[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 93 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H3708-H3714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
                       MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2016

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5312) to amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to 
authorize activities for support of networking and information 
technology research, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

       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 ``Networking and Information 
     Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 
     2016''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

       Section 3 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 
     U.S.C. 5502) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``high-performance computing''

[[Page H3709]]

     and inserting ``networking and information technology'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``expanding Federal support for research, development, and 
     application of high-performance computing'' and inserting 
     ``supporting Federal research, development, and application 
     of networking and information technology'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' both places it appears and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology'';
       (C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) stimulate research on and promote more rapid 
     development of high-end computing systems software and 
     applications software;'';
       (E) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (H) as 
     subparagraphs (D) through (G), respectively;
       (F) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by inserting 
     ``high-end'' after ``the development of'';
       (G) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), as so redesignated, by 
     striking ``high-performance computing'' each place it appears 
     and inserting ``networking and information technology''; and
       (H) in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``high-performance'' and inserting ``high-end''; and
       (3) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``high-performance computing and'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology and''; and
       (B) by striking ``high-performance computing network'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 4 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 
     U.S.C. 5503) is amended--
       (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (6), and (7) 
     as paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (7), and (8), respectively;
       (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(1) `cyber-physical systems' means physical or engineered 
     systems whose networking and information technology functions 
     and physical elements are deeply integrated and are actively 
     connected to the physical world through sensors, actuators, 
     or other means to perform monitoring and control 
     functions;'';
       (4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``high-performance computing'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology'';
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so redesignated, 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(4) `high-end computing' means the most advanced and 
     capable computing systems, including their hardware, storage, 
     networking and software, encompassing both massive 
     computational capability and large-scale data analytics;'';
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (5), as so redesignated, 
     the following new paragraph:
       ``(6) `networking and information technology' means high-
     end computing, communications, and information technologies, 
     high-capacity and high-speed networks, special purpose and 
     experimental systems, high-end computing systems software and 
     applications software, and the management of large data 
     sets;''; and
       (7) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``National High-Performance Computing Program'' and inserting 
     ``Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program''.

     SEC. 4. TITLE I HEADING.

       The heading of title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) 
     is amended by striking ``HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING'' and 
     inserting ``NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY''.

     SEC. 5. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 
     (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``national high-
     performance computing program'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology research and development 
     program'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``National High-
     Performance Computing Program'' and inserting ``Networking 
     and Information Technology Research and Development'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``National High-Performance Computing Program'' and inserting 
     ``Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Program'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing, including networking'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology'';
       (iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by striking ``high-
     performance'' each place it appears and inserting ``high-
     end'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing and networking'' and inserting ``high-end 
     computing, distributed, and networking'';
       (v) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) provide for efforts to increase software security and 
     reliability;'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (H)--

       (I) by inserting ``support and guidance'' after 
     ``provide''; and
       (II) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;

       (vii) in subparagraph (I)--

       (I) by striking ``improving the security'' and inserting 
     ``improving the security, reliability, and resilience''; and
       (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a 
     semicolon; and

       (viii) by adding at the end the following new 
     subparagraphs:
       ``(J) provide for increased understanding of the scientific 
     principles of cyber-physical systems and improve the methods 
     available for the design, development, and operation of 
     cyber-physical systems that are characterized by high 
     reliability, safety, and security;
       ``(K) provide for research and development on human-
     computer interactions, visualization, and big data;
       ``(L) provide for research and development on the 
     enhancement of cybersecurity; and
       ``(M) provide for a research framework to leverage cyber-
     physical systems, high capacity and high speed communication 
     networks, and large-scale data analytics to integrate city-
     scale information technology and physical infrastructures.'';
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal 
     networking and information technology research, development, 
     education, and other activities;'';
       (ii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
       ``(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal 
     networking and information technology research, development, 
     education, and other activities undertaken pursuant to the 
     Program;'';
       (iii) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows:
       ``(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of the agencies 
     participating in the Program to allocate the level of 
     resources and management attention necessary to ensure that 
     the strategic plan under subsection (e) is developed and 
     executed effectively and that the objectives of the Program 
     are met; and''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``high-performance'' 
     and inserting ``high-end'';
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) 
     as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), and (J), respectively;
       (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new 
     subparagraphs:
       ``(B) provide, as appropriate, a list of the senior 
     steering groups and strategic plans that are planned or 
     underway as addressed under section 104;
       ``(C) provide a description of workshops and other 
     activities conducted under section 104, including 
     participants and findings;
       ``(D) provide a detailed description of the nature and 
     scope of research infrastructure designated as such under the 
     Program;'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated--

       (I) by redesignating clauses (vii) through (xi) as clauses 
     (viii) through (xii), respectively; and
       (II) by inserting after clause (vi) the following:

       ``(vii) the Department of Homeland Security;'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated--

