[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 111 (Monday, July 11, 2016)]
[House]
[Pages H4641-H4645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 5639) to update the National Institute of Standards and 
Technology Act, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 5639

       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 ``National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016''.

     SEC. 2. STANDARDS AND CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT.

       Section 2 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 272) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``authorized to take'' and inserting ``authorized to serve as 
     the President's principal adviser on standards policy 
     pertaining to the Nation's technological competitiveness and 
     innovation ability and to take'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``compare standards'' and 
     all that follows through ``Federal Government'' and inserting 
     ``facilitate standards-related information sharing and 
     cooperation between Federal agencies''; and
       (C) in paragraph (13), by striking ``Federal, State, and 
     local'' and all that follows through ``private sector'' and 
     inserting ``technical standards activities and conformity 
     assessment activities of Federal, State, and local 
     governments with private sector''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (22), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (23) as paragraph (25); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (22) the following:
       ``(23) participate in and support scientific and technical 
     conferences;
       ``(24) perform pre-competitive measurement science and 
     technology research in partnership with institutions of 
     higher education and industry to promote United States 
     industrial competitiveness; and''.

     SEC. 3. VISITING COMMITTEE ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY.

       Section 10 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``15 members'' and inserting ``not fewer 
     than 11 members'';
       (B) by striking ``at least 10'' and inserting ``at least 
     two-thirds''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following: ``The Committee may 
     consult with the National Research Council in making 
     recommendations regarding general policy for the 
     Institute.''; and
       (2) in subsection (h)(1), by striking ``, including the 
     Program established under section 28,''.

     SEC. 4. POLICE AND SECURITY AUTHORITY.

       Section 15 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278e) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``of the Government; and'' and inserting 
     ``of the Government;''; and
       (2) by striking ``United States Code.'' and inserting 
     ``United States Code; and (i) the protection of Institute 
     buildings and other plant facilities, equipment, and 
     property, and of employees, associates, visitors, or other 
     persons located therein or associated therewith, 
     notwithstanding any other provision of law.''.

     SEC. 5. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

       The National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 
     U.S.C. 271 et seq.) is amended by striking sections 18, 19, 
     and 19A and inserting the following:

     ``SEC. 18. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.

       ``(a) In General.--The Director may support, promote, and 
     coordinate activities and efforts to enhance public awareness 
     and understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and 
     technology by the general public, industry, government, and 
     academia in support of the Institute's mission.
       ``(b) Research Fellowships.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Director may award research 
     fellowships and other forms of financial and logistical 
     assistance, including direct stipend awards, to--
       ``(A) students at institutions of higher education within 
     the United States who show promise as present or future 
     contributors to the mission of the Institute; and
       ``(B) United States citizens for research and technical 
     activities of the Institute.
       ``(2) Selection.--The Director shall select persons to 
     receive such fellowships and assistance on the basis of 
     ability and of the relevance of the proposed work to the 
     mission and programs of the Institute.
       ``(3) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection, 
     financial and logistical assistance includes, notwithstanding 
     section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, or any contrary 
     provision of law, temporary housing and local transportation 
     to and from the Institute facilities.
       ``(c) Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program.--The Director shall 
     establish and conduct a post-doctoral fellowship program, 
     subject to the availability of appropriations, that shall 
     include not fewer than 20 fellows per fiscal year. In 
     evaluating applications for fellowships under this 
     subsection, the Director shall give consideration to the goal 
     of promoting the participation of underrepresented students 
     in research areas supported by the Institute.''.

     SEC. 6. PROGRAMMATIC PLANNING REPORT.

       Section 23(d) of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278i(d)) is amended by adding at 
     the end the following: ``The 3-year programmatic planning 
     document shall also describe how the Director is addressing 
     recommendations from the Visiting Committee on Advanced 
     Technology established under section 10.''.

     SEC. 7. ASSESSMENTS BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.

