[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 24011-24017]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ENERGY

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass 
the bill (H.R. 4940) to designate the museum operated by the Secretary 
of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the ``American Museum of Science 
and Energy'', and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4940

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

             TITLE I--AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND ENERGY

     SEC. 101. DESIGNATION OF AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND 
                   ENERGY.  

       (a) In General.--The Museum--
       (1) is designated as the ``American Museum of Science and 
     Energy''; and

[[Page 24012]]

       (2) shall be the official museum of science and energy of 
     the United States.
       (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, 
     document, paper, or other record of the United States to the 
     Museum is deemed to be a reference to the ``American Museum 
     of Science and Energy''.
       (c) Property of the United States.--
       (1) In general.--The name ``American Museum of Science and 
     Energy'' is declared the property of the United States.
       (2) Injunction.--Whoever, except as authorized by the 
     Secretary, uses or reproduces the name ``American Museum of 
     Science and Energy'', or a facsimile or simulation of such 
     name in such manner as suggests ``American Museum of Science 
     and Energy'', may be enjoined from such use or reproduction 
     at the suit of the Attorney General upon complaint by the 
     Secretary.
       (3) Effect on other rights.--This subsection shall not be 
     construed to conflict or interfere with established or vested 
     rights.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORITY.

       To carry out the activities of the Museum, the Secretary 
     may--
       (1) accept and dispose of any gift, devise, or bequest of 
     services or property, real or personal, that is--
       (A) designated in a written document by the person making 
     the gift, devise, or bequest as intended for the Museum; and
       (B) determined by the Secretary to be suitable and 
     beneficial for use by the Museum;
       (2) operate a retail outlet on the premises of the Museum 
     for the purpose of selling or distributing items (including 
     mementos, food, educational materials, replicas, and 
     literature) that are--
       (A) relevant to the contents of the Museum; and
       (B) informative, educational, and tasteful;
       (3) collect reasonable fees where feasible and appropriate;
       (4) exhibit, perform, display, and publish materials and 
     information of or relating to the Museum in any media or 
     place;
       (5) consistent with guidelines approved by the Secretary, 
     lease space on the premises of the Museum at reasonable rates 
     and for uses consistent with such guidelines; and
       (6) use the proceeds of activities authorized under this 
     section to pay the costs of the Museum.

     SEC. 103. MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS.

       (a) Authority To Use Volunteers.--The Secretary may 
     recruit, train, and accept the services of individuals or 
     entities as volunteers for services or activities related to 
     the Museum.
       (b) Status of Volunteers.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
     service by a volunteer under subsection (a) shall not be 
     considered Federal employment.
       (2) Exceptions.--
       (A) Federal tort claims act.--For purposes of chapter 171 
     of title 28, United States Code, a volunteer under subsection 
     (a) shall be treated as an employee of the government (as 
     defined in section 2671 of that title).
       (B) Compensation for work injuries.--For purposes of 
     subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, a 
     volunteer described in subsection (a) shall be treated as an 
     employee (as defined in section 8101 of title 5, United 
     States Code).
       (c) Compensation.--A volunteer under subsection (a) shall 
     serve without pay, but may receive nominal awards and 
     reimbursement for incidental expenses, including expenses for 
     a uniform or transportation in furtherance of Museum 
     activities.

     SEC. 104. DEFINITIONS.

       For purposes of this title:
       (1) Museum.--The term ``Museum'' means the museum operated 
     by the Secretary of Energy and located at 300 South Tulane 
     Avenue in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of Energy or a designated representative of the Secretary.

            TITLE II--NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Networking and Information 
     Technology Research and Development Act''.

     SEC. 202. FINDINGS.

