[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Pages 29416-29429]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        21ST CENTURY NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of calendar No. 280, S. 189.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 189) to authorize appropriations for 
     nanoscience, nanoengineering, and nanotechnology research, 
     and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill, 
which had been reported from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, with an amendment to strike all after the enacting 
clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
  [Strike the part shown in black brackets and insert the part shown in 
italic.]

                                 S. 189

       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 ``21st Century Nanotechnology 
     Research and Development Act''.

     [SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       [The Congress makes the following findings:
       [(1) The emerging fields of nanoscience and nanoengineering 
     (collectively, ``nanotechnology''), in which matter is 
     manipulated at the atomic level (i.e., atom-by- atom or 
     molecule-by-molecule) in order to build materials, machines, 
     and devices with novel properties or functions, are leading 
     to unprecedented scientific and technological opportunities 
     that will benefit society by changing the way many things are 
     designed and made.
       [(2) Long-term nanoscale research and development leading 
     to potential breakthroughs in areas such as materials and 
     manufacturing, electronics, medicine and healthcare, 
     environment, energy, chemicals, biotechnology, agriculture, 
     information technology, and national security could be as 
     significant as the combined influences of microelectronics, 
     biotechnology, and information technology on the 20th 
     century. Nanotechnology could lead to things such as--
       [(A) new generations of electronics where the entire 
     collection of the Library of Congress is stored on devices 
     the size of a sugar cube;

[[Page 29417]]

       [(B) manufacturing that requires less material, pollutes 
     less, and is embedded with sophisticated sensors that will 
     internally detect signs of weakness and automatically respond 
     by releasing chemicals that will prevent damage;
       [(C) prosthetic and medical implants whose surfaces are 
     molecularly designed to interact with the cells of the body;
       [(D) materials with an unprecedented combination of 
     strength, toughness, and lightness that will enable land, 
     sea, air, and space vehicles to become lighter and more fuel 
     efficient;
       [(E) selective membranes that can fish out specific toxic 
     or valuable particles from industrial waste or that can 
     inexpensively desalinate sea water; and
       [(F) tiny robotic spacecraft that will cost less, consume 
     very little power, adapt to unexpected environments, change 
     its capabilities as needed, and be completely autonomous.
       [(3) Long-term, high-risk research is necessary to create 
     breakthroughs in technology. Such research requires 
     government funding since the benefits are too distant or 
     uncertain for industry alone to support. Current Federal 
     investments in nanotechnology research and development are 
     not grounded in any specifically authorized statutory 
     foundation. As a result, there is a risk that future funding 
     for long-term, innovative research will be tentative and 
     subject to instability which could threaten to hinder future 
     United States technological and economic growth.
       [(4) The Federal government can play an important role in 
     the development of nanotechnology, as this science is still 
     in its infancy, and it will take many years of sustained 
     investment for this field to achieve maturity.
       [(5) Many foreign countries, companies and scientists 
     believe that nanotechnology will be the leading technology of 
     the 21st century and are investing heavily into its research. 
     According to a study of international nanotechnology research 
     efforts sponsored by the National Science and Technology 
     Council, the United States is at risk of falling behind its 
     international competitors, including Japan, South Korea, and 
     Europe if it fails to sustain broad based funding in 
     nanotechnology. The United States cannot afford to fall 
     behind our competitors if we want to maintain our economic 
     strength.
       [(6) Advances in nanotechnology stemming from Federal 
     investments in fundamental research and subsequent private 
     sector development likely will create technologies that 
     support the work and improve the efficiency of the Federal 
     government, and contribute significantly to the efforts of 
     the government's mission agencies.
       [(7) According to various estimates, including those of the 
     National Science Foundation, the market for nanotech products 
     and services in the United States alone could reach over $1 
     trillion later this century.
       [(8) Nanotechnology will evolve from modern advances in 
     chemical, physical, biological, engineering, medical, and 
     materials research, and will contribute to cross-disciplinary 
     training of the 21st century science and technology 
     workforce.
       [(9) Mastering nanotechnology will require a unique skill 
     set for scientists and engineers that combine chemistry, 
     physics, material science, and information science. Funding 
     in these critical areas has been flat for many years and as a 
     result fewer young people are electing to go into these areas 
     in graduate schools throughout the United States. This will 
     have to reverse if we hope to develop the next generation of 
     skilled workers with multi-disciplinary perspectives 
     necessary for the development of nanotechnology.
       [(10) Research on nanotechnology creates unprecedented 
     capabilities to alter ourselves and our environment and will 
     give rise to a host of novel social, ethical, philosophical, 
     and legal issues. To appropriately address these issues will 
     require wide reflection and guidance that are responsive to 
     the realities of the science, as well as additional research 
     to predict, understand, and alleviate anticipated problems.
       [(11) Nanotechnology will provide structures to enable the 
     revolutionary concept of quantum computing, which uses 
     quantum mechanical properties to do calculation. Quantum 
     computing permits a small number of atoms to potentially 
     store and process enormous amounts of information. Just 300 
     interacting atoms in a quantum computer could store as much 
     information as a classical electronic computer that uses all 
     the particles in the universe, and today's complex encryption 
     algorithms, which would take today's best super computer 20 
     billion years, could be cracked in 30 minutes.
       [(12) The Executive Branch has previously established a 
     National Nanotechnology Initiative to coordinate Federal 
     nanotechnology research and development programs. This 
     initiative has contributed significantly to the development 
     of nanotechnology. Authorizing legislation can serve to 
     establish new technology goals and research directions, 
     improve agency coordination and oversight mechanisms, help 
     ensure optimal returns to investment, and simplify reporting, 
     budgeting, and planning processes for the Executive Branch 
     and the Congress.
       [(13) The private sector technology innovations that grow 
     from fundamental nanotechnology research are dependent on a 
     haphazard, expensive, and generally inefficient technology 
     transition path. Strategies for accelerating the transition 
     of fundamental knowledge and innovations in commercial 
     products or to support mission agencies should be explored, 
     developed, and when appropriate, executed.
       [(14) Existing data on the societal, ethical, educational, 
     legal, and workforce implications and issues related to 
     nanotechnology are lacking. To help decision-makers and 
     affected parties better anticipate issues likely to arise 
     with the onset and maturation of nanotechnology, research and 
     studies on these issues must be conducted and disseminated.
       [(15) Many States and regions have begun nanotechnology 
     programs. These programs have developed expertise, 
     particularly with regard to providing infrastructure and 
     preparing the nanotechnology workforce. The Federal 
     nanotechnology program should leverage these existing State 
     and local institutions to best provide a coordinated and 
     comprehensive nanotechnology research portfolio.
       [(16) In ``Small Wonders, Endless Frontiers'' the National 
     Academy of Sciences' National Research Council recommends 
     increased investment in nanotechnology, particularly at the 
     intersection of nanotechnology and biology. Such investments 
     will allow significant advancements in biotechnology and 
     medicine.