       (I) by striking ``is submitted,'' and inserting ``is 
     submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal year,''; and
       (II) by striking ``each Program Component Area;'' and 
     inserting ``each Program Component Area and research area 
     supported in accordance with section 103;'';

       (v) by amending subparagraph (G), as so redesignated, to 
     read as follows:
       ``(G) describe the levels of Federal funding for each 
     agency and department participating in the Program, and for 
     each Program Component Area, for the fiscal year during which 
     such report is submitted, the levels for the previous fiscal 
     year, and the levels proposed for the fiscal year with 
     respect to which the budget submission applies;''; and
       (vi) by inserting after subparagraph (G), as so 
     redesignated, the following:
       ``(H) include a description of how the objectives for each 
     Program Component Area, and the objectives for activities 
     that involve multiple Program Component Areas, relate to the 
     objectives of the Program identified in the strategic plan 
     required under subsection (e);
       ``(I) include--
       ``(i) a description of the funding required by the National 
     Coordination Office to perform the functions specified under 
     section 102(b) for the current fiscal year;
       ``(ii) a description of the estimated funding required by 
     such Office to perform the functions specified under section 
     102(b) for the next fiscal year; and
       ``(iii) the amount of funding provided for such Office for 
     the current fiscal year by each agency participating in the 
     Program; and'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph 
     (A)--
       (i) by striking ``high-performance computing'' both places 
     it appears and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology''; and
       (ii) after the first sentence, by inserting the following: 
     ``Each chair of the advisory committee shall meet the 
     qualifications of

[[Page H3710]]

     committee membership and may be a member of the President's 
     Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing, networking technology, and related software'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the second sentence, by striking ``2'' and inserting 
     ``3'';
       (ii) by striking ``Committee on Science and Technology'' 
     and inserting ``Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology''; and
       (iii) by striking ``The first report shall be due within 1 
     year after the date of enactment of the America COMPETES 
     Act.'';
       (4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology''; and
       (5) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(d) Periodic Reviews.--The agencies identified in 
     subsection (a)(3)(B) shall--
       ``(1) periodically assess and update, as appropriate, the 
     contents, scope, and funding levels of the Program Component 
     Areas and work through the National Science and Technology 
     Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination 
     Office described under section 102 to restructure the Program 
     when warranted, taking into consideration any relevant 
     recommendations of the advisory committee established under 
     subsection (b); and
       ``(2) working through the National Science and Technology 
     Council and with the assistance of the National Coordination 
     Office described under section 102, ensure that the Program 
     includes large-scale, long-term, interdisciplinary research 
     and development activities, including activities described in 
     section 103.
       ``(e) Strategic Plan.--
       ``(1) In general.--The agencies identified in subsection 
     (a)(3)(B), working through the National Science and 
     Technology Council and with the assistance of the National 
     Coordination Office described under section 102, shall 
     develop, within 12 months after the date of enactment of the 
     Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development Modernization Act of 2016, and update every five 
     years thereafter, a five-year strategic plan for the Program.
       ``(2) Contents.--The strategic plan shall specify near-term 
     and long-term cross-cutting objectives for the Program, the 
     anticipated time frame for achieving the near-term 
     objectives, the metrics to be used for assessing progress 
     toward the objectives, and how the Program will--
       ``(A) address long-term challenges of national importance 
     for which solutions require large-scale, long-term, 
     interdisciplinary research and development;
       ``(B) encourage and support mechanisms for 
     interdisciplinary research and development in networking and 
     information technology and for Grand Challenges, including 
     through collaborations across agencies, across Program 
     Component Areas, with industry, with Federal laboratories (as 
     defined in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology 
     Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703)), and with 
     international organizations;
       ``(C) foster the transfer of research and development 
     results into new technologies and applications in the 
     national interest, including through cooperation and 
     collaborations with networking and information technology 
     research, development, and technology transition initiatives 
     supported by the States;
       ``(D) provide for cyberinfrastructure needs, as 
     appropriate, across federally funded large-scale research 
     facilities that produce or will produce large amounts of data 
     that will need to be stored, curated, and made publicly 
     available;
       ``(E) strengthen all levels of networking and information 
     technology education and training programs to ensure an 
     adequate, well-trained workforce; and
       ``(F) attract individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 
     of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1885a and 1885b) to networking and information 
     technology fields.
       ``(3) Recommendations.--The entities involved in developing 
     the strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall take into 
     consideration the recommendations--
       ``(A) of the advisory committee established under 
     subsection (b);
       ``(B) of the Committee on Science and relevant 
     subcommittees of the National Science and Technology Council; 
     and
       ``(C) of the stakeholders whose input was solicited by the 
     National Coordination Office, as required under section 
     102(b)(3).
       ``(4) Report to congress.--The Director of the National 
     Coordination Office shall transmit the strategic plan 
     required under paragraph (1) to the advisory committee, the 
     Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
     Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate.''.

     SEC. 6. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE.

       Section 102 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5512) is amended to read 
     as follows:

     ``SEC. 102. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE.