       The Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Information technology will continue to change the way 
     Americans live, learn, and work. The information revolution 
     will improve the workplace and the quality and accessibility 
     of health care and education and make Government more 
     responsible and accessible. It is important that access to 
     information technology be available to all citizens, 
     including elderly Americans and Americans with disabilities.
       (2) Information technology is an imperative enabling 
     technology that contributes to scientific disciplines. Major 
     advances in biomedical research, public safety, engineering, 
     and other critical areas depend on further advances in 
     computing and communications.
       (3) The United States is the undisputed global leader in 
     information technology.
       (4) Information technology is recognized as a catalyst for 
     economic growth and prosperity.
       (5) Information technology represents one of the fastest 
     growing sectors of the United States economy, with electronic 
     commerce alone projected to become a trillion-dollar business 
     by 2005.
       (6) Businesses producing computers, semiconductors, 
     software, and communications equipment account for one-third 
     of the total growth in the United States economy since 1992.
       (7) According to the United States Census Bureau, between 
     1993 and 1997, the information technology sector grew an 
     average of 12.3 percent per year.
       (8) Fundamental research in information technology has 
     enabled the information revolution.
       (9) Fundamental research in information technology has 
     contributed to the creation of new industries and new, high-
     paying jobs.
       (10) Our Nation's well-being will depend on the 
     understanding, arising from fundamental research, of the 
     social and economic benefits and problems arising from the 
     increasing pace of information technology transformations.
       (11) Scientific and engineering research and the 
     availability of a skilled workforce are critical to continued 
     economic growth driven by information technology.
       (12) In 1997, private industry provided most of the funding 
     for research and development in the information technology 
     sector. The information technology sector now receives, in 
     absolute terms, one-third of all corporate spending on 
     research and development in the United States economy.
       (13) The private sector tends to focus its spending on 
     short-term, applied research.
       (14) The Federal Government is uniquely positioned to 
     support long-term fundamental research.
       (15) Federal applied research in information technology has 
     grown at almost twice the rate of Federal basic research 
     since 1986.
       (16) Federal science and engineering programs must increase 
     their emphasis on long-term, high-risk research.
       (17) Current Federal programs and support for fundamental 
     research in information technology is inadequate if we are to 
     maintain the Nation's global leadership in information 
     technology.

     SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) National Science Foundation.--Section 201(b) of the 
     High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be 
     appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';
       (2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     $580,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; $699,300,000 for fiscal 
     year 2001; $728,150,000 for fiscal year 2002; $801,550,000 
     for fiscal year 2003; and $838,500,000 for fiscal year 2004. 
     Amounts authorized under this subsection shall be the total 
     amounts authorized to the National Science Foundation for a 
     fiscal year for the Program, and shall not be in addition to 
     amounts previously authorized by law for the purposes of the 
     Program.''.
       (b) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--Section 
     202(b) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 
     U.S.C. 5522(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be 
     appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';
       (2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     $164,400,000 for fiscal year 2000; $201,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2001; $208,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; $224,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2003; and $231,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2004.''.
       (c) Department of Energy.--Section 203(e)(1) of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523(e)(1)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     $119,500,000 for fiscal year 2000; $175,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2001; $183,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; $193,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2003; and $203,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2004.''.
       (d) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--(1) 
     Section 204(d)(1) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 
     1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)(1)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (B) by striking ``1996; and'' and inserting ``1996; 
     $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; $9,500,000 for fiscal year 
     2001; $10,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; $16,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2003; and $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; 
     and''.
       (2) Section 204(d) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 
     1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)) is amended by striking ``From sums 
     otherwise authorized to be appropriated, there'' and 
     inserting ``There''.
       (e) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.--
     Section 204(d)(2) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 
     1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(d)(2)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2000; $13,900,000 for fiscal year 
     2001; $14,300,000 for fiscal year 2002; $14,800,000 for 
     fiscal year 2003; and $15,200,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
       (f) Environmental Protection Agency.--Section 205(b) of the 
     High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5525(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``From sums otherwise authorized to be 
     appropriated, there'' and inserting ``There'';

[[Page 24013]]

       (2) by striking ``1995; and'' and inserting ``1995;''; and
       (3) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
     $4,200,000 for fiscal year 2000; $4,300,000 for fiscal year 
     2001; $4,500,000 for fiscal year 2002; $4,600,000 for fiscal 
     year 2003; and $4,700,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.
       (g) National Institutes of Health.--Title II of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521 et seq.) is 
     amended by inserting after section 205 the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 205A. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ACTIVITIES.

       ``(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program 
     described in title I, the National Institutes of Health shall 
     conduct research directed toward the advancement and 
     dissemination of computational techniques and software tools 
     in support of its mission of biomedical and behavioral 
     research.
       ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and 
     Human Services for the purposes of the Program $223,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2000, $233,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, 
     $242,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $250,000,000 for fiscal 
     year 2003, and $250,000,000 for fiscal year 2004.''.

     SEC. 204. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND 
                   DEVELOPMENT.