       (a) National Academy of Sciences Review.--Not later than 6 
     months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director 
     of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall 
     enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences 
     to conduct a single, comprehensive review of the

[[Page H4642]]

     Institute's laboratory programs. The review shall--
       (1) assess the technical merits and scientific caliber of 
     the research conducted at the laboratories;
       (2) examine the strengths and weaknesses of the 2010 
     laboratory reorganization on the Institute's ability to 
     fulfill its mission;
       (3) evaluate how crosscutting research and development 
     activities are planned, coordinated, and executed across the 
     laboratories; and
       (4) assess how the laboratories are engaging industry, 
     including the incorporation of industry need, into the 
     research goals and objectives of the Institute.
       (b) Additional Assessments.--Section 24 of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278j) is 
     amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 24. ASSESSMENTS BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL.

       ``(a) In General.--The Institute shall contract with the 
     National Research Council to perform and report on 
     assessments of the technical quality and impact of the work 
     conducted at Institute laboratories.
       ``(b) Schedule.--Two laboratories shall be assessed under 
     subsection (a) each year, and each laboratory shall be 
     assessed at least once every 3 years.
       ``(c) Summary Report.--Beginning in the year after the 
     first assessment is conducted under subsection (a), and once 
     every 2 years thereafter, the Institute shall contract with 
     the National Research Council to prepare a report that 
     summarizes the findings common across the individual 
     assessment reports.
       ``(d) Additional Assessments.--The Institute, at the 
     discretion of the Director, also may contract with the 
     National Research Council to conduct additional assessments 
     of Institute programs and projects that involve collaboration 
     across the Institute laboratories and centers and assessments 
     of selected scientific and technical topics.
       ``(e) Consultation With Visiting Committee on Advanced 
     Technology.--The National Research Council may consult with 
     the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology established 
     under section 10 in performing the assessments under this 
     section.
       ``(f) Reports.--Not later than 30 days after the completion 
     of each assessment, the Institute shall transmit the report 
     on such assessment to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
     Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.''.

     SEC. 8. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.

       Section 25 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 25. HOLLINGS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP.

