[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 3239. Mr. THUNE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 2953 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2012, to 
provide for the modernization of the energy policy of the United 
States, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; 
as follows:

       At the end of subtitle C of title IV, add the following:

     SEC. 42__. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL 
                   COORDINATING SUBCOMMITTEE FOR HIGH-ENERGY 
                   PHYSICS.

       (a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the National Science and Technology 
     Council shall establish a subcommittee to coordinate Federal 
     efforts relating to high-energy physics research (referred to 
     in this section as the ``subcommittee'').
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the subcommittee are--
       (1) to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United 
     States investment in high-energy physics; and
       (2) to support a robust, internationally competitive United 
     States high-energy physics program that includes--
       (A) underground science and engineering research; and
       (B) physical infrastructure.
       (c) Co-chairs.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation and the Secretary shall serve as co-chairs of the 
     subcommittee.
       (d) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the 
     subcommittee shall be--
       (1) to provide recommendations on planning for construction 
     and stewardship of large facilities participating in high-
     energy physics;
       (2) to provide recommendations on research coordination and 
     collaboration among the programs and activities of Federal 
     agencies;
       (3) to establish goals and priorities for high-energy 
     physics, underground science, and research and development 
     that will strengthen United States competitiveness in high-
     energy physics;
       (4) to propose methods for engagement with international, 
     Federal, and State agencies and Federal laboratories not 
     represented on the subcommittee to identify and reduce 
     regulatory, logistical, and fiscal barriers that inhibit 
     United States leadership in high-energy physics and related 
     underground science; and
       (5) to develop, and update once every 5 years, a strategic 
     plan to guide Federal programs and activities in support of 
     high-energy physics research.
       (e) Annual Report.--Annually, the subcommittee shall update 
     Congress regarding--
       (1) efforts taken in support of the strategic plan 
     described in subsection (d)(5);
       (2) an evaluation of the needs for maintaining United 
     States leadership in high-energy physics; and
       (3) identification of priorities in the area of high-energy 
     physics.
       (f) Sunset.--The subcommittee shall terminate on the date 
     that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
                                 ______