all levels of manufacturing education and training 
     programs to ensure an adequate, well-trained workforce;
       ``(F) describe how such Federal agencies and centers will 
     assist small and medium-sized manufacturers in developing and 
     implementing new products and processes;
       ``(G) analyze factors that impact innovation and 
     competitiveness for United States advanced manufacturing, 
     including--
       ``(i) technology transfer and commercialization activities;
       ``(ii) the adequacy of the national security industrial 
     base;
       ``(iii) the capabilities of the domestic manufacturing 
     workforce;
       ``(iv) export opportunities and trade policies;
       ``(v) financing, investment, and taxation policies and 
     practices;
       ``(vi) emerging technologies and markets;
       ``(vii) advanced manufacturing research and development 
     undertaken by competing nations; and
       ``(viii) the capabilities of the manufacturing workforce of 
     competing nations; and
       ``(H) elicit and consider the recommendations of a wide 
     range of stakeholders, including representatives from diverse 
     manufacturing companies, academia, and other relevant 
     organizations and institutions.
       ``(4) Updates.--Not later than May 1, 2018, and not less 
     frequently than once every 4 years thereafter, the President 
     shall submit to Congress, and publish on an Internet website 
     that is accessible to the public, an update of the strategic 
     plan submitted under paragraph (1). Such updates shall be 
     developed in accordance with the procedures set forth under 
     this subsection.
       ``(5) Requirement to consider strategy in the budget.--In 
     preparing the budget for a fiscal year under section 1105(a) 
     of title 31, United States Code, the President shall include 
     information regarding the consistency of the budget with the 
     goals and recommendations included in the strategic plan 
     developed under this subsection applying to that fiscal year.
       ``(6) AMP steering committee input.--The Advanced 
     Manufacturing Partnership Steering Committee of the 
     President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology 
     shall provide input, perspective, and recommendations to 
     assist in the development and updates of the strategic plan 
     under this subsection.''.

[[Page H7518]]

     SEC. 5. REGIONAL INNOVATION PROGRAM.

       Section 27 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation 
     Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3722) is amended to read as follows:

     ``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.
       ``(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) Outreach to rural communities.--The Secretary shall 
     conduct outreach to public and private sector entities in 
     rural communities to encourage those entities to participate 
     in regional innovation cluster activities under this 
     subsection.
       ``(8) Funding.--The Secretary may accept funds from other 
     Federal agencies to support grants and activities under this 
     subsection.
       ``(c) 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) into the program established under this 
     subsection.
       ``(d) 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.
       ``(e) Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of the Revitalize American Manufacturing and 
     Innovation Act of 2014, 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.
       ``(f) 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 
     and its related sectors;
       ``(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) 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.
       ``(g) Funding.--
       ``(1) General rule.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     no funds are authorized to be appropriated by the Revitalize 
     American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014 for 
     carrying out this section.
       ``(2) Authority.--To the extent provided for in advance by 
     appropriations Acts, the Secretary may use not to exceed 
     $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2015 through 2019 to 
     carry out this section from amounts appropriated for economic 
     development assistance programs.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Bucshon) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. 
Kennedy) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on H.R. 2996, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Indiana?
  There was no objection.

[[Page H7519]]