       ``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, through the Director and, 
     if appropriate, through other officials, shall provide 
     assistance for the creation and support of manufacturing 
     extension centers, to be known as the `Hollings Manufacturing 
     Extension Centers', for the transfer of manufacturing 
     technology and best business practices (in this Act referred 
     to as the `Centers'). The program under this section shall be 
     known as the `Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership'.
       ``(2) Affiliations.--Such Centers shall be affiliated with 
     any United States-based public or nonprofit institution or 
     organization, or group thereof, that applies for and is 
     awarded financial assistance under this section.
       ``(3) Objective.--The objective of the Centers is to 
     enhance competitiveness, productivity, and technological 
     performance in United States manufacturing through--
       ``(A) the transfer of manufacturing technology and 
     techniques developed at the Institute to Centers and, through 
     them, to manufacturing companies throughout the United 
     States;
       ``(B) the participation of individuals from industry, 
     institutions of higher education, State governments, other 
     Federal agencies, and, when appropriate, the Institute in 
     cooperative technology transfer activities;
       ``(C) efforts to make new manufacturing technology and 
     processes usable by United States-based small- and medium-
     sized companies;
       ``(D) the active dissemination of scientific, engineering, 
     technical, and management information about manufacturing to 
     industrial firms, including small- and medium-sized 
     manufacturing companies;
       ``(E) the utilization, when appropriate, of the expertise 
     and capability that exists in Federal laboratories other than 
     the Institute;
       ``(F) the provision to community colleges and area career 
     and technical education schools of information about the job 
     skills needed in small- and medium-sized manufacturing 
     businesses in the regions they serve; and
       ``(G) promoting and expanding certification systems offered 
     through industry, associations, and local colleges, when 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Activities.--The activities of the Centers shall 
     include--
       ``(1) the establishment of automated manufacturing systems 
     and other advanced production technologies, based on 
     Institute-supported research, for the purpose of 
     demonstrations and technology transfer;
       ``(2) the active transfer and dissemination of research 
     findings and Center expertise to a wide range of companies 
     and enterprises, particularly small- and medium-sized 
     manufacturers; and
       ``(3) the facilitation of collaborations and partnerships 
     between small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies and 
     community colleges and area career and technical education 
     schools to help such colleges and schools better understand 
     the specific needs of manufacturers and to help manufacturers 
     better understand the skill sets that students learn in the 
     programs offered by such colleges and schools.
       ``(c) Operations.--
       ``(1) Financial support.--The Secretary may provide 
     financial support to any Center created under subsection (a). 
     The Secretary may not provide to a Center more than 50 
     percent of the capital and annual operating and maintenance 
     funds required to create and maintain such Center.
       ``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary shall implement, review, 
     and update the sections of the Code of Federal Regulations 
     related to this section at least once every 3 years.
       ``(3) Application.--
       ``(A) In general.--Any nonprofit institution, or consortium 
     thereof, or State or local government, may submit to the 
     Secretary an application for financial support under this 
     section, in accordance with the procedures established by the 
     Secretary.
       ``(B) Cost sharing.--In order to receive assistance under 
     this section, an applicant for financial assistance under 
     subparagraph (A) shall provide adequate assurances that non-
     Federal assets obtained from the applicant and the 
     applicant's partnering organizations will be used as a 
     funding source to meet not less than 50 percent of the costs 
     incurred. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the costs 
     incurred means the costs incurred in connection with the 
     activities undertaken to improve the competitiveness, 
     management, productivity, and technological performance of 
     small- and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
       ``(C) Agreements with other entities.--In meeting the 50 
     percent requirement, it is anticipated that a Center will 
     enter into agreements with other entities such as private 
     industry, institutions of higher education, and State 
     governments to accomplish programmatic objectives and access 
     new and existing resources that will further the impact of 
     the Federal investment made on behalf of small- and medium-
     sized manufacturing companies.
       ``(D) Legal rights.--Each applicant under subparagraph (A) 
     shall also submit a proposal for the allocation of the legal 
     rights associated with any invention which may result from 
     the proposed Center's activities.
       ``(4) Merit review.--The Secretary shall subject each such 
     application to merit review. In making a decision whether to 
     approve such application and provide financial support under 
     this section, the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, the 
     following:
       ``(A) The merits of the application, particularly those 
     portions of the application regarding technology transfer, 
     training and education, and adaptation of manufacturing 
     technologies to the needs of particular industrial sectors.
       ``(B) The quality of service to be provided.
       ``(C) Geographical diversity and extent of service area.
       ``(D) The percentage of funding and amount of in-kind 
     commitment from other sources.
       ``(5) Evaluation.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each Center that receives financial 
     assistance under this section shall be evaluated during its 
     third year of operation by an evaluation panel appointed by 
     the Secretary.
       ``(B) Composition.--Each such evaluation panel shall be 
     composed of private experts, none of whom shall be connected 
     with the involved Center, and Federal officials.
       ``(C) Chair.--An official of the Institute shall chair the 
     panel.
       ``(D) Performance measurement.--Each evaluation panel shall 
     measure the involved Center's performance against the 
     objectives specified in this section.
       ``(E) Positive evaluation.--If the evaluation is positive, 
     the Secretary may provide continued funding through the sixth 
     year.
       ``(F) Probation.--The Secretary shall not provide funding 
     unless the Center has received a positive evaluation. A 
     Center that has not received a positive evaluation by the 
     evaluation panel shall be notified by the panel of the 
     deficiencies in its performance and shall be placed on 
     probation for 1 year, after which time the panel shall 
     reevaluate the Center. If the Center has not addressed the 
     deficiencies identified by the panel, or shown a significant 
     improvement in its performance, the Director shall conduct a 
     new competition to select an operator for the Center or may 
     close the Center.
       ``(G) Additional financial support.--After the sixth year, 
     a Center may receive additional financial support under this 
     section if it has received a positive evaluation through an 
     independent review, under procedures established by the 
     Institute.
       ``(H) Eight-year review.--A Center shall undergo an 
     independent review in the eighth year of operation. Each 
     evaluation panel shall measure the Center's performance 
     against the objectives specified in this section. A Center 
     that has not received a positive evaluation as a result of an 
     independent review shall be notified by the Program of the 
     deficiencies in its performance and shall be placed on 
     probation for 1 year, after which