       (a) National Science Foundation.--Section 201 of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(c) Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development.--(1) Of the amounts authorized under subsection 
     (b), $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $421,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2001, $442,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, 
     $486,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $515,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004 shall be available for grants for long-term 
     basic research on networking and information technology, with 
     priority given to research that helps address issues related 
     to high end computing and software; network stability, 
     fragility, reliability, security (including privacy and 
     counterinitiatives), and scalability; and the social and 
     economic consequences (including the consequences for 
     healthcare) of information technology.
       ``(2) In each of the fiscal years 2000 and 2001, the 
     National Science Foundation shall award under this subsection 
     up to 25 large grants of up to $1,000,000 each, and in each 
     of the fiscal years 2002, 2003, and 2004, the National 
     Science Foundation shall award under this subsection up to 35 
     large grants of up to $1,000,000 each.
       ``(3)(A) Of the amounts described in paragraph (1), 
     $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $45,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2001, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $55,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2003, and $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 shall 
     be available for grants of up to $5,000,000 each for 
     Information Technology Research Centers.
       ``(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `Information 
     Technology Research Centers' means groups of six or more 
     researchers collaborating across scientific and engineering 
     disciplines on large-scale long-term research projects which 
     will significantly advance the science supporting the 
     development of information technology or the use of 
     information technology in addressing scientific issues of 
     national importance.
       ``(d) Major Research Equipment.--(1) In addition to the 
     amounts authorized under subsection (b), there are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation 
     $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, $70,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2001, $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $80,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2003, and $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2004 for 
     grants for the development of major research equipment to 
     establish terascale computing capabilities at one or more 
     sites and to promote diverse computing architectures. Awards 
     made under this subsection shall provide for support for the 
     operating expenses of facilities established to provide the 
     terascale computing capabilities, with funding for such 
     operating expenses derived from amounts available under 
     subsection (b).
       ``(2) Grants awarded under this subsection shall be awarded 
     through an open, nationwide, peer-reviewed competition. 
     Awardees may include consortia consisting of members from 
     some or all of the following types of institutions:
       ``(A) Academic supercomputer centers.
       ``(B) State-supported supercomputer centers.
       ``(C) Supercomputer centers that are supported as part of 
     federally funded research and development centers.
     Notwithstanding any other provision of law, regulation, or 
     agency policy, a federally funded research and development 
     center may apply for a grant under this subsection, and may 
     compete on an equal basis with any other applicant for the 
     awarding of such a grant.
       ``(3) As a condition of receiving a grant under this 
     subsection, an awardee must agree--
       ``(A) to connect to the National Science Foundation's 
     Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure 
     network;
       ``(B) to the maximum extent practicable, to coordinate with 
     other federally funded large-scale computing and simulation 
     efforts; and
       ``(C) to provide open access to all grant recipients under 
     this subsection or subsection (c).
       ``(e) Information Technology Education and Training 
     Grants.--
       ``(1) Information technology grants.--The National Science 
     Foundation shall provide grants under the Scientific and 
     Advanced Technology Act of 1992 for the purposes of section 
     3(a) and (b) of that Act, except that the activities 
     supported pursuant to this paragraph shall be limited to 
     improving education in fields related to information 
     technology. The Foundation shall encourage institutions with 
     a substantial percentage of student enrollments from groups 
     underrepresented in information technology industries to 
     participate in the competition for grants provided under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(2) Internship grants.--The National Science Foundation 
     shall provide--
       ``(A) grants to institutions of higher education to 
     establish scientific internship programs in information 
     technology research at private sector companies; and
       ``(B) supplementary awards to institutions funded under the 
     Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program for 
     internships in information technology research at private 
     sector companies.
       ``(3) Matching funds.--Awards under paragraph (2) shall be 
     made on the condition that at least an equal amount of 
     funding for the internship shall be provided by the private 
     sector company at which the internship will take place.
       ``(4) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the 
     term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given 
     that term in section 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141(a)).
       ``(5) Availability of funds.--Of the amounts described in 
     subsection (c)(1), $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, 
     $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2002, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $25,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004 shall be available for carrying out this 
     subsection.
       ``(f) Educational Technology Research.--
       ``(1) Research program.--As part of its responsibilities 
     under subsection (a)(1), the National Science Foundation 
     shall establish a research program to develop, demonstrate, 
     assess, and disseminate effective applications of information 
     and computer technologies for elementary and secondary 
     education. Such program shall--
       ``(A) support research projects, including collaborative 
     projects involving academic researchers and elementary and 
     secondary schools, to develop innovative educational 
     materials, including software, and pedagogical approaches 
     based on applications of information and computer technology;
       ``(B) support empirical studies to determine the 
     educational effectiveness and the cost effectiveness of 
     specific, promising educational approaches, techniques, and 
     materials that are based on applications of information and 
     computer technologies; and
       ``(C) include provision for the widespread dissemination of 
     the results of the studies carried out under subparagraphs 
     (A) and (B), including maintenance of electronic libraries of 
     the best educational materials identified accessible through 
     the Internet.
       ``(2) Replication.--The research projects and empirical 
     studies carried out under paragraph (1)(A) and (B) shall 
     encompass a wide variety of educational settings in order to 
     identify approaches, techniques, and materials that have a 
     high potential for being successfully replicated throughout 
     the United States.
       ``(3) Availability of funds.--Of the amounts authorized 
     under subsection (b), $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, 
     $10,500,000 for fiscal year 2001, $11,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2002, $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $12,500,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004 shall be available for the purposes of this 
     subsection.
       ``(g) Peer Review.--All grants made under this section 
     shall be made only after being subject to peer review by 
     panels or groups having private sector representation.''.
       (b) Other Program Agencies.--
       (1) National aeronautics and space administration.--Section 
     202(a) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 
     U.S.C. 5522(a)) is amended by inserting ``, and may 
     participate in or support research described in section 
     201(c)(1)'' after ``and experimentation''.
       (2) Department of energy.--Section 203(a) of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5523(a)) is 
     amended by striking the period at the end and inserting a 
     comma, and by adding after paragraph (4) the following:
     ``conduct an integrated program of research, development, and 
     provision of facilities to develop and deploy to scientific 
     and technical users the high performance computing and 
     collaboration tools needed to fulfill the statutory mission 
     of the Department of Energy, and may participate in or 
     support research described in section 201(c)(1).''.
       (3) National institute of standards and technology.--
     Section 204(a)(1) of the High-Performance Computing Act of 
     1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``; and'' 
     at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting a comma, and by 
     adding after subparagraph (C) the following:
     ``and may participate in or support research described in 
     section 201(c)(1); and''.
       (4) National oceanic and atmospheric administration.--
     Section 204(a)(2) of the High-