  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act 
of 2014, or RAMI Act, strengthens a critical sector of America's 
economy: advanced manufacturing.
  Thanks to Congressman Tom Reed from New York for his diligent work on 
this legislation and to the gentleman from Massachusetts, Joe Kennedy. 
I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Science Committee Chairman 
Lamar Smith who worked with Mr. Reed and Mr. Kennedy and members on 
both sides of the aisle on our committee in order to reach a bipartisan 
consensus on this legislation.
  A strong manufacturing base is fundamental to U.S. economic success 
and national security.
  Manufacturing supports more than 17 million direct and indirect 
American jobs. This includes 12 million Americans--almost 10 percent of 
the workforce--who work directly for small, medium, or large 
manufacturing companies.
  For the millions of Americans who are employed in manufacturing 
fields, what matters most is that the manufacturing creates good-
paying, family-supporting, community-sustaining jobs.
  Manufacturing is especially important to Indiana, as it makes up just 
over 28 percent of our gross State product, the highest in the country. 
Indiana also leads the Nation in manufacturing employment. In Indiana's 
Eighth Congressional District that I represent, I have seen firsthand 
the work being done at manufacturers such as Berry Plastics, Toyota 
Motor, and Alcoa.
  The thriving manufacturing industry in the Eighth District is also 
thanks to universities like Vincennes University, the University of 
Evansville, and the University of Southern Indiana producing a talented 
and well-trained workforce through degrees related to advanced 
manufacturing and working closely with the manufacturing employers in 
the district. Ivy Tech statewide also supports this effort.
  My district is also home to every coal mine in Indiana. Affordable 
energy from sources such as coal and natural gas are vital components 
in boosting production for American manufacturers and attracting others 
from across the globe.
  The United States continues to have one of the largest, strongest 
manufacturing sectors in the world and has demonstrated its ability to 
adapt and innovate time and time again. But our leading position is not 
guaranteed. Competing nations have been ramping up their investments in 
research and development and taking decisive steps to equal and surpass 
the United States. For instance, the World Bank reports that China 
already has forged ahead in high technology exports, with about 28 
percent of the global market, compared to 18 percent for the United 
States.
  We need to take steps now to emphasize the strengths of American 
industry and shore up its weaknesses. With a limited government role, 
we can help our manufacturers to be competitive and ensure that 
American workers and their families reap the benefits of high-paying 
advanced manufacturing jobs.
  This bill will help our advanced manufacturers to accelerate the pace 
at which new technology is converted into better manufacturing 
processes and improved products.
  This legislation will help America remain globally competitive in 
manufacturing. It will ensure that new and innovative projects come 
equipped with ``Made in America'' on their labels.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking my colleague and 
friend, Tom Reed, for being a partner as we built momentum and support 
for this bill from the very beginning.
  I would also like to thank the chairman of the Science, Space, and 
Technology Committee, Chairman Lamar Smith, and Ranking Member Eddie 
Bernice Johnson for their leadership as we worked out this bill through 
our committee.
  By many metrics the economic picture in this country continues to 
improve. Unemployment rates are down, businesses are growing, and 
innovation is occurring at a breathtaking pace. But there is a flip 
side to that coin that we cannot ignore: our economic recovery to date 
has left far too many behind.
  In my district, proud industrial cities like Fall River, Taunton, and 
Attleboro are working tirelessly in the face of stubborn unemployment 
rates to adapt their workforce, infrastructure, and industry to the 
realities of a modern, global economy.
  Our manufacturing sector is a critical vehicle for bringing 
industrial cities and working-class communities across the country into 
the fold of the innovation economy, providing a critical link between 
our middle class workforce and fast-growing fields like biotech, 
robotics, or clean energy.
  The resurgence in American manufacturing has already reaped enormous 
economic gains, currently supporting over 17 million jobs with an 
average annual salary of over $77,500.
  There is a lot more potential on that table, and that is the idea 
behind RAMI. This bill creates a National Network for Manufacturing 
Innovation to improve our competitiveness, stimulate R&D, spread the 
risk of investment to bring new products and ideas to market, educate 
the next-generation workforce, and facilitate peer-to-peer exchange and 
best practices.

  These public-private centers for manufacturing innovation will 
leverage limited and targeted government funding matched dollar for 
dollar with private sector investment and expertise.
  Each center will be based on a new technology.
  Partnerships will include large and small businesses, universities, 
community colleges, career and technical schools, Federal labs, and 
nonprofits.
  Centers will leverage the regional assets to overcome communal 
challenges.
  Groups will apply for funding, putting the reins back where they 
belong: in the hands of industry and researchers facing the next big 
manufacturing challenge.
  Each application will go through an open, transparent peer and merit 
review process, minimizing conflicts of interest and ensuring the best 
practices and best proposals move forward.
  It is a model that we have already seen proven successful across the 
country, where institutes are creating jobs and bringing products to 
market in diverse fields such as 3D printing, clean energy, 
semiconductors, and digital design.
  I urge my colleagues to help propel this growth by supporting the 
Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Reed), the sponsor of the bill.
  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time for me 
to address you this evening.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this Revitalize 
American Manufacturing and Innovation Act that we have authored and 
submitted for consideration today.
  But as we speak about the details and before we speak about the 
details, I want to take a moment to thank a few people. I would like to 
thank my good friend from Massachusetts. Joe Kennedy and I started on 
this effort many months ago. We went through the process, and we are 
here tonight after lengthy negotiations, deliberations, and input from 
many stakeholders from all across America. With his diligent hard work 
standing with us, I am proud to call him a friend this evening as we 
consider this legislation for passage.
  I would like to thank Chairman Smith of the Science Committee for 
standing firm and leading on this issue, as well, as well as the 
subcommittee chairman, my good friend from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), as 
well as the ranking members, Johnson and Lipinski, of the Science 
Committee and the Appropriations Committee, and Chairman Hal Rogers.
  Mr. Speaker, I am excited about this legislation. When I came here to 
Washington, D.C., in 2010, I came here to do something. This is the 
kind of legislation--bringing parties together, Democrats, Republicans 
standing together in a concerted, directed effort--to get policy 
adopted that will grow the American economy and put people back to 
work.
  We hear the term many times, and heard it tonight again: jobs. Well, 
Mr.