     [SEC. 3. PURPOSE.

       [It is the purpose of this Act to authorize a coordinated 
     inter-agency program that will support long-term nanoscale 
     research and development leading to potential breakthroughs 
     in areas such as materials and manufacturing, 
     nanoelectronics, medicine and healthcare, environment, 
     energy, chemicals, biotechnology, agriculture, information 
     technology, and national and homeland security.

     [SEC. 4. NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       [(a) National Nanotechnology Research Program.--The 
     President shall establish a National Nanotechnology Research 
     Program. Through appropriate agencies, councils, and the 
     National Coordination Office, the program shall--
       [(1) establish the goals, priorities, grand challenges, and 
     metrics for evaluation for Federal nanotechnology research, 
     development, and other activities;
       [(2) invest in Federal research and development programs in 
     nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; 
     and
       [(3) provide for interagency coordination of Federal 
     nanotechnology research, development, and other activities 
     undertaken pursuant to the program.
       [(b) Goals of the National Nanotechnology Research 
     Program.--The goals of the program are as follows:
       [(1) The coordination of long-term fundamental nanoscience 
     and engineering research to build a fundamental understanding 
     of matter enabling control and manipulation at the nanoscale.
       [(2) The assurance of continued United States global 
     leadership in nanotechnology to meet national goals and to 
     support national economic, health, national security, 
     educational, and scientific interests.
       [(3) The advancement of United States productivity and 
     industrial competitiveness through stable, consistent, and 
     coordinated investments in long-term scientific and 
     engineering research in nanotechnology.
       [(4) The development of a network of shared academic 
     facilities and technology centers, including State supported 
     centers, that will play a critical role in accomplishing the 
     other goals of the program, foster partnerships, and develop 
     and utilize next generation scientific tools.
       [(5) The development of enabling infrastructural 
     technologies that United States industry can use to 
     commercialize new discoveries and innovations in nanoscience.
       [(6) The acceleration of the deployment and transition of 
     advanced and experimental nanotechnology and concepts into 
     the private sector.
       [(7) The establishment of a program designed to provide 
     effective education and training for the next generation of 
     researchers and professionals skilled in the 
     multidisciplinary perspectives necessary for nanotechnology.
       [(8) To ensure that philosophical, ethical, and other 
     societal concerns will be considered alongside the 
     development of nanotechnology.
       [(c) Research and Development Areas.--Through its 
     participating agencies, the National Nanotechnology Research 
     Program shall develop, fund, and manage Federal research 
     programs in the following areas:
       [(1) Long-term fundamental research.--The program shall 
     undertake long-term basic nanoscience and engineering 
     research that focuses on fundamental understanding and 
     synthesis of nanometer-size building blocks with potential 
     for breakthroughs in areas such as materials and 
     manufacturing, nanoelectronics, medicine and healthcare,