       ``(a) Office.--The Director shall maintain a National 
     Coordination Office with a Director and full-time staff.
       ``(b) Functions.--The National Coordination Office shall--
       ``(1) provide technical and administrative support to--
       ``(A) the agencies participating in planning and 
     implementing the Program, including such support as needed in 
     the development of the strategic plan under section 101(e); 
     and
       ``(B) the advisory committee established under section 
     101(b), as appropriate;
       ``(2) serve as the primary point of contact on Federal 
     networking and information technology activities for 
     government organizations, academia, industry, professional 
     societies, State computing and networking technology 
     programs, interested citizen groups, and others to exchange 
     technical and programmatic information;
       ``(3) solicit input and recommendations from a wide range 
     of stakeholders during the development of each strategic plan 
     required under section 101(e) and the scope of the Program 
     Component Areas through the convening of at least one 
     workshop with invitees from academia, industry, Federal 
     laboratories, and other relevant organizations and 
     institutions;
       ``(4) conduct and increase outreach, including to academia, 
     industry, other relevant organizations and institutions, and 
     the public, in order to increase awareness of the Program and 
     the benefits of the Program and to increase potential 
     opportunities for collaboration between agencies 
     participating in the Program and the private sector; and
       ``(5) promote access to and early application of the 
     technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program 
     activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal 
     Government and to United States industry.
       ``(c) Source of Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--The operation of the National 
     Coordination Office shall be supported by funds from each 
     agency participating in the Program, subject to the 
     availability of appropriations for such purpose.
       ``(2) Specifications.--The portion of the total budget of 
     such Office that is authorized to be provided by each agency 
     for each fiscal year shall be in the same proportion as each 
     such agency's share of the total budget for the Program for 
     the previous fiscal year, as specified in the report required 
     under section 101(a)(3).
       ``(3) Waiver.--As appropriate, the Director may consider 
     and approve a reduction or waiver of an agency contribution 
     requirement under paragraph (2).''.

     SEC. 7. NEXT GENERATION INTERNET.

       Section 103 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5513) is repealed.

     SEC. 8. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

       Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 103. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Program shall encourage agencies 
     identified in section 101(a)(3)(E) to support large-scale, 
     long-term, interdisciplinary research and development 
     activities in networking and information technology directed 
     toward agency mission areas that have the potential for 
     significant contributions to national economic 
     competitiveness and for other significant societal benefits. 
     Such activities, ranging from basic research to the 
     demonstration of technical solutions, shall be designed to 
     advance the development of fundamental discoveries. The 
     advisory committee established under section 101(b) shall 
     make recommendations to the Program for candidate research 
     and development areas for support under this section.
       ``(b) Characteristics.--
       ``(1) In general.--Research and development activities 
     under this section shall--
       ``(A) include projects selected on the basis of 
     applications for support through a competitive, merit-based 
     process;
       ``(B) involve collaborations among researchers in 
     institutions of higher education and industry, and may 
     involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal 
     laboratories, as appropriate;
       ``(C) leverage Federal investments through collaboration 
     with related State and private sector initiatives; and
       ``(D) include a plan for fostering the transfer of research 
     discoveries and the results of technology demonstration 
     activities, including from institutions of higher education 
     and Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial 
     development.
       ``(2) Cost-sharing.--In selecting applications for support, 
     the agencies may give special consideration to projects that 
     include cost sharing from non-Federal sources.
       ``(3) Agency collaboration.--If two or more agencies 
     identified in section 101(a)(3)(E), or other appropriate 
     agencies, are working on large-scale networking and 
     information technology research and development activities in 
     the same area of national importance, then such agencies 
     shall strive to collaborate through joint solicitation and 
     selection of applications for support and subsequent funding 
     of projects.
       ``(4) Interdisciplinary research centers.--Research and 
     development activities under this section may be supported 
     through interdisciplinary research centers that are organized 
     to investigate basic research questions and carry out 
     technology demonstration activities in areas described in 
     subsection (a). Research may be carried out through existing 
     interdisciplinary centers.''.

     SEC. 9. WORKSHOPS AND SENIOR STEERING GROUPS.

       Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended 
     further by adding after section 103, as added by section 8 of 
     this Act, the following new section:

[[Page H3711]]

  


     ``SEC. 104. ADDRESSING EMERGING ISSUES.