[[Page H4643]]

     time the Program shall reevaluate the Center. If the Center 
     has not addressed the deficiencies identified by the review, 
     or shown a significant improvement in its performance, the 
     Director shall conduct a new competition to select an 
     operator for the Center or may close the Center.
       ``(I) Recompetition.--If a recipient of a Center award has 
     received financial assistance for 10 consecutive years, the 
     Director shall conduct a new competition to select an 
     operator for the Center consistent with the plan required in 
     this Act. Incumbent Center operators in good standing shall 
     be eligible to compete for the new award.
       ``(J) Reports.--
       ``(i) Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Improvement Act of 2016, the Director shall 
     transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
     of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a plan as 
     to how the Institute will conduct reviews, assessments, and 
     reapplication competitions under this paragraph.
       ``(ii) Independent assessment.--The Director shall contract 
     with an independent organization to perform an assessment of 
     the implementation of the reapplication competition process 
     under this paragraph within 3 years after the transmittal of 
     the report under clause (i). The organization conducting the 
     assessment under this clause may consult with the MEP 
     Advisory Board.
       ``(iii) Comparison of centers.--Not later than 2 years 
     after the date of enactment of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016, the 
     Director shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, 
     and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate a report providing information on the first and second 
     years of operations for centers operating from new 
     competitions or recompetition as compared to longstanding 
     centers. The report shall provide detail on the engagement in 
     services provided by Centers and the characteristics of 
     services provided, including volume and type of services, so 
     that the Committees can evaluate whether the cost-sharing 
     ratio has an effect on the services provided at Centers.
       ``(6) Patent rights.--The provisions of chapter 18 of title 
     35, United States Code, shall apply, to the extent not 
     inconsistent with this section, to the promotion of 
     technology from research by Centers under this section except 
     for contracts for such specific technology extension or 
     transfer services as may be specified by statute or by the 
     Director.
       ``(7) Protection of center client confidential 
     information.--Section 552 of title 5, United States Code, 
     shall apply to the following information obtained by the 
     Federal Government on a confidential basis in connection with 
     the activities of any participant involved in the Hollings 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership:
       ``(A) Information on the business operation of any 
     participant in a Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership 
     program or of a client of a Center.
       ``(B) Trade secrets possessed by any client of a Center.
       ``(8) Advisory boards.--Each Center's advisory boards shall 
     institute a conflict of interest policy, approved by the 
     Director, that ensures the Board represents local small- and 
     medium-sized manufacturers in the Center's region. Board 
     Members may not serve as a vendor or provide services to the 
     Center, nor may they serve on more than one Center's 
     oversight board simultaneously.
       ``(d) Acceptance of Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--In addition to such sums as may be 
     appropriated to the Secretary and Director to operate the 
     Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the Secretary 
     and Director also may accept funds from other Federal 
     departments and agencies and, under section 2(c)(7), from the 
     private sector, to be available to the extent provided by 
     appropriations Acts, for the purpose of strengthening United 
     States manufacturing.
       ``(2) Allocation of funds.--
       ``(A) Funds accepted from other federal departments or 
     agencies.--The Director shall determine whether funds 
     accepted from other Federal departments or agencies shall be 
     counted in the calculation of the Federal share of capital 
     and annual operating and maintenance costs under subsection 
     (c).
       ``(B) Funds accepted from the private sector.--Funds 
     accepted from the private sector under section 2(c)(7), if 
     allocated to a Center, may not be considered in the 
     calculation of the Federal share under subsection (c) of this 
     section.
       ``(e) MEP Advisory Board.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Institute a Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory 
     Board (in this subsection referred to as the `MEP Advisory 
     Board').
       ``(2) Membership.--
       ``(A) In general.--The MEP Advisory Board shall consist of 
     not fewer than 10 members broadly representative of 
     stakeholders, to be appointed by the Director. At least two 
     members shall be employed by or on an advisory board for the 
     Centers, at least one member shall represent a community 
     college, and at least five other members shall be from United 
     States small businesses in the manufacturing sector. No 
     member shall be an employee of the Federal Government.
       ``(B) Term.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C) or (D), 
     the term of office of each member of the MEP Advisory Board 
     shall be 3 years.
       ``(C) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy 
     occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his 
     predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the 
     remainder of such term.
       ``(D) Serving consecutive terms.--Any person who has 
     completed two consecutive full terms of service on the MEP 
     Advisory Board shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment 
     during the 1-year period following the expiration of the 
     second such term.
       ``(3) Meetings.--The MEP Advisory Board shall meet not less 
     than two times annually and shall provide to the Director--
       ``(A) advice on Hollings Manufacturing Extension 
     Partnership programs, plans, and policies;
       ``(B) assessments of the soundness of Hollings 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership plans and strategies; and
       ``(C) assessments of current performance against Hollings 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership program plans.
       ``(4) Federal advisory committee act applicability.--
       ``(A) In general.--In discharging its duties under this 
     subsection, the MEP Advisory Board shall function solely in 
     an advisory capacity, in accordance with the Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act.
       ``(B) Exception.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act shall not apply to the MEP Advisory Board.
       ``(5) Report.--The MEP Advisory Board shall transmit an 
     annual report to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress 
     within 30 days after the submission to Congress of the 
     President's annual budget request in each year. Such report 
     shall address the status of the program established pursuant 
     to this section and comment on the relevant sections of the 
     programmatic planning document and updates thereto 
     transmitted to Congress by the Director under subsections (c) 
     and (d) of section 23.
       ``(f) Competitive Grant Program.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--The Director shall establish, within 
     the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, under this 
     section and section 26, a program of competitive awards among 
     participants described in paragraph (2) for the purposes 
     described in paragraph (3).
       ``(2) Participants.--Participants receiving awards under 
     this subsection shall be the Centers, or a consortium of such 
     Centers.
       ``(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the program under this 
     subsection is to add capabilities to the Hollings 
     Manufacturing Extension Partnership, including the 
     development of projects to solve new or emerging 
     manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in 
     consultation with the Director of the Hollings Manufacturing 
     Extension Partnership program, the MEP Advisory Board, and 
     small- and medium-sized manufacturers. One or more themes for 
     the competition may be identified, which may vary from year 
     to year, depending on the needs of manufacturers and the 
     success of previous competitions. Centers may be reimbursed 
     for costs incurred under the program.
       ``(4) Applications.--Applications for awards under this 
     subsection shall be submitted in such manner, at such time, 
     and containing such information as the Director shall 
     require, in consultation with the MEP Advisory Board.
       ``(5) Selection.--Awards under this subsection shall be 
     peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The Director shall 
     endeavor to have broad geographic diversity among selected 
     proposals. The Director shall select proposals to receive 
     awards that will--
       ``(A) improve the competitiveness of industries in the 
     region in which the Center or Centers are located;
       ``(B) create jobs or train newly hired employees; and
       ``(C) promote the transfer and commercialization of 
     research and technology from institutions of higher 
     education, national laboratories, and nonprofit research 
     institutes.
       ``(6) Program contribution.--Recipients of awards under 
     this subsection shall not be required to provide a matching 
     contribution.
       ``(7) Global marketplace projects.--In making awards under 
     this subsection, the Director, in consultation with the MEP 
     Advisory Board and the Secretary, may take into consideration 
     whether an application has significant potential for 
     enhancing the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized 
     United States manufacturers in the global marketplace.
       ``(8) Duration.--Awards under this subsection shall last no 
     longer than 3 years.
       ``(g) Evaluation of Obstacles Unique to Small 
     Manufacturers.--The Director shall--
       ``(1) evaluate obstacles that are unique to small 
     manufacturers that prevent such manufacturers from 
     effectively competing in the global market;
       ``(2) implement a comprehensive plan to train the Centers 
     to address such obstacles; and
       ``(3) facilitate improved communication between the Centers 
     to assist such manufacturers in implementing appropriate, 
     targeted solutions to such obstacles.
       ``(h) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) the term `area career and technical education school' 
     has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Carl D. 
     Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 
     2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302); and

[[Page H4644]]

       ``(2) the term `community college' means an institution of 
     higher education (as defined under section 101(a) of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a))) at which 
     the highest degree that is predominately awarded to students 
     is an associate's degree.''.