[[Page 24014]]

     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5524(a)(2)) is 
     amended by inserting ``, and may participate in or support 
     research described in section 201(c)(1)'' after ``agency 
     missions''.
       (5) Environmental protection agency.--Section 205(a) of the 
     High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5525(a)) is 
     amended by inserting ``, and may participate in or support 
     research described in section 201(c)(1)'' after ``dynamics 
     models''.
       (6) United states geological survey.--Title II of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5521 et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (A) by redesignating sections 207 and 208 as sections 208 
     and 209, respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after section 206 the following new 
     section:

     ``SEC. 207. UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

       ``The United States Geological Survey may participate in or 
     support research described in section 201(c)(1).''.

     SEC. 205. NEXT GENERATION INTERNET.

       (a) In General.--Section 103(d) of the High-Performance 
     Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513(d)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and 
     $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year 
     2000'';
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, and $25,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2001 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after 
     ``Act of 1998'';
       (3) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and 
     $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year 
     2000''; and
       (4) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) by striking ``1999 and'' and inserting ``1999,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``, $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2001, and 
     $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2002'' after ``fiscal year 2000''.
       (b) Rural Infrastructure.--Section 103 of the High-
     Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5513) is amended 
     by adding at the end thereof the following:
       ``(e) Rural Infrastructure.--Out of appropriated amounts 
     authorized by subsection (d), not less than 10 percent of the 
     total amounts shall be made available to fund research grants 
     for making high-speed connectivity more accessible to users 
     in geographically remote areas. The research shall include 
     investigations of wireless, hybrid, and satellite 
     technologies. In awarding grants under this subsection, the 
     administering agency shall give priority to qualified, post-
     secondary educational institutions that participate in the 
     Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.''.
       (c) Minority and Small College Internet Access.--Section 
     103 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 
     5513), as amended by subsection (b), is further amended by 
     adding at the end thereof the following:
       ``(f) Minority and Small College Internet Access.--Not less 
     than 5 percent of the amounts made available for research 
     under subsection (d) shall be used for grants to institutions 
     of higher education that are Hispanic-serving, Native 
     American, Native Hawaiian, Native Alaskan, Historically 
     Black, or small colleges and universities.''.
       (d) Digital Divide Study.--
       (1) In general.--The National Academy of Sciences shall 
     conduct a study to determine the extent to which the Internet 
     backbone and network infrastructure contribute to the uneven 
     ability to access to Internet-related technologies and 
     services by rural and low-income Americans. The study shall 
     include--
       (A) an assessment of the existing geographical penalty (as 
     defined in section 7(a)(1) of the Next Generation Internet 
     Research Act of 1998 (15 U.S.C. 5501 nt.)) and its impact on 
     all users and their ability to obtain secure and reliable 
     Internet access;
       (B) a review of all current federally funded research to 
     decrease the inequity of Internet access to rural and low-
     income users; and
       (C) an estimate of the potential impact of Next Generation 
     Internet research institutions acting as aggregators and 
     mentors for nearby smaller or disadvantaged institutions.
       (2) Report.--The National Academy of Sciences shall 
     transmit a report containing the results of the study and 
     recommendations required by paragraph (1) to the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science and the Senate Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Transportation within 1 year after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
       (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the National Academy of Sciences such 
     sums as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.

     SEC. 206. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 101 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 
     (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively;
       (B) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``Advisory Committee.--''; 
     and
       (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(2) In addition to the duties outlined in paragraph (1), 
     the advisory committee shall conduct periodic evaluations of 
     the funding, management, implementation, and activities of 
     the Program, the Next Generation Internet program, and the 
     Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development program, and shall report not less frequently 
     than once every 2 fiscal years to the Committee on Science of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation of the Senate on its findings and 
     recommendations. The first report shall be due within 1 year 
     after the date of the enactment of the Networking and 
     Information Technology Research and Development Act.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)(1)(A) and (2), by inserting ``, 
     including the Next Generation Internet program and the 
     Networking and Information Technology Research and 
     Development program'' after ``Program'' each place it 
     appears.

     SEC. 207. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

       Section 103 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 
     (15 U.S.C. 5513), as amended by section 205 of this title, is 
     further amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and 
     (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively, and by 
     inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
       ``(b) Report to Congress.--
       ``(1) Requirement.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall conduct a study of the issues described in 
     paragraph (3), and not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of the Networking and Information Technology 
     Research and Development Act, shall transmit to the Congress 
     a report including recommendations to address those issues. 
     Such report shall be updated annually for 6 additional years.
       ``(2) Consultation.--In preparing the reports under 
     paragraph (1), the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall consult with the National Aeronautics and 
     Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology, and such other Federal agencies and educational 
     entities as the Director of the National Science Foundation 
     considers appropriate.
       ``(3) Issues.--The reports shall--
       ``(A) identify the current status of high-speed, large 
     bandwidth capacity access to all public elementary and 
     secondary schools and libraries in the United States;
       ``(B) identify how high-speed, large bandwidth capacity 
     access to the Internet to such schools and libraries can be 
     effectively utilized within each school and library;
       ``(C) consider the effect that specific or regional 
     circumstances may have on the ability of such institutions to 
     acquire high-speed, large bandwidth capacity access to 
     achieve universal connectivity as an effective tool in the 
     education process; and
       ``(D) include options and recommendations for the various 
     entities responsible for elementary and secondary education 
     to address the challenges and issues identified in the 
     reports.''.

     SEC. 208. STUDY OF ACCESSIBILITY TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.