       ``(a) In General.--In order to address emerging issues, the 
     Director of the National Coordination Office may conduct 
     workshops and other activities on research areas of emerging 
     importance, which may include the grand challenge areas 
     identified under section 103, with participants from 
     institutions of higher education, Federal laboratories, and 
     industry, in order to help guide Program investments and 
     strategic planning in those areas, including areas identified 
     in subsection (b).
       ``(b) Focus Areas.--In selecting research areas under 
     subsection (a), the Director of the National Coordination 
     Office shall consider the following topics:
       ``(1) Data analytics to identify the current and future 
     state of performing inference, prediction, and other forms of 
     analysis of data, and methods for the collection, management, 
     preservation, and use of data.
       ``(2) The current and future state of the science, 
     engineering, policy, and social understanding of privacy 
     protection.
       ``(3) The current and future state of fundamental research 
     on the systems and science of the interplay of people and 
     computing as well as the coordination and support being 
     undertaken in areas such as social computing, human-robot 
     interaction, privacy, and health-related aspects in human-
     computer systems.
       ``(c) Functions.--The participants in the workshops shall, 
     as appropriate--
       ``(1) develop options for models for research and 
     development partnerships among institutions of higher 
     education, Federal laboratories, and industry, including 
     mechanisms for the support of research and development 
     carried out under these partnerships;
       ``(2) develop options for research and development for the 
     specific issue areas that would be addressed through such 
     partnerships;
       ``(3) propose guidelines for assigning intellectual 
     property rights and for the transfer of research results to 
     the private sector; and
       ``(4) make recommendations for how Federal agencies 
     participating in the Program can help support research and 
     development partnerships for the specific issue areas.
       ``(d) Participants.--The Director of the National 
     Coordination Office shall ensure that the participants in the 
     workshops--
       ``(1) are individuals with knowledge and expertise in the 
     specific issue areas; and
       ``(2) represent a broad mix of relevant stakeholders, 
     including academic and industry researchers and, as 
     appropriate, Federal agencies.
       ``(e) Senior Steering Groups and Strategic Plans.--As 
     appropriate, the Director of the National Coordination Office 
     shall establish senior steering groups and develop focused 
     strategic plans to coordinate and guide activities under the 
     research areas identified under this section, taking into 
     consideration the findings and recommendations from any 
     workshops carried out on those research topics.''.

     SEC. 10. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES.

       Section 201 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5521) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``high-end'' after ``National Science 
     Foundation shall provide''; and
       (ii) by striking ``high-performance computing'' and all 
     that follows through ``networking;'' and inserting 
     ``networking and information technology; and'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
     paragraph:
       ``(2) the National Science Foundation shall use its 
     existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as 
     appropriate, to improve the teaching and learning of 
     networking and information technology at all levels of 
     education and to increase participation in networking and 
     information technology fields, including by individuals 
     identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and 
     Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a and 
     1885b).''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).

     SEC. 11. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION 
                   ACTIVITIES.

       Section 202 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5522) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--''; and
       (3) by striking ``high-performance computing'' and 
     inserting ``networking and information technology''.

     SEC. 12. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES.

       Section 203 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5523) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--'';
       (3) in paragraph (1), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing and networking'' and inserting ``networking and 
     information technology''; and
       (4) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``high-performance'' 
     and inserting ``high-end''.

     SEC. 13. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTIVITIES.

       Section 204 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5524) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing systems and networks'' and inserting ``networking 
     and information technology systems and capabilities'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``interoperability of 
     high-performance computing systems in networks and for common 
     user interfaces to systems'' and inserting ``interoperability 
     and usability of networking and information technology 
     systems''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``high-performance 
     computing'' and inserting ``networking and information 
     technology'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``High-Performance 
     Computing and Network'' and inserting ``Networking and 
     Information Technology'';
       (B) by striking ``Pursuant to the Computer Security Act of 
     1987 (Public Law 100-235; 101 Stat. 1724), the'' and 
     inserting ``The''; and
       (C) by striking ``sensitive''; and
       (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d).

     SEC. 14. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.

       Section 205 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5525) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--'';
       (3) by striking ``basic and applied'';
       (4) by striking ``computational'' and inserting 
     ``networking and information technology''; and
       (5) by inserting ``All software and code, along with any 
     subsequent updates to the software and code, developed by the 
     Environmental Protection Agency under the Program and used in 
     conducting scientific research shall be made publically 
     available. In cases where the underlying software or code is 
     proprietary or contains confidential business information, 
     the Agency shall disclose only the name and vendor of the 
     software and code used for all proprietary or confidential 
     business information portions of the software or code. The 
     Environmental Protection Agency shall ensure that the 
     research conducted under the Program does not duplicate the 
     scope or aims of similar research and initiatives at other 
     Federal agencies. No Environmental Protection Agency funds 
     shall be used towards research that duplicates the scope or 
     aims of similar research and initiatives at other Federal 
     agencies.'' after ``dynamics models.''.

     SEC. 15. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

       Section 206 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5526) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (b);
       (2) by striking ``(a) General Responsibilities.--''; and
       (3) by striking ``to conduct basic'' and all that follows 
     through ``software capabilities'' and inserting ``to support 
     programs and activities to improve the teaching and learning 
     of networking and information technology fields and 
     contribute to the development of a skilled networking and 
     information technology workforce''.

     SEC. 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

       Section 207(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5527(b)) is amended 
     by striking ``high-performance computing'' and inserting 
     ``networking and information technology''.

     SEC. 17. REPEAL.