     SEC. 9. ELIMINATION OF OBSOLETE REPORTS.

       Section 28 of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278n) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (g); and
       (2) in subsection (k)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and'' after the 
     semicolon at the end;
       (B) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``; and'' at the end 
     and inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking paragraph (5).

     SEC. 10. MODIFICATIONS TO GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

       Section 8(a) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation 
     Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3706(a)) is amended by striking ``The 
     total amount of any such grant or cooperative agreement may 
     not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the program.''.

     SEC. 11. INFORMATION SYSTEMS STANDARDS CONSULTATION.

       Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology shall not consult with 
     the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency in 
     contravention of section 20(c)(1) of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g-3(c)(1)).

     SEC. 12. UNITED STATES-ISRAELI COOPERATION.

       It is the Sense of Congress that--
       (1) partnerships that facilitate basic scientific research 
     between the United States and Israel advance technology 
     development, innovation, and commercialization leading to 
     growth in various sectors, including manufacturing, and 
     creating benefits for both nations;
       (2) joint research and development agreements carried out 
     through government organizations like the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology support these efforts;
       (3) partnerships between the United States and Israel that 
     further the basic scientific enterprise should be encouraged; 
     and
       (4) the National Institute of Standards and Technology 
     should continue to facilitate scientific collaborations 
     between Israel and United States technical agencies working 
     in measurement science and standardization.

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 5639, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Smith, the Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee, and House leadership for their help in 
bringing this legislation to the floor.
  The National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, 
Improvement Act of 2016 authorizes NIST to carry out its mission to 
promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing 
measurement science and technology.
  NIST was founded in 1901, and it is recognized as an authority of 
measurements and standards around the world. It is a vital partner for 
America's technology and advanced industries that employ millions of 
hardworking Americans with good-paying jobs.
  The legislation before us today requires independent reviews of NIST 
laboratory programs, makes changes to its educational and outreach 
efforts, and improves its industrial technical services.
  The improvements to industrial technical services, in particular, 
will assist thousands of small manufacturers, including those in 
Michigan's Fourth District, with the expertise and advice they need 
when investing in new technologies crucial to the competitiveness of 
Michigan companies and their workers.
  Before yielding the floor, I also want to call my colleagues' 
attention to NIST police and security issues in the NIST Campus 
Security Act, which will be brought up later today.
  Since last year, serious security incidents at NIST have raised 
concerns about the safety and security of its facilities. These lapses 
endanger thousands of NIST employees, visiting scientists, and the 
hundreds of thousands of people who live near NIST campuses. The 
Science, Space, and Technology Committee has held a number of hearings 
about these incidents and has passed the NIST Campus Security Act, 
which will be considered by the full House in a few minutes. This is a 
first step toward ensuring adequate physical security at NIST campuses, 
with more work still to be done.
  But returning to the legislation before us now, I urge my colleagues 
to support this reauthorization of NIST. NIST is the official 
timekeeper of the U.S. Government. It maintains measures and standards 
for the additives in our gasoline and helps us to develop a smarter, 
more secure electric grid.
  NIST conducts research that enhances our Nation's technology, our 
economic security, and our quality of life.
  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.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5639, the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016.
  This bill was developed in a bipartisan manner and contains important 
provisions supporting NIST's key role in increasing the productivity of 
small- and medium-sized manufacturers, in training early career 
scientists and promoting U.S. innovation across all sectors of our 
economy.
  NIST's core mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial 
competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and 
technology. Measurement science and standards ensure that technologies 
and products we rely on daily in our homes, our workplace, and in every 
mode of transportation are safe, effective, and reliable. U.S. 
leadership and standards development also help U.S. businesses thrive 
in the ever-growing global market.
  In pursuit of its mission, NIST partners with the private sector and 
with other government agencies in precompetitive research and 
technology development in countless areas of national interest. This 
little-known agency plays a critical role, and in many cases a 
leadership role, in cybersecurity, forensic science, engineering 
biology, disaster resilience, advanced manufacturing, and advanced 
communications, just to name a few.
  In the area of cybersecurity, NIST led the development of the widely 
praised Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity 
and leads the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. The 
Framework is a voluntary guidance to help public and private owners of 
critical infrastructure organizations better manage their cybersecurity 
risk.
  In forensic science, NIST does important measurement science and 
facilitates standards development for forensic evidence. This week, I 
will be reintroducing my Forensic Science and Standards Act because the 
justice system must be just and fair for all, including the wrongfully 
accused.
  NIST is also at the forefront of engineering biology, an emerging 
technology. Last year, I introduced the Engineering Biology Research 
and Development Act of 2015 with my Science Committee colleague, Mr. 
Sensenbrenner. This would establish a framework for greater 
coordination of Federal investments in engineering biology research and 
ensure U.S. leadership in applications of this research to energy, 
manufacturing, agriculture, and health.
  H.R. 5639 supports NIST's strong partnerships with the private 
sector, other government agencies, and universities to develop and 
apply the technology, measurements, and standards needed for new and 
improved products and services. The bill includes measures to ensure 
that NIST labs are best organized to meet the agency's mission needs, 
that Federal agencies cooperate and share information on standards as 
needed, that NIST helps train and attract our Nation's best and 
brightest measurement scientists, and that even our Nation's smallest 
manufacturers have access to NIST resources and expertise.
  While I am supporting this bill, I do want to make a point about the 
importance of authorizing funds for all of these activities I have just 
described. As an authorizing committee, the