[[Page 29418]]

     environment, energy, chemical and pharmaceuticals industries, 
     biotechnology and agriculture, computation and information 
     technology, and national security. Funds made available from 
     the appropriate agencies under this paragraph shall be used--
       [(A) to provide awards of less than $1,000,000 each to 
     single investigators and small groups to provide sustained 
     support to individual investigators and small groups 
     conducting fundamental, innovative research; and
       [(B) to fund fundamental research and the development of 
     university-industry-laboratory and interagency (including 
     State-led) partnerships.
       [(2) Grand challenges.--The program shall support grand 
     challenges that are essential for the advancement of the 
     field and interdisciplinary research and education teams, 
     including multidisciplinary nanotechnology research centers, 
     that work on major long-term objectives. This funding area 
     will fund, through participating agencies, interdisciplinary 
     research and education teams that aim to achieve major, long-
     term objectives, such as the following:
       [(A) Nanomaterials by design which are stronger, lighter, 
     harder, self-repairing, and safer.
       [(B) Nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and magnetics.
       [(C) Healthcare applications.
       [(D) Nanoscale processes and environment.
       [(E) Energy and energy conservation.
       [(F) Microspacecraft.
       [(G) Bio-nanodevices for detection and mitigation of 
     biothreats to humans.
       [(H) Economical, efficient, and safe transportation.
       [(I) National and homeland security.
       [(J) Other appropriate challenges.
       [(3) Interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers.--
     The Program, through the appropriate agencies, shall fund, on 
     a competitive merit reviewed basis, research centers in the 
     range of $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 per year each for 5 years. 
     A grant under this paragraph to a center may be renewed for 1 
     5-year term on the basis of that center's performance, 
     determined after a review. The program, through its 
     participating agencies, shall encourage research networking 
     among centers and researchers and require access to 
     facilities to both academia and industry. The centers shall 
     assist in reaching other initiative priorities, including 
     fundamental research, grand challenges, education, 
     development and utilization of specific research tools, and 
     promoting partnerships with industry. To the greatest extent 
     possible, agencies participating in the program shall 
     establish geographically diverse centers including at least 
     one center in a State participating in the National Science 
     Foundation's (NSF) Experimental Program, to Stimulate 
     Competitive Research (EPSCoR), established under section 113 
     of the NSF Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862(g)) and 
     shall encourage the participation of minority serving 
     institutions at these centers.
       [(4) Research infrastructure.--The program, through its 
     participating agencies, shall ensure adequate research 
     infrastructure and equipment for rapid progress on program 
     goals, including the employment of underutilized 
     manufacturing facilities in areas of high unemployment as 
     production engineering and research testbeds for micron-scale 
     technologies. Major research equipment and instrumentation 
     shall be an eligible funding purpose under the program.
       [(5) Societal, ethical, educational, legal, and workforce 
     issues related to nanotechnology.--The Director of the 
     National Science Foundation shall establish a new Center for 
     Societal, Ethical, Educational, Legal, and Workforce Issues 
     Related to Nanotechnology at $5,000,000 per year to 
     encourage, conduct, coordinate, commission, collect, and 
     disseminate research on the societal, ethical, educational, 
     legal, and workforce issues related to nanotechnology. The 
     Center shall also conduct studies and provide input and 
     assistance to the Director of the National Science Foundation 
     in completing the annual report required under paragraph 
     7(b)(3) of this Act.
       [(6) Transition of technology.--The program, through its 
     participating agencies, shall ensure cooperation and 
     collaboration with United States industry in all relevant 
     research efforts and develop mechanisms to assure prompt 
     technology transition.
       [(7) Gap funding.--The program shall address research areas 
     identified by the Council under section 5(a)(9) of this Act 
     through a program of competitive grants to be awarded in such 
     areas by the Director of the National Science Foundation 
     using the Foundation's funds and any funds contributed to the 
     Foundation by other participating agencies for this purpose. 
     Such grants may be made to government or non-government 
     awardees. Where appropriate, such grants may encourage 
     interagency partnerships or leverage the expertise of State-
     supported nanotechnology programs.