       Section 201 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 
     (15 U.S.C. 5524), as amended by sections 3(a) and 4(a) of 
     this Act, is amended further by inserting after subsection 
     (g) the following new subsection:
       ``(h) Study of Accessibility to Information Technology.--
       ``(1) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of the Networking and Information Technology 
     Research and Development Act, the Director of the National 
     Science Foundation, in consultation with the National 
     Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, shall 
     enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council 
     of the National Academy of Sciences for that Council to 
     conduct a study of accessibility to information technologies 
     by individuals who are elderly, individuals who are elderly 
     with a disability, and individuals with disabilities.
       ``(2) Subjects.--The study shall address--
       ``(A) current barriers to access to information 
     technologies by individuals who are elderly, individuals who 
     are elderly with a disability, and individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(B) research and development needed to remove those 
     barriers;
       ``(C) Federal legislative, policy, or regulatory changes 
     needed to remove those barriers; and
       ``(D) other matters that the National Research Council 
     determines to be relevant to access to information 
     technologies by individuals who are elderly, individuals who 
     are elderly with a disability, and individuals with 
     disabilities.
       ``(3) Transmittal to congress.--The Director of the 
     National Science Foundation shall transmit to the Congress 
     within 2 years of the date of the enactment of the Networking 
     and Information Technology Research and Development Act a 
     report setting forth the findings, conclusions, and 
     recommendations of the National Research Council.
       ``(4) Federal agency cooperation.--Federal agencies shall 
     cooperate fully with the National Research Council in its 
     activities in carrying out the study under this subsection.
       ``(5) Availability of funds.--Funding for the study 
     described in this subsection shall

[[Page 24015]]

     be available, in the amount of $700,000, from amounts 
     described in subsection (c)(1).''.

     SEC. 209. COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY.

       Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to the 
     Congress a report on the results of a detailed study 
     analyzing the effects of this title, and the amendments made 
     by this title, on lower income families, minorities, and 
     women.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. 
Sensenbrenner).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on H.R. 4940, as amended.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Wisconsin?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, title I of H.R. 4940 designates the museum operated by 
the Secretary of Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the American Museum 
of Science and Energy and grants ownership of this name to the United 
States. It further provides legal remedies for the unauthorized use of 
the name.
  Title I also authorizes the museum to accept gifts, operate a retail 
outlet, and lease space on its premises. In addition, it authorizes the 
museum to recruit and train volunteers.
  The American Museum of Science and Energy is the second most 
frequently visited attraction in the Knoxville metropolitan area. Since 
the beginning of operations in 1949, the museum has hosted nearly 10 
million visitors from all 50 States and more than 40 foreign countries. 
The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitor's Bureau estimates the museum 
generates $6 million to $7 million annually in revenue to the 
community.
  The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) introduced H.R. 4940 on July 
24, 2000. The bill has strong bipartisan support, and I would like to 
compliment the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) for its 
introduction.
  H.R. 4940, as amended, also includes a second title. Title II is the 
modified text of H.R. 2086, the Networking and Information Technology 
Research and Development Act. The House passed H.R. 2086 by voice vote 
on February 15, 2000. The Senate passed it with some minor changes on 
September 21, 2000 as a part of another legislative vehicle.
  It has strong bipartisan support and has been endorsed by 61 
organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Council 
of Scientific Society Presidents. I urge the House to pass this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940. The bill has two parts. 
Title I provides for designating an existing museum in Oak Ridge, 
Tennessee, as the official American Museum of Science and Energy and 
expands the authority of the Secretary of the Energy in Oak Ridge to 