[[Page H7520]]

Speaker, this legislation will accomplish that. But on top of that, 
this legislation is designed to the heart of advanced manufacturing in 
the United States of America. These are the great innovations of 
tomorrow that we are taking from the concept phase and putting into the 
commercial phase.
  And how are we doing that? With a united vision, a united plan, 
Democrats, Republicans, coming together to stand for workforce 
development, for identifying those technologies that are emerging that 
we can put as a priority on the national stage to create the jobs of 
today and tomorrow, because at the end of the day that is what this is 
all about. This is about building it here to sell it there. It is about 
building those products that generations before us envisioned but just 
couldn't get to the finish line. This is a concerted effort that will 
take that technology innovation from the shelf and put it in Main 
Street America so that hardworking taxpayers will have an opportunity 
for this generation and the generations to come.
  I applaud this legislation, I applaud this effort. As we do this, let 
us recognize that we came together to pay for this legislation tonight, 
fully offset, the program and priority that we are putting together 
through this RAMI legislation.
  Now, I look forward to the Senate and their efforts to hopefully take 
this legislation up. Things I hear today and tonight are very positive 
on that front. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to act quickly 
to create and pass this legislation that will provide for generations 
to come.
  We have created an opportunity here to create American jobs. It is 
time for us, as we did many times before, to come together, solve 
America's problems, and put this type of legislation on the President's 
desk--which all indications are that he will accept and sign--and get 
American manufacturing back on its feet so that it builds products for 
generations to come.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 
2014.
  When it comes to job-creating bills, many of our promises these days 
can seem empty. But the bill before us today will deliver results, not 
just rhetoric. This bill, if enacted and funded, will do more than any 
other measure this Congress has recently debated to revitalize American 
manufacturing and create high-skill, high-paying jobs in communities 
across the country.
  The decline in U.S. manufacturing has been a threat to middle class 
jobs and to our entire economy for decades. Many of those jobs, 
however, were low-skilled jobs, never to return. But we have also seen 
a large number of higher-skilled jobs move offshore, along with the 
supply chain that supports manufacturing.
  The good news is we experience a rebound in good-paying, high-skilled 
jobs as our economy continues to recover and manufacturers realize the 
advantages of remaining close to the world's greatest scientific and 
technological talent.

                              {time}  2130

  However, these gains remain modest. In the meantime, our 
international competitors are busy implementing and funding policies 
that will further threaten the American manufacturing base and send our 
best talents overseas.
  I am deeply concerned that we could reach a tipping point beyond 
which it will be nearly impossible to rebuild a vibrant manufacturing 
sector here in the U.S. We must act now to ensure that American 
companies and factories maintain their capacity to be the most 
sophisticated in the world and that American colleges and universities 
graduate the workforce to fill advanced manufacturing jobs on our 
shores.
  The Revitalize American Manufacturing Innovation Act, or RAMI, is a 
critical step toward this goal. This bill makes strategic investments 
in advanced manufacturing research, development, and education across 
our Nation. In keeping with our entire history of innovation, this bill 
creates partnerships involving the public sector, the private sector, 
and our great research institutions for the benefit of Americans.
  However, even if this bill gets enacted this month, our job is not 
done. Specifically, I am concerned about an unnecessary obstacle we 
have added to the bill that could make it difficult to stand up and 
sustain this program. To meet majority rules about offsetting all new 
authorizations, the bill that passed out of committee contained 
language that by some subsequent interpretations looked like 
appropriating on an authorization bill. I want to assure my 
appropriations colleagues that if I had my way, we would have written a 
straightforward authorization as we have always done throughout this 
committee's history.
  Clarifying language has been added to the bill, but we now look to 
the appropriators to take the next step necessary of standing up for 
this program in fiscal year 2015. In that regard, I look forward to 
working with my appropriations colleagues to ensure that this program 
gets funded next year and for the duration of the authorization.
  I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Reed, for 
their bipartisan work to develop this legislation and determination in 
moving it forward. I would also like to thank Chairman Smith for his 
efforts to bring this bill to the floor.
  Finally, I am also pleased that this legislation includes the 
manufacturing strategy introduced by Mr. Lipinski and the 
reauthorization of the Regional Innovation program introduced by Mr. 
Hultgren and Mr. Kilmer. These are important steps in the right 
direction.
  I strongly support this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues 
to do the same.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me say to the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed) and to the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy) that I appreciate all their time, effort, 
and work that has gone into this piece of legislation. It is because of 
their patience and diligence and persistence that we arrived at this 
particularly important place tonight and are considering this 
legislation.
  I also wanted to point out that this bill will, with every 
expectation that we have, create thousands of manufacturing jobs in the 
United States. The fact that New York and Massachusetts will benefit 
from these jobs is an important consideration, but the jobs that are 
created are going to be across the country. And so the gentlemen from 
New York and Massachusetts are doing an immense favor to our economy 
and to our economic growth in America.
  Mr. Speaker, advanced manufacturing is fundamental to future U.S. 
economic success and national security. America has led the world since 
World War II, but our global leadership is not guaranteed. Competing 
nations have increased their investments in advanced manufacturing to 
surpass the United States. The World Bank reports, for example, that 
China now leads the U.S. in high-tech exports with 28 percent of the 
global market versus 18 percent for the United States.
  In order to be competitive, our advanced manufacturers, large, 
medium, and small, must accelerate R&D, develop next generation 
products, develop new manufacturing processes, retrain their workforce, 
and introduce new technology to supply chains.
  This legislation, the Revitalize American Innovation Act of 2014, by 
Representatives Reed and Kennedy authorizes up to $300 million for 
fiscal years 2015 through 2024 for the Commerce Department, NIST, to 
develop the Network for Manufacturing Innovation, or NMI.
  The NMI will not increase spending because $250 million will come 
from annual appropriations from the Department of Energy's Office of 
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and $50 million from annual 
appropriations for Industrial Technical Services. NMI will accelerate 
private investment, commercialization of technology, and cooperation 
among multiple industrial entities, research universities, and other 
stakeholders to increase competitiveness and innovation in U.S. 
advanced manufacturing.