     [SEC. 5. PROGRAM COORDINATION AND MANAGEMENT.

       [(a) In General.--The National Science and Technology 
     Council shall oversee the planning, management, and 
     coordination of the Federal nanotechnology research and 
     development program. The Council, itself or through an 
     appropriate subgroup it designates or establishes, shall--
       [(1) establish a set of broad applications of 
     nanotechnology research and development, or grand challenges, 
     to be met by the results and activities of the program, based 
     on national needs;
       [(2) submit to the Congress through the Senate Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science, an annual report, along 
     with the President's annual budget request, describing the 
     implementation of the program under section 4;
       [(3) provide for interagency coordination of the program, 
     including with the Department of Defense;
       [(4) coordinate the budget requests of each of the agencies 
     involved in the program with the Office of Management and 
     Budget to ensure that a balanced research portfolio is 
     maintained in order to ensure the appropriate level of 
     research effort;
       [(5) provide guidance each year to the participating 
     departments and agencies concerning the preparation of 
     appropriations requests for activities related to the 
     program;
       [(6) consult with academic, industry, State and local 
     government (including State and regional nanotechnology 
     programs), and other appropriate groups conducting research 
     on and using nanotechnology;
       [(7) establish an Information Services and Applications 
     Council to promote access to and early application of the 
     technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from 
     nanotechnology research and development program activities to 
     agency missions and systems across the Federal government, 
     and to United States industry;
       [(8) in cooperation with the Advisory Panel established 
     under subsection (b), develop and apply measurements using 
     appropriate metrics for evaluating program performance and 
     progress toward goals; and
       [(9) identify research areas which are not being adequately 
     addressed by the agencies' current research programs.
       [(b) President's Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.--
       [(1) Establishment.--The President shall establish a 
     National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.
       [(2) Selection procedures.--The President shall establish 
     procedures for the selection of individuals not employed by 
     the Federal government who are qualified in the science of 
     nanotechnology and other appropriate fields and may, pursuant 
     to such procedures, select up to 20 individuals, one of whom 
     shall be designated Chairman, to serve on the Advisory Panel. 
     Selection of individuals for the Advisory Panel shall be 
     based solely on established records of distinguished 
     fundamental and applied scientific service, and the panel 
     shall contain a reasonable cross-section of views and 
     expertise, including those regarding the societal, ethical, 
     educational, legal, and workforce issues related to 
     nanotechnology. In selecting individuals to serve on the 
     Advisory Panel, the President shall seek and give due 
     consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, 
     the scientific community (including the National Academy of 
     Sciences), scientific professional societies, academia, the 
     defense community, the education community, State and local 
     governments, and other appropriate organizations.
       [(3) Meetings.--The Advisory Panel shall meet no less than 
     twice annually, at such times and places as may be designated 
     by the Chairman in consultation with the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office established under 
     subsection 5(c) of this Act.
       [(4) Duties.--The Advisory Panel shall advise the President 
     and the National Science and Technology Council, and inform 
     the Congress, on matters relating to the National 
     Nanotechnology Program, including goals, roles, and 
     objectives within the program, its capabilities and research 
     needs, guidance on achieving major objectives, and 
     establishing and measuring performance goals using 
     appropriate metrics. The Advisory Panel shall issue an annual 
     report, containing the information required by subsection (d) 
     of this section, to the President, the Council, the heads of 
     each agency involved in the program, the Senate Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science, on or before September 
     30 of each year.
       [(c) National Nanotechnology Coordination Office.--The 
     President shall establish a National Nanotechnology 
     Coordination Office, with full-time staff, to provide day-to-
     day technical and administrative support to the Council and 
     the Advisory Panel, and to be the point of contact on Federal 
     nanotechnology activities for government organizations, 
     academia, industry, professional societies, State 
     nanotechnology programs, and others to exchange technical and 
     programmatic information. The Office shall promote full 
     coordination of research efforts between agencies, scientific 
     disciplines, and United States industry.
       [(d) Program Plans and Reports.--
       [(1) Annual evaluation of nanotechnology research 
     development program.--The report by the Advisory Panel, 
     required pursuant to subsection (b)(4), shall include--
       [(A) a review of the program's technical success in 
     achieving the stated goals and grand challenges according to 
     the metrics