include acceptance and sale of any gifts, devices, or property intended 
for the museum.
  With the new authority, this museum is going to be able to generate 
its own revenues by measures such as charging admission, soliciting 
corporate sponsors, and keeping the funds generated by the retail 
outlet. Therefore, title I will serve to alleviate the financial burden 
on Oak Ridge National Laboratory and its contractor, as well as to 
promote collaboration with corporate sponsors.
  Mr. Speaker, title II of the bill is the Networking and Information 
Technology Research and Development Act. This act, which was first 
passed by the House unanimously earlier this year, provides for a 
coordinated basic research initiative and information technology. It 
authorizes the total of nearly $7 billion over 5 years for seven 
civilian R&D agencies. The Networking and Information Technology 
Research and Development Act was introduced by the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) with bipartisan cosponsorship; and I am 
pleased the committee acted within the spirit of cooperation to further 
develop this measure. Several amendments which were proposed by Members 
on both sides of the aisle have been incorporated into the bill before 
us.
  Title II of H.R. 4940 enjoys broad, bipartisan support. I 
congratulate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner) for 
his untiring efforts to move it forward toward final passage.
  Mr. Speaker, the Information Technology R&D initiative has great 
support also from the academic and the industrial research communities 
and from a wide range of computer, software, and communications 
companies. It also, Mr. Speaker, has been endorsed by broad industry 
groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National 
Association of Manufacturers, two fine, free enterprises and pro-
business groups.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4940 is a bipartisan bill that would lead 
to many societal benefits. It will help ensure that this Nation 
continues to maintain economic growth and international competitiveness 
in the information economy of the 21st century. I ask for the support 
of my colleagues and for its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman 
from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).
  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940. I would like 
to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Sensenbrenner), the 
chairman of the committee; the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert); 
the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking member; and the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello); and the staff of the Committee 
on Science, especially Tom Vanek and Njema Frazier, for their hard work 
on the original text of H.R. 4940.
  Finally, I would like to thank the entire Tennessee congressional 
delegation, especially our dean, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. 
Gordon), for their unanimous support of this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, the American Museum of Science and Energy opened in 
March of 1949 in Oak Ridge. It is located on 17.4 acres in downtown Oak 
Ridge with 53,000 square feet of building constructed in 1975 and 
boasts indoor exhibits, a 312-seat auditorium, an 80-seat lecture room, 
and a classroom laboratory.
  Since the beginning of its operations in 1949, the museum has hosted 
nearly 10 million visitors from all 50 States and more than 40 foreign 
countries. The highest single day attendance was on November 23, 1969 
when 4,308 people saw the moon rocks being studied by scientists at the 
Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
  The museum is the second most frequently visited attraction in the 
Knoxville metropolitan area. The Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors' 
Bureau estimates that the museum generates $6 million to $7 million 
annually in revenue to the community.
  So what is the problem, and why do we need this legislation? Since 
its inception, the United States Department of Energy has funded the 
museum, but DOE will phase out Federal funding for the operation of the 
museum at the end of this fiscal year.
  The purpose of this bill is to allow the museum to accept and use 
donations, fees, and gifts to offset the costs of operating the 
facility. Under current law, the funds raised by the foundation board 
would have to be returned to the Treasury and not be captured for the 
operations of the museum. Similar legislation was passed in 1992 and 
1993 in the DOD authorization bill pertaining to the National Atomic 
Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico that the DOE operates.
  Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that this museum bill is now attached to 
a much larger bill that might be controversial. But I do support title 
II, but this was not my desired path of consideration. I would have 
preferred a clean bill; but if this is the only way to pass this bill, 
then I support the language and the passage of the bill.