[[Page H7521]]

  Also included in the legislation is a bill developed by Mr. Lipinski 
which requires the President to submit a quadrennial advanced 
manufacturing strategic plan to Congress, a comprehensive assessment of 
the global competitive situation, and recommendations for strengthening 
the competitiveness of U.S. advanced manufacturing.
  In the latter category, for instance, three obvious steps stand out 
right now. Two of these steps are highlighted by the just-released 2014 
International Tax Competitiveness Index, which ranks the overall U.S. 
tax system as 32nd worst among the 34 developed nations. We would go a 
long way toward reinvigorating our economy and putting Americans back 
to work if we first reduce the U.S. corporate tax rate from highest in 
the developed world, and second, encourage more business investment in 
new technology by making the R&D tax credit permanent.
  The third crucial step to bolster U.S. manufacturing is to recognize 
the importance and take advantage of abundant, affordable domestic 
natural gas. Shale gas is a major revolution contributing to the 
manufacturing renaissance taking place in America.
  Manufacturing accounts for 30 percent of natural gas consumption in 
the U.S. and represents more than one-third of some manufacturers' 
costs. Not only does affordable, abundant natural gas benefit our 
entire manufacturing sector, the coproducts of natural gas are primary 
feedstocks for the production of chemicals, fertilizers, and plastics.
  An industry expert recently reported that U.S. chemical manufacturers 
have surpassed $100 billion in investments related to shale gas, with 
an anticipated $81 billion in new annual chemical industry output and 
more than 600,000 permanent new jobs in the U.S. In Texas alone, there 
have been nearly 30 projects announced in the petrochemical 
manufacturing sector.
  Finally, included in the bill before us is a provision authored by 
Mr. Hultgren and cosponsored by Mr. Kilmer to support regional 
innovation efforts to make U.S. manufacturers and businesses more 
competitive. Funding for this 5-year program will come from annual 
appropriations for the Commerce Department's economic development 
programs.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the bipartisan 
cooperation that has gone into moving this legislation through the 
Science Committee and to the House floor. To all of my colleagues on 
the committee, to the Research and Technology Subcommittee chair and 
ranking member, Mr. Bucshon and Mr. Lipinski, and to the ranking member 
of the Science Committee, Ms. Johnson, the gentlewoman from Texas, 
thank you for your good work that has brought us to the point of 
passage of the bill.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline).
  Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Revitalize American 
Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014.
  Rhode Island, the birthplace of the industrial revolution, with a 
very strong and long manufacturing history, is seeing the benefits of 
investing in rebuilding manufacturing, and this bill will create 
exciting opportunities to do more.
  This important legislation will establish the Network for 
Manufacturing Innovation program and a grant program to support 
domestic production, drive innovation, and leverage private funding and 
commercialization to develop sustainable business strategies.
  Across the United States, industry experts and economists are 
increasingly optimistic about a resurgence in American manufacturing. 
This is a critical time for Congress to help Federal, State, and local 
entities leverage existing resources, spur regional collaboration, and 
support economic recovery and job creation in high-growth advanced 
manufacturing sectors.
  In particular, I want to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Reed), the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy), and the entire 
committee for the inclusion of a provision to reauthorize the Regional 
Innovation program for 5 years. I particularly want to compliment both 
of my colleagues Mr. Reed and Mr. Kennedy for their work on this bill 
and for approaching this important issue with a spirit of real 
bipartisanship and genuine collaboration.
  In an effort to promote innovation and regional collaboration, the 
America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 established a Regional 
Innovation program within the Economic Development Administration. The 
program is designed to encourage and support the development of 
regional innovation strategies, including regional innovation clusters 
and science and research parks. Funding for the Regional Innovation 
program supports the EDA's interagency effort to build regional 
innovation clusters such as the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator 
Challenge and the Make it in America Challenge.
  Through the Regional Innovation program local leaders are empowered 
to maximize existing assets and are provided resources to ensure that 
historically underrepresented communities, including those hardest hit 
by employment and economic decline, are able to participate and benefit 
from growth in a regional cluster.
  To close, this bill recognizes that manufacturing and innovation are 
critically important to America's ability to compete in a 21st century 
global economy. To compete in the 21st century and win, America must 
invest in scaling up promising technology and innovative ideas. 
Supporting the development of regional innovation clusters strengthens 
our capacity to sustain and grow our economic recovery. This 
legislation will help do just that.
  Again, I want to urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I 
compliment my friends Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Reed for their great work.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the 
ranking member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee. Mr. 
Lipinski has worked on this issue for many years, including the 
Manufacturing Competitiveness Act that is included in this bill.
  At this time, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Hultgren), a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 
who is another sponsor of the bill.
  Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend, Mr. 
Bucshon from Indiana. I also want to recognize the important leadership 
of Chairman Smith. I want to thank him for his great work on this. I 
also want to thank the sponsors who really did so much of the heavy 
lifting on this. Congressman Reed and Congressman Kennedy did great 
work on a wonderful bill.
  Manufacturing is a vital component of my district's economy. There 
are 554 manufacturing facilities in the 14th Congressional District 
with 10 or more employees in them. Manufacturing facilities employ also 
more than 27,000 workers across my district alone.
  The workers at manufacturing facilities in the 14th Congressional 
District of Illinois have felt the economic downturn disproportionately 
as Federal and State governments have failed to change outdated or 
unneeded policies that keep my constituents from regaining full 
employment. Later this week, the House will vote on a package of bills 
to help alleviate these problems, but there are more ways we must act 
to help ensure our manufacturers have the tools they need to remain 
competitive on the world stage.