       Section 208 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5528) is repealed.

     SEC. 18. ADDITIONAL REPEAL.

       Section 4 of the Department of Energy High-End Computing 
     Revitalization Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 5543) is repealed.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. LaHood) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LaHOOD. 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. 5312, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5312, the Networking and 
Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 
2016.
  First off, I would like to thank Chairman Lamar Smith for his hard 
work in bringing this bill through the House Science, Space, and 
Technology Committee, and my colleague, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice 
Johnson, for her leadership in introducing this bipartisan legislation 
with me.
  The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 
Program, also known as the NITRD Program, is the primary Federal 
research and development investment portfolio in unclassified 
networking, computing, software, cybersecurity, and related information 
technologies.
  In my district, the NITRD Program supports Federal investment in 
research at universities like Western Illinois University in Macomb, 
Illinois, and the Blue Waters supercomputer at the University of 
Illinois in Urbana, Illinois. NITRD also supports public-private 
partnerships between high-performance supercomputing and private

[[Page H3712]]

corporations like, Caterpillar Corporation, based in Peoria, Illinois.
  Information technology is all around us in our day-to-day lives--on 
our smartphones, in our cars, and in our homes. It improves our way of 
life, even in ways that are not always visible or apparent. As 
technology rapidly advances, the need for research and development 
continues to evolve. The NITRD Program works to prevent duplicative and 
overlapping efforts in this space, thereby enabling more efficient use 
of government resources and taxpayer dollars, while also supporting new 
and innovative research and development efforts at our Nation's 
universities and through public-private partnerships.
  This bill implements several important policies to help lead the way 
for future technological innovations and modernize the NITRD Program. 
Specifically, the bill improves the program in the following ways:
  First, it establishes a strategic planning and review process for the 
NITRD investment portfolio, with clear metrics and objectives.
  Second, it works to improve interagency as well as government and 
private sector coordination and communication.
  Third, it focuses the NITRD investment portfolio on areas of national 
interest and increasing importance like data analytics, privacy 
protection, and human-computer systems.
  These changes to current law will reduce bureaucracy and ensure that 
hardworking Americans' taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and 
effectively.
  Important to note, this legislation authorizes no new spending.
  Smart investments in information technology research and development 
are crucial for our Nation. Work in related areas bolsters economic 
competitiveness and creates new industries and businesses; it helps 
ensure future national security, including cybersecurity; and creates 
the good-paying jobs we need for today and tomorrow.
  As such, I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of 
legislation to modernize NITRD and streamline Federal research and 
development investment.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of H.R. 5312, the Networking and Information 
Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016.
  The bill before us modernizes the original High-Performance Computing 
Act of 1991. In the 25 years that have passed since that bill 
established the framework for Federal investment in computing research, 
networking and information technologies, NIT, has transformed how we 
communicate with each other, how we get around, how we bank, and how we 
shop.
  NIT has helped provide teachers and students in diverse communities 
across our Nation access to resources and learning opportunities that 
were previously out of reach.
  NIT has transformed every industry sector, increasing efficiency and 
productivity, while creating higher skilled, better paying jobs. NIT 
made possible the decoding of the human genome and has led to myriad 
improvements in medical diagnostics and treatments.
  Over these past 25 years, networking and information technologies 
have created opportunities across all aspects of our lives that were 
previously unimaginable. With those opportunities, NIT has also created 
new challenges for individual and collective safety and security and 
for our privacy.
  Our critical infrastructure, our banks, our commercial enterprises, 
and our own personal wallets and identities are vulnerable to criminals 
and state actors alike. Our privacy is being compromised daily, whether 
we are public figures or private citizens.
  We cannot go back to a world before NIT, nor should we. However, 
while investing in advancements in NIT and its many applications, we 
must also invest in protecting our security and privacy.
  The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 
Program, or NITRD, which grew out of the original 1991 High-Performance 
Computing Act, does just that. The interagency NITRD Program supports a 
full range of research and development that provides the foundation of 
scientific understanding and accelerates the development of advanced 
information technologies, while strengthening cybersecurity and 
privacy. The program also advances NIT to accelerate discovery in many 
other areas of science and engineering, from astronomy to biomedical 
research.
  The legislation we are considering today, the Networking and 
Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act, 
continues to strengthen the management, coordination, and oversight of 
the NITRD Program. It helps ensure that Federal investments in NIT R&D 
remain at the cutting edge and continuously evolve to include important 
emerging areas of NIT. In addition, it encourages large-scale 
interdisciplinary and cross-agency collaborations in ``grand 
challenge'' areas of R&D. Finally, the bill encourages strong 
collaboration and coordination with industry and other stakeholders.
  Over time, there have been some amendments to the 1991 Act. H.R. 
5312, represents the committee's fourth attempt in as many Congresses 
to enact a comprehensive modernization of the 25-year-old law.
  For the first time since our first effort in 2009, the Senate has 
proposed draft language of its own. I am hopeful that we can get a 
NITRD modernization bill to the President's desk before year's end. 
Given the profound implications for our economic and national security, 
NIT is not an area of science and technology for which the U.S. can 
afford to cede leadership.