[[Page 24016]]

  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that H.R. 4940, unamended, would go through 
the Senate and on to the President for his signature; but today I urge 
the House to adopt H.R. 4940, as amended, and hope that by the end of 
this Congress the House and the Senate will agree and move this 
legislation to the President for signage.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon).
  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4940 and urge its 
passage. This designation recognizes the importance and continuing role 
of Oak Ridge, Tennessee in advancing knowledge. The museum will be a 
resource for explaining science to students and making the American 
public aware of how research affects our everyday lives. Mr. Speaker, 
let me especially commend the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp) for 
his tireless effort and hard work in bringing this designation one step 
closer to reality. The gentleman has taken on this project with two 
hands in his normal energetic way, and he certainly should be 
complimented.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin 
(Chairman Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the 
ranking member, for their assistance in bringing this bill to the 
floor. I urge passage of H.R. 4940.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of 
H.R. 4940 and will address my comments to title II, the Networking and 
Information Technology Research and Development Act. Title II 
authorizes a major new research investment in information technology, 
which is very important to the Nation's future well-being. Action by 
Congress to authorize this initiative really should not be delayed.
  Information technology is a major driver of economic growth. It 
creates high-wage jobs, provides for the rapid communication throughout 
the world, and provides the tools for acquiring knowledge and insight 
from information. Advances in computing and communications will make 
the workplace more productive and improve the quality of health care 
and make government more responsive and accessible to the needs of our 
citizens.
  Mr. Speaker, vigorous long-term research is essential for realizing 
the potential of information technology. The technical advances that 
led to today's computers and Internet evolved from passed Federally 
sponsored research, in partnership with industry and universities.
  The research authorized by H.R. 4940 will ensure that the store of 
basic knowledge is replenished and, thereby, enable the development of 
future generations of technology products and services.
  This legislation has received the bipartisan cosponsorship of many 
Members, and I would like to acknowledge the collegial manner in which 
title II of the bill was developed by the Committee on Science. I want 
to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner), the 
chairman, and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall), the ranking 
Democratic member, for their persistent efforts to move this measure 
towards final passage.
  Title II of the bill will establish a multiagency research initiative 
that responds to the recent findings and recommendations of the 
President's Information Technology Advisory Committee. This committee, 
which was established through statute, is composed of distinguished 
representatives from computer and communications companies and from 
academia. It reached its conclusions following a comprehensive 
assessment of current Federally funded information technology research.
  Mr. Speaker, the President's Advisory Committee found that Federal 
funding for information technology research has tilted too much towards 
support for near-term, mission-focus objectives.