  This legislation gives needed direction to the administration for 
funding a national network for manufacturing innovation. These programs 
would bring together our country's vast research capabilities and help 
align our institutions with industry partners. Our universities and 
colleges must know what industry needs in order to provide valuable 
research as well as train our next workforce. This legislation would 
also help to remove some of the barriers that keep industry from 
working together and innovating in a 21st century economy.
  I am also very glad to see authorization for the Regional Innovation 
program. This is a smart, targeted program that allows local regions to 
pool their resources and work together. Industry clusters are one of 
the most effective ways to compile and share best practices, and the 
fact that these programs give preference to bids involving Local 
Workforce Investment Boards is another reason to support this bill.

[[Page H7522]]

These boards are doing all they can to help my constituents find work, 
and this is the cooperative federalism that will ensure taxpayer 
dollars are not wasted.
  I would like to commend the gentleman from New York for introducing 
this legislation, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of 
this bill.

                              {time}  2145

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Kilmer).
  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representatives Kennedy and 
Reed for working across the aisle to develop legislation that will 
encourage the growth of innovative technologies and the creation of a 
manufacturing workforce that will be able to compete on the global 
playing field.
  I also want to thank the Representatives for working with 
Representative Hultgren and myself to include the reauthorization of 
the Regional Innovation program.
  The Regional Innovation program provides needed support to innovative 
initiatives that accelerate technology commercialization, job creation, 
and economic growth in the United States. It acknowledges something 
important, that innovation and job growth don't happen in large marble 
buildings in our Nation's Capitol; rather, it happens on the ground in 
communities throughout our Nation.
  It happens in Tacoma where world-class research on clean water is 
happening in a collaboration between our companies and our university. 
It is happening on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington where innovative 
companies and innovative people are developing composite technology in 
partnership with the local college.
  If the United States is going to be a global economic competitor in 
the 21st century, we need to focus on growing a high-skilled workforce 
in our communities.
  I spent a decade working in economic development. We had a sign up on 
the wall in our office that said, ``We are competing with everyone, 
everywhere, every day, forever.''
  Bills like this will help us compete. It will help us make things 
here in the United States; and, as the dad of two little girls, I am 
hopeful it will provide opportunity for future generations to make 
things here in America.
  I think the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Bill is 
a sign we are moving in the right direction.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to quickly address an issue of future 
appropriations for the network of manufacturing innovation. As recently 
as the fiscal year 2014 omnibus appropriations act, Congress included 
language in the explanatory statement, pointing out that the 
appropriations bill did not address a manufacturing network as Congress 
had not considered or approved a legislative proposal.
  Well, the bill before us today solves that problem. It would 
authorize agencies to use funds to spur innovation and boost domestic 
manufacturing.
  Even more recently, the fiscal year 2015 Commerce, Justice, Science 
Appropriations Bill that passed the House on May 30, 2014, included 
report language on this topic showing an openness to further funding. 
Congress had been waiting for this bill to come to the floor to 
formally authorize this important program.
  After we pass this bill, I look forward to working with my colleagues 
on the Appropriations Committee to provide much-needed funding for the 