[[Page H4645]]

Science, Space, and Technology Committee should make an informed 
recommendation for funding the agency's critical work and the human and 
physical infrastructure that supports that work.
  NIST's aging infrastructure is crumbling and creating safety issues. 
NIST struggles to compete with the private sector in attracting top, 
new technical talent. Congress continually expands the responsibilities 
and authorities of this important agency. If we want the agency to be 
successful, we must be willing to fund it.
  I support this bill today for what it does to encourage NIST's public 
and private collaborative efforts; however, I look forward to providing 
funding recommendations in the near future for all of the important 
work that NIST does to promote innovation and maintain U.S. 
competitiveness.

  I want to thank Representative Moolenaar for introducing this bill 
and Chairman Smith for moving it to the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas, the 
ranking member, for her support and leadership on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Smith), chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. First of all, I want to thank the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar), the vice chairman of the Research and 
Technology Subcommittee, for introducing this important piece of 
legislation.
  I am pleased to cosponsor H.R. 5639, the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016, to authorize the 
policy and programs of this leading Department of Commerce technology 
agency.
  The National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST, supports 
scientific and technical research and services that are critical to 
American innovation and industrial competitiveness.
  NIST helps maintain industrial and technical standards, manages 
cybersecurity guidelines for Federal agencies, and promotes U.S. 
innovation and international competitiveness that enhances economic 
security and improves our quality of life.
  In 2007, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law the first 
COMPETES Act, which implemented President Bush's major domestic 
research policy priority, the American Competitiveness Initiative.
  The centerpiece of the American Competitiveness Initiative was the 
prioritization of basic research in the physical sciences and 
engineering. Physical sciences research develops and advances 
fundamental knowledge and foundational technologies that are used by 
scientists in nearly every other field.
  The American Competitiveness Initiative calls for strengthening 
Federal investments in these areas by reallocating existing Federal 
resources to the three major innovation-enabling basic research 
agencies: the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy's 
Office of Science and its national labs, and NIST's core lab research 
and facilities, which is the subject of the bill before us tonight.

                              {time}  1945

  H.R. 5639 authorizes NIST's programs that contribute directly to U.S. 
economic competitiveness, including NIST laboratory programs, education 
and research initiatives for young scientists, and industrial technical 
services.
  Again, I want to thank Science Committee colleague, Vice Chairman 
Moolenaar, for his efforts, and I again urge my colleagues to support 
this bill.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage our colleagues to 
support this legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Weber of Texas). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5639, 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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