  I want to thank Representative LaHood, Chairman Smith, and committee 
staff for an open, collaborative, and good process which has led to a 
very good bill. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the bill, and I urge 
my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology 
Committee.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to thank the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) for taking the initiative on this 
innovation bill. And I am also pleased that the ranking member, the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson), is a cosponsor of 
H.R. 5312, the Networking and Information Technology Research and 
Development Modernization Act of 2016.
  Mr. Speaker, in this digital age, advancing and protecting our 
Nation's computing and networking systems is more important than ever. 
This legislation ensures that Federal science agencies focus on 
networking and information technology priorities that are in the 
national interest, and it provides the coordinating R&D efforts 
necessary to improve cyber and data security nationwide. Better network 
security promotes U.S. competitiveness, enhances national security, and 
creates high-tech jobs.
  The NITRD Modernization bill is an update to the High-Performance 
Computing Act of 1991. The authorized program represents the Federal 
Government's main R&D portfolio for unclassified advanced networking, 
computing, software, cybersecurity, and related information 
technologies.
  Currently, 21 Federal agencies are contributing members of NITRD, 
with many additional agencies participating in the program. This bill 
serves as the mechanism for interagency coordination of R&D to produce 
a tighter focus without wasteful duplication of research efforts among 
Federal agencies or the private sector. This will help save taxpayers' 
dollars. It also rebalances agency R&D portfolios to focus less on 
short-term, incremental approaches and much more on large-scale, long-
term interdisciplinary research to transform and enable new computing 
capabilities.
  Federal agencies are expected to invest more than $4.4 billion in 
fiscal year 2017 on NITRD Program activities. These investments go 
toward basic research at the frontiers of high-end computing, 
networking, and information technology. More than $1.1 billion of this 
is invested by the National Science Foundation and $720 million by the 
Department of Energy.
  This taxpayer-funded basic research is intended to keep the United 
States

[[Page H3713]]

the global leader in high-end computing and networking, which is 
crucial to our future economic and national security. The bill does 
this by updating and reforming the underlying High-Performance 
Computing statute to reflect the current mature state of our vibrant 
computing industry. It also codifies the NITRD National Coordination 
Office, housed within the National Science Foundation, to oversee the 
participating agencies.
  The NITRD Program has eight strategic priorities for its enabling 
research: cybersecurity, autonomous robotic systems, high-end computing 
and applications, exascale computing, human-computer interaction, 
large-scale networking, workforce development, and software design.
  Technologies that develop from these research priorities are used by 
the commercial sector and the government to protect and enhance 
emergency communications, the power grid, air traffic control systems, 
our national energy resources, scientific discovery, human exploration, 
new product development, and national defense systems.
  Advanced networking and information technology supports and boosts 
American discovery and innovation, improves our international 
competitiveness, expands the U.S. economy, and, of course, creates 
millions of jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, American job creators also recognize the importance of 
networking and information technology research and development.