network of manufacturing innovation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds again to the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Science, Space, and 
Technology Committee.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana 
for yielding to me.
  Mr. Speaker, before we conclude debate on this bill, I just wanted to 
thank senior staff who have worked long months in developing this 
legislation and in refining it and getting it to the point where it is 
bipartisan, and we believe that the prospects for passage in the Senate 
are good as well.
  Now, the senior staff on our side, the majority side, include Chris 
Wydler, Cliff Shannon, and Katy Crooks; and, if I may be presumptuous 
to do so, on the minority side, they include Dahlia Sokolov and John 
Piazza. We appreciate their support and many other members of the staff 
who have contributed to this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have left?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Massachusetts has 7 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this bill, I rise in 
enthusiastic support of H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American 
Manufacturing and Innovation Act. The public-private partnerships 
created by this bill will help rebuild our Nation's manufacturing 
capacity and grow private sector investments in manufacturing.
  I hail from Silicon Valley, the Nation's epicenter of technology and 
innovation. Right now, Silicon Valley is experiencing a manufacturing 
resurgence. Companies see the benefit of locating their manufacturing 
in areas with R&D and a high-tech workforce. Nearly 18 percent of 
Silicon Valley jobs are in manufacturing, and these advanced 
manufacturing jobs are high paying.
  This bill will replicate some of the important qualities of Silicon 
Valley across this Nation. It will build partnerships between 
government, academia, and industry to address targeted manufacturing 
challenges.
  I applauded President Obama when he first proposed a network of 
manufacturing innovation institutes, and I thank the cochairs of the 
Manufacturing Caucus, Mr. Reed and Mr. Kennedy, for authoring this 
legislation to authorize such a network.
  I have worked with my Silicon Valley constituents to help build 
strong bipartisan backing of this bill, and I am glad we are on the 
floor considering it tonight. Hopefully, once this bill is enacted, we 
can win one of these hubs for Silicon Valley to focus on 
important challenges like developing the next generation of 
semiconductor manufacturing tools.

  This bill is an important step for countering the incentives that 
other countries are offering American innovators and manufacturers to 
relocate overseas. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2996 because it 
will help revitalize American manufacturing. It is a game-changer.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, with cosponsors and supporters in every corner of the 
country and each side of the aisle, we must pass this bill and move 
forward with a national manufacturing policy.
  We are here today as part of a process that involved many, many 
people. Last month, we held a markup in the full Science Committee, 
adopting several amendments and addressing concerns from members on 
both sides of the aisle.
  Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, this bill represents how Congress is 
designed to work, ideas from across the country coming together in 
open, honest discussion to formulate policy that will move our country 
forward.
  I would like to mention the significant staff work of the House 
leadership offices and the Science Committee for their tireless efforts 
for bringing us to this point and echo some of the names that Chairman 
Smith already mentioned.
  From the Science majority, if I may, Jamie Brown, Cliff Shannon, 
Kirsten Duncan, Chris Shank, Chris Weigel. From the minority staff, 
Dick Obermann, Dahlia Sokolov, Marcy Gallo, Kim Montgomery, John 
Piazza. From Congressman Reed's office, former staffer Laura Ringdahl 
and Drew Wayne. From Senator Brown's office, Chris Slevin and Nora 
Todd. From Senator Blunt's office, John Smedile and Tracy Henke. And 
from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Jim 
Schufreider.
  Mr. Speaker, through the revitalization of our manufacturing 
industry, we can provide access to a modern economy for millions of 
Americans. Our