[[Page 29419]]

     established by the program and Advisory Panel;
       [(B) a review of the program's management and coordination;
       [(C) a review of the funding levels by each agency for the 
     program's activities and their ability to achieve the 
     program's stated goals and grand challenges;
       [(D) a review of the balance in the program's portfolio and 
     components across agencies and disciplines;
       [(E) an assessment of the degree of participation in the 
     program by minority serving institutions and institutions 
     located in States participating in NSF's EPSCoR program;
       [(F) a review of policy issues resulting from advancements 
     in nanotechnology and its effects on the scientific 
     enterprise, commerce, workforce, competitiveness, national 
     security, medicine, and government operations;
       [(G) recommendations for new program goals and grand 
     challenges;
       [(H) recommendations for new research areas, partnerships, 
     coordination and management mechanisms, or programs to be 
     established to achieve the program's stated goals and grand 
     challenges;
       [(I) recommendations for new investments by each 
     participating agency in each program funding area for the 5-
     year period following the delivery of the report;
       [(J) reviews and recommendations regarding other issues 
     deemed pertinent or specified by the panel; and
       [(K) a technology transition study which includes an 
     evaluation of the Federal nanotechnology research and 
     development program's success in transitioning its research, 
     technologies, and concepts into commercial and military 
     products, including--
       [(i) examples of successful transition of research, 
     technologies, and concepts from the Federal nanotechnology 
     research and development program into commercial and military 
     products;
       [(ii) best practices of universities, government, and 
     industry in promoting efficient and rapid technology 
     transition in the nanotechnology sector;
       [(iii) barriers to efficient technology transition in the 
     nanotechnology sector, including, but not limited to, 
     standards, pace of technological change, qualification and 
     testing of research products, intellectual property issues, 
     and Federal funding; and
       [(iv) recommendations for government sponsored activities 
     to promote rapid technology transition in the nanotechnology 
     sector.
       [(2) Office of management and budget review.--
       [(A) Budget request review.--Each Federal agency and 
     department participating in the program shall, as part of its 
     annual request for appropriations, submit information to the 
     Office of Management and Budget including--
       [(i) each element of its nanotechnology research and 
     development activities that contributes directly to the 
     program or benefits from the program;
       [(ii) the portion of its request for appropriations that is 
     allocated to each such element; and
       [(iii) the portion of its request for appropriations that 
     is allocated to each program funding area.
       [(B) OMB review and allocation statement.--The Office of 
     Management and Budget shall review the information provided 
     under subparagraph (A) in light of the goals, priorities, 
     grand challenges, and agency and departmental 
     responsibilities set forth in the annual report of the 
     Council under paragraph (3), and shall include in the 
     President's annual budget estimate, a statement delineating 
     the amount and portion of each appropriate agency's or 
     department's annual budget estimate relating to its 
     activities undertaken pursuant to the program.
       [(3) Annual nstc report to congress on the nanotechnology 
     research development program.--The National Science and 
     Technology Council shall submit an annual report to the 
     Congress that--
       [(A) includes a detailed description of the goals, grand 
     challenges, and program funding areas established by the 
     President for the program;
       [(B) sets forth the relevant programs and activities, for 
     the fiscal year with respect to which the budget submission 
     applies, of each Federal agency and department, participating 
     in the program, as well as such other agencies and 
     departments as the President or the Director considers 
     appropriate;
       [(C) describes the levels of Federal funding for the fiscal 
     year during which such report is submitted, and the levels 
     proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the budget 
     submission applies, for each of the program funding areas of 
     the program;
       [(D) describes the levels of Federal funding for each 
     agency and department participating in the program and each 
     program funding area for the fiscal year during which such 
     report is submitted, and the levels proposed for the fiscal 
     year with respect to which the budget submission applies, and 
     compare these levels to the most recent recommendations of 
     the Advisory Panel and the external review of the program;
       [(E) describes coordination and partnership activities with 
     State, local, international, and private sector efforts in 
     nanotechnology research and development, and how they support 
     the goals of the program;
       [(F) describes mechanisms and efforts used by the program 
     to assist in the transition of innovative concepts and 
     technologies from Federally funded programs into the 
     commercial sector, and successes in these transition 
     activities;
       [(G) describes coordination between the military and 
     civilian portions, as well as the life science and non-life 
     science portions, of the program in technology development, 
     supporting the goals of the program, and supporting the 
     mission needs of the departments and agencies involved;
       [(H) analyzes the progress made toward achieving the goals, 
     priorities, and grand challenges designated for the program 
     according to the metrics established by the program and the 
     Advisory Panel; and
       [(I) recommends new