                              {time}  1645

  Many industry partners and stakeholders have written letters in 
support of this bill. They include the Computing Research Association, 
the Computing Technology Industry Association, the Information 
Technology Industry Council, and the Texas A&M University System.
  As shown by hearings that the House Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology has held this Congress, including the most recent on the 
FDIC, cyber breaches are becoming all too commonplace. This legislation 
encourages agencies to increase understanding of ways to detect, 
prevent, and recover from actions that compromise or threaten computer-
based systems.
  I again thank our Science, Space, and Technology Committee colleague, 
Representative LaHood, for his efforts on this issue, and I also 
commend Majority Leader McCarthy for his vision in establishing a 
focused innovation initiative in the House of which this legislation is 
a part.
  Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5312.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further 
requests for time, and I urge a positive vote on the bill.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Loudermilk).
  Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding his 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I chair the Oversight Subcommittee on the Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee, and my subcommittee has held numerous 
hearings on the ever-evolving threat of cyber intrusions.
  I also owned and operated an information technology company for more 
than 20 years, so I know firsthand the importance of safeguarding 
sensitive information and private customer data. Regrettably, as we 
have seen through many unfortunate examples, the American people have 
good reason to question whether their private information is being 
properly secured.
  That is why I am pleased to support H.R. 5312, the Networking and 
Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 
2016. This legislation ensures that Federal science agencies focus on 
networking and information technology priorities that are in the 
national interest, and also provides the coordinated research and 
development efforts necessary to improve cyber and data security 
nationwide.
  The bill also encourages agencies to increase understanding of ways 
to detect, prevent, and recover from actions that threaten computer 
systems. This legislation will help stimulate innovation in the 
technology sector and will enable our Nation to better understand and 
secure its systems for the future.
  I thank my Science, Space, and Technology Committee colleague (Mr. 
LaHood) for his work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support 
the bill.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), my colleague and friend from Illinois.
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and 
colleague, Mr. LaHood, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member Eddie Bernice 
Johnson.
  This is a piece of legislation that may not get a lot of publicity, 
but it is essential to our research capabilities and supercomputing 
capabilities for our future right here in this country. The United 
States of America needs to continue to lead in this arena.
  Who would have thought that while they were writing the High 
Performance Computing Act of 1991, it would have to be amended because 
of innovation that we have seen at many of our universities throughout 
this great country.
  I am obviously in support of H.R. 5312 because it is going to 
streamline Federal investment in high-end computing, benefiting local 
entities in Illinois that use advanced technologies, such as the 
University of Illinois in my district, Caterpillar, and Western 
Illinois University that is served so well by Congressman LaHood.
  This legislation ensures that the University of Illinois, the home to 
nationally recognized scientists and the Blue Waters Supercomputer, can 
continue to be the leader that they are in the fields of networking and 
computing.
  The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University 
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is funded by many Federal agencies and 
has an impressive history of providing integrated cyber infrastructure 
to scientists, engineers, and scholars across the country.
  Addressing complex problems in today's science and society requires 
expertise and engagement from multiple disciplines. NCSA is committed 
to continuing to serve as a central hub for transdisciplinary teams to 
unite in making technological advancements. These important research 
programs are critical for coordinating Federal research and fostering 
revolutionary breakthroughs in computing, networking, software, and 
cybersecurity.
  By streamlining the NITRD Program, we can ensure U.S. competitiveness 
in advanced technologies while improving collaboration between Federal 
agencies, national laboratories, private industry, and academia.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is an effective use of taxpayer dollars.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the letters of 
support mentioned by Chairman Smith, including the letter from the 
University of Illinois.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. 5312.
  I yield back the balance of my time.

                                       University of Illinois,

                                     Champaign, IL, June 13, 2016.
     Hon. Darin LaHood,
     House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Representative LaHood: The University of Illinois at 
     Urbana-Champaign (Urbana) is pleased to endorse H.R. 5312, 
     the Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development (NITRD) Modernization Act of 2016.
       The NITRD program plays a critical role in coordinating 
     federal investments in Information Technology (IT) research 
     and development to better enable and equip research 
     communities in addressing complex grand challenges in 
     science, engineering, and society.
       Coordination and integration is increasingly important in 
     the IT ecosystem. This is particularly true for high 
     performance computing (HPC) and Big Data. At Urbana, the 
     National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) serves 
     as a world-class hub of transdisciplinary research and 
     digital scholarship in which collaborators from across the 
     globe unite to solve real-world problems. NCSA leads the two 
     single largest National Science Foundation (NSF) investments 
     in high-end computing and data analysis--the NSF Blue Waters 
     supercomputer, the most powerful supercomputer in the 
     academic world, and the NSF Extreme Science and Engineering 
     Discovery Environment (XSEDE) project, which provides 
     collaborative and shared computing services to the HPC 
     community. These two computing projects support thousands of 
     researchers from across the nation whose research is funded 
     separately by numerous federal agencies. By providing unique 
     science capabilities, these facilities are catalyzing 
     significant discoveries.

[[Page H3714]]

       In this highly competitive world, we applaud your efforts 
     to lead this legislation to maintain U.S. leadership in 
     research and innovation.
           Sincerely,
                                                Barbara J. Wilson,
     Interim Chancellor.
                                  ____

         Office of the Chancellor,


                              The Texas A&M University System,

                                College Station, TX, June 8, 2016.
     Hon. Lamar Smith,
     Chairman, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Smith: Thank you for your leadership in 
     advancing the bipartisan Networking and Information 
     Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Modernization Act 
     of 2016. As our nation and its citizens become increasingly 
     connected through information technology, the need to 
     reauthorize this critical program is evident.
       We especially applaud the Committee for updating the 
     program to focus on large-scale, long-term transformative 
     interdisciplinary research. We face growing challenges that 
     are complex and interrelated--from cybersecurity threats to 
     human interfaces with information technology--that require 
     new approaches to research and development. To this end, we 
     are also pleased to see an increased focus in this 
     legislation on Grand Challenges and cyber security needs.
       As a leader in cybersecurity and information technology 
     research and education, Texas A&M University is proud to 
     partner with industry and Federal agencies to provide 
     solutions to some of our nation's most vexing issues. The 
     National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland 
     Security (DHS) designated Texas A&M University as a National 
     Center of Academic Excellence, both in education and in 
     research. This well-regarded designation places Texas A&M 
     among a select group of only 30 universities that have earned 
     both distinctions. Further the Texas A&M Engineering 
     Extension Service (TEEX) provides a wide variety of online 
     cybersecurity training for community leaders and businesses 
     from cyberlaw and white collar crime to ethics to risk 
     management and network vulnerability assessment. Given the 
     rapidly expanding workforce needs in this area, Texas A&M 
     prides itself on preparing students and professionals to keep 
     our nation competitive.
       We are grateful for your leadership of the Science 
     Committee and the work that you have put into this 
     legislation. We look forward to continuing our work with you 
     in the coming months and years.
           Sincerely,
                                                       John Sharp,
     Chancellor.
                                  ____