[[Page H7523]]

manufacturing industries these days make far more than just the 
cheapest widget and Cheetos.
  By supporting partnerships between the private sector, government, 
and academia, we can capitalize on the opportunity offered through 
growing industry such as life sciences, biotech, precision 
manufacturing, and many, many others.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, a strong manufacturing base is fundamental 
to U.S. economic success and national security. Again, manufacturing 
supports millions of good-paying American jobs; and, for the millions 
of Americans who are employed in the manufacturing field, that is what 
matters most, good-paying, family-supporting, community-sustaining 
jobs.
  I urge my colleagues all to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, a 
bipartisan bill to boost American manufacturing, of which I am a 
cosponsor and original supporter.
  Not only do I support the intent of H.R. 2996, which would establish 
a Network of Manufacturing Innovation and enable public- private 
partnerships through Centers for Manufacturing Innovation, but it also 
includes the text of a bill I introduced, the American Manufacturing 
Competitiveness Act, H.R. 2447.
  I believe that both measures are necessary to the continuing 
revitalization of manufacturing in the United States, and I'm pleased 
to see the House considering them today. Manufacturing is a linchpin of 
our Nation's economy. It provides the American middle class with a 
source of quality jobs making everything from the goods we rely on for 
everyday needs, to the equipment that we need for national security.
  But in the first decade of the century, American manufacturing took a 
hard hit. Almost one-third of American manufacturing jobs disappeared. 
After over 110 years as the world's top manufacturing Nation, America 
got knocked off its perch by China.
  I have seen the devastation in my district and across northeastern 
Illinois. And I get frustrated, just like countless other Americans do, 
when I go to the store and I cannot find the words ``made in the 
U.S.A.'' on any product.
  The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act would 
authorize a network of centers for manufacturing innovation, based upon 
the concept of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) 
proposed the Administration. I have been a strong supporter of the NNMI 
proposal from the outset, and am pleased Congress is taking action to 
authorize these centers.
  In fact, just a few months ago I was pleased to join in the 
announcement of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation 
Institute in Chicago. This public-private initiative, hosted by the 
University of Illinois offshoot Ul Labs, has leveraged a $70 million 
federal investment to achieve a commitment of $250 million from 
industry, academia, government and community partners that will harness 
expertise and facilities to improve manufacturing processes and 
innovation and design capabilities to a wide range of stakeholders. One 
of the greatest attributes of these institutes will be the openness of 
the system, allowing small- and medium-sized enterprises the 
opportunity to use novel and often capital-intensive capabilities, such 
as 3D printing and high-performance computing, to improve their product 
lines, develop new innovations and make their factories more efficient.
  Moreso, I believe that the deployment of these centers of 
manufacturing innovation will help improve the competitiveness of 
manufacturing across the nation. Using these high-tech facilities will 
help attract more students to manufacturing and STEM careers, enable a 
greater range of research and development on manufacturing processes 
and products, and improve commercialization opportunities for firms 
small and large. Other competing nations are making their own serious 
investments in next-generation institutions and facilities in support 
of their domestic industries, and it makes competitive sense for the 
U.S. to leverage our capabilities, in concert with private and other 
public entities, to make similar investments.
  In addition and of particular note to me is Section 4 of this Act, 
which includes the text of a bill I had introduced, the American 
Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. This legislation would establish a 
public-private process for assessing the current competitive state of 
manufacturing in the United States, compare this against the policies 
and status of manufacturing in competing nations, and propose measures 
for the government and stakeholders to take in order to promote 
manufacturing in the U.S. Based on the Quadrennial Defense Review, the 
Pentagon's policy planning process, the bill proposes that a group of 
manufacturing experts from the private and the public sectors would be 
convened every four years to reassess the progress of American 
manufacturing, and make new recommendations.
  While I agree that manufacturing is by-and-large a private, market 
endeavor, few can disagree that manufacturing intersects with 
government policy in countless ways. From tax and trade, to regulation, 
to research, education, and workforce development, government policies 
have a significant effect on our manufacturers. It is essential that 
the U.S. join many of its competing nations in assessing these policies 
in a comprehensive fashion, rather than a silo-ed, piecemeal approach.
  That is why we need a comprehensive, coordinated strategy promoting 
American manufacturing. While many other countries--China, India, 
Germany, to name a few--have developed and implemented manufacturing 
strategies, the United States manufacturing policy is uncoordinated and 
largely ad hoc. If we want American manufacturing to compete and 
succeed in a global economy, it is vital that we develop a strategy to 
coordinate our policies that impact manufacturers. And that is exactly 
what this bill does.
  After a couple of tough decades, I still have a number of small- and 
medium-size manufacturers in my district in northeastern Illinois. One 
of these is Atlas Tool & Die of Lyons, Illinois, a 94-year-old family-
owned business. The director of development for the company, Zach 
Mottl, said this about this legislation:

       As a business owner, I know planning is critical. When an 
     organization doesn't operate with a plan, what occurs is a 
     plan to fail. Right now, the United States is operating 
     without a manufacturing strategy in a world where other 
     countries are intensely focused on helping their 
     manufacturers to compete. The American Manufacturing 
     Competitiveness Act will bring all sides and stakeholders 
     together to forge a strategy with broad support and the 
     momentum needed to produce action?