                              {time}  1500

  They discovered a growing gap between the power of high-performance 
computers available to support agency mission requirements versus 
support for the general academic research community. They identified 
the need for socioeconomic research on the impact on society of the 
rapid evolution of information technology, and they judged that the 
annual Federal research investment is inadequate by more than $1 
billion.
  The bill before us addresses each of the deficiencies identified by 
the advisory committee and will effectively implement its 
recommendations. I am particularly pleased by the inclusion of a 
provision I offered to the committee to explicitly authorize research 
to identify, understand, anticipate, and address the potential social 
and economic costs and benefits from the increasing pace of information 
technology based transformations.
  In addition to support for research, title II will also contribute to 
providing the highly trained workers needed by the information 
industries. The human resource pool would be expanded through two 
principal mechanisms. First, as a part of their training, graduate 
students will participate in most of the individual research projects 
authorized. Secondly, special provision is made for the student 
internships in industry to help recruit individuals for careers in 
information-based companies. I sponsored a provision that opened such 
internships to students participating in the Louis Stokes Alliance for 
Minority Participation program administered by the National Science 
Foundation.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Networking and Information Technology 
Research and Development Act is an important investment in the future 
prosperity of this Nation and in the well-being of our fellow citizens. 
I recommend the measure to my colleagues and ask for full support of 
its passage.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong 
support for the passage of the Networking and Information Technology 
Research and Development Act, as included in title II of H.R. 4940, 
legislation which designates the museum operated by the Secretary of 
Energy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the American Museum of Science and 
Energy. As an original sponsor of the Networking and IT Research and 
Development Act, I want to congratulate my colleague Chairman 
Sensenbrenner of the House Science Committee for his diligent and 
persistent efforts in achieving passage of this legislation. Let me 
also lend my thanks to Congressman Wamp, the chief sponsor of H.R. 
4940, for facilitating passage with his measure of this important 
technology basic research bill.
  The Networking and IT Research and Development Act recognizes the 
central role that information technology now plays in the U.S. economy, 
our education system, and our culture. From the growth of the Internet 
to our exports of computer hardware, software, and services, the IT 
sector has secured the United States' position as the worldwide 
dominant force in the Information Technology Revolution. The U.S. high 
tech industry employed 5 million people in 1999, a 32% increase over a 
6-year period, and the industry employed nearly 5 percent of the U.S. 
private sector workforce in 1999. And this growth is being felt 
everywhere as high tech employment grew in every state between 1997 and 
1998.
  This tremendous growth and productivity is a result of the 
innovations and new ideas that flow from private sector short-term R&D 
efforts for targeted product and services. However, research and 
development in long-term, basic, and high-risk research now lags as the 
competitiveness of the industry necessarily drives companies to focus 
on faster returns on their research investments. It is in this role 
that the Federal Government has a crucial role to play if we are to 
sustain our Nation's long-term ability to compete in the IT industry 
and generate the continued growth of our economy.
  For these reasons, the Networking and IT Research and Development Act 
implements this fundamental federal investment in IT by authorizing 
appropriations for 5 years for long-term basic research for networking 
and information technology. This legislation provides a total of $7.4 
billion--nearly double the current amount--for IT funding for High-
Performance Computing and Communications, Next Generation Internet, and 
new IT research programs at the National Science Foundation, the 
Department of Energy, National Aeronautic

[[Page 24017]]

and Space Administration, the National Institute for Standards and 
Technology, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and 
the Environmental Protection Agency.
  The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development 
Act passed he House unanimously in February and is now being included 
in H.R. 4940 with some additions requested by the Senate. It is 
supported by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Software 
Alliance, TechNet, the Information Technology Association of America, 
and the Council of Scientific Society Presidents. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support H.R. 4940 and ensure America's role as the global 
leader in high-end computing and technological innovation.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hansen). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4940, as amended.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground 
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum 
is not present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________