                                            Information Technology


                                             Industry Council,

                                    Washington, DC, June 10, 2016.
     Re H.R. 5312, the Networking and Information Technology 
         Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016

     Hon. Paul D. Ryan,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives,Washington, 
         DC.
     Hon. Nancy Pelosi,
     Democratic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: On behalf of the 60 
     members of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), 
     I write to express our support for H.R. 5312, the Networking 
     and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) 
     Modernization Act of 2016.
       The NITRD Program ensures the proper coordination of 
     unclassified networking and information technology (NIT) 
     research and development (R&D) across multiple federal 
     agencies. More specifically, the Program aims to avoid 
     investment redundancies, as well as increase interoperability 
     in supercomputing, high-speed networking, cybersecurity, 
     software engineering, and information management. However, 
     since its inception in 1991, there have been unprecedented 
     technological advances that are not currently addressed in 
     the Program's overall structure. H.R. 5312 comprehensively 
     modernizes the Program by updating essential terminology 
     throughout the underlying law; addressing new areas of NIT 
     research; and encouraging large-scale, long-term, interagency 
     research in critical areas such as data analytics, social 
     computing, human-robot interaction, privacy, and health 
     technology.
       The Program plays a key role in supporting continuous 
     federal research in various aspects related to computing, 
     including cybersecurity. Promoting greater federal R&D in 
     cybersecurity is essential for securing our country's digital 
     infrastructure. Consequently, we urge you to support the 
     NITRD Modernization Act when it comes to the floor for a 
     vote.
           Sincerely,
                                                 Dean C. Garfield,
     President and CEO.
                                  ____



                               Computing Research Association,

                                      Washington, DC, May 23 2016.
     Hon. Lamar Smith,
     Chairman, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, 
         Washington, DC.
     Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Ranking Member, House Science, Space, and Technology 
         Committee, Washington. DC.
       Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Johnson: As an organization 
     representing over 240 industry and academic institutions 
     involved in computing research and six affiliated 
     professional societies, the Computing Research Association is 
     pleased to support your efforts to bolster Federal 
     information technology research through the Networking and 
     Information Technology Research and Development Modernization 
     Act of 2016.
       As you are aware, advances in information technology are 
     transforming all aspects of our lives. Virtually every human 
     endeavor today has been touched by information technology, 
     including commerce, education. employment, health care, 
     energy, manufacturing, governance, national security, 
     communications, the environment, entertainment, science and 
     engineering. The profound reach of IT is enabled in large 
     part by the innovations that spawn from the IT research 
     ecosystem--that incredibly productive, yet complex interplay 
     of industry, universities and the Federal government. Indeed, 
     nearly every sub-sector of the IT economy today bears the 
     stamp of Federal support. The program responsible for 
     overseeing this crucial investment is the Networking and 
     Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) 
     program.
       We believe this Act makes the NITRD program stronger by 
     improving the planning and coordination of the National 
     Coordination Office for NITRD, requiring that the NCO and the 
     NITRD agencies create a five-year strategic plan for the 
     program, and requiring the periodic review and assessment of 
     the program contents and funding. All have been 
     recommendations of the President's Council of Advisors for 
     Science and Technology in their recent reviews of the 
     program.
       We thank you for your work on this legislation and for your 
     long-standing support of the Federal investment in IT 
     research. We look forward to working with you and your 
     colleagues as you endeavor to move the legislation forward 
     this session.
           Sincerely,
                                                Susan B. Davidson,
     Chair, Board of Directors.
                                  ____



                                                      CompTIA,

                                    Washington, DC, June 13, 2016.
     Chris Shank,
     Policy and Coalitions Director,
     House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Washington, 
         DC.
       Chris: Thank you for providing CompTIA the opportunity to 
     lend our support to the Networking and Information Technology 
     Research and Development (NITRD) Modernization Act of 2016 
     (H.R. 5312).
       As stated on the NITRD website, ``the multiagency NITRD 
     Program seeks to provide the research and development (R&D) 
     foundations for assuring continued U.S. technological 
     leadership and meeting the needs of the Federal Government 
     for advanced information technologies.'' CompTIA strongly 
     supports the Act as it assures that NITRD continues to 
     receive the funding necessary to help drive innovation 
     through the scientific community. CompTIA also supports the 
     development of a national coordination office to ensure 
     improved communication within the NITRD ecosystem. Finally, 
     CompTIA supports the focus on Grand Challenges that 
     correlates with the NITRD portfolio.
           Best Regards,

                                                David Logsdon,

                                                  Senior Director,
                                                  Public Advocacy.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 5312, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. LaHood. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________