  I share Zach's view that we need an overarching plan, and I believe 
that that the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act will achieve 
that. This bill has garnered the endorsement of a wide range of 
industry, labor and manufacturing organizations, indicating to me that 
they share our view that a national manufacturing strategy will be 
essential to moving American manufacturing competitiveness forward.
  I would like to thank the numerous colleagues who have helped 
shepherd my manufacturing strategy legislation along the way, helping 
it to pass by overwhelming margins in the House during two prior 
sessions. I appreciate the leadership of Congressmen Reed and Kennedy 
in introducing this bill, and I'm pleased to have worked with them on 
it. Congressman Adam Kinzinger has been a great partner in introducing 
the manufacturing strategy legislation, while Chairman Lamar Smith and 
Ranking Member Johnson were crucial to this bill moving through the 
Science, Space and Technology Committee.
  I am hopeful that we'll be able to achieve House and Senate passage 
of H.R. 2996 before the end of this year, so that the Network of 
Manufacturing Innovation and the manufacturing strategy process will 
soon become reality. I strongly believe both will lead to greater 
success of manufacturing in America, and with it, a better outlook for 
our nation's middle class.
  I thank my colleagues for the time and opportunity to speak on this 
important legislation, and urge Members to support the passage of H.R. 
2996.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in enthusiastic support of H.R. 
2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act. As a 
proud cosponsor of this bill, I am pleased that the House is 
considering it today.
  The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act (RAMI) will 
help rebuild our nation's manufacturing capacity by creating public-
private partnerships that will foster an environment in which the 
private sector is willing to invest in the strengths of our nation and 
American manufacturing will grow.
  I applauded President Obama when he first proposed the creation of a 
National Network for Manufacturing Innovation to improve the 
competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing, stimulate research and 
development, and increase domestic production. I supported his call for 
additional centers beyond those he initially proposed, worked in the 
Appropriations Committee to find funding for some centers, and have 
suggested to the President that at least one institute should be 
located in my Silicon Valley district.
  Silicon Valley is known as the epicenter of technology and innovation 
in the United States. What is not as widely recognized is the extent to 
which Silicon Valley is also experiencing a manufacturing resurgence. 
Nearly

[[Page H7524]]

18 percent of Silicon Valley's jobs are in manufacturing, and that 
number is growing--the local manufacturing sector is projected to grow 
by 5 percent by 2018. These advanced manufacturing jobs are offering 
higher pay than nonmanufacturing jobs. By being co-located with the 
research and development Silicon Valley is known for, these 
manufacturers are both boosting R&D investments and experiencing the 
benefits of more control of their manufacturing processes, quicker 
turnaround from research to product realization, higher quality, and 
greater intellectual property security.
  The Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act seeks to 
replicate some of the important lessons from Silicon Valley around the 
nation. RAMI will build public-private partnerships through Centers for 
Manufacturing Innovation between higher education institutions and 
community colleges, small and large manufacturers, and government to 
promote best practices and address targeted advanced manufacturing 
challenges. These advanced manufacturing hubs will also address the 
skills gap by producing a next generation talent pool of skilled 
production workers and engineers by focusing on education, workforce 
training, research and development, and commercialization.
  Despite its manufacturing successes, Silicon Valley still continues 
to experience higher than average unemployment, partly a result of the 
past outsourcing of manufacturing jobs due to low wages overseas and 
incentives offered by foreign competitors. With the passage of the RAMI 
Act, we can we look forward to hosting an advanced manufacturing hub, 
potentially focused on enabling the transition to the next-generation 
450 mm silicon wafer semiconductor manufacturing tools, which would 
enable Silicon Valley to take advantage of its R&D excellence and 
bolster its manufacturing sector in new ways, helping us to recover 
some of those jobs lost to past outsourcing.
  Over the past few years, I've been proud to work with House 
Manufacturing Caucus Co-chairs Reps. Tom Reed and Joe Kennedy on this 
authorization effort, along with Silicon Valley tech leaders and 
university stakeholders. I appreciate the willingness of some of our 
colleagues on the other side of the aisle who were key to building 
bipartisan support for this effort, particularly my Chairman on the 
Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee Frank Wolf, to 
talk with us about this legislation and to join as cosponsors of this 
important bill.
  Our competitors around the world are offering American innovators and 
manufacturers a wide range of incentives to relocate overseas. The RAMI 
Act will ensure that American innovation and technology development 
remain at the top of the manufacturing sector, and I urge my colleagues 
to support it.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 2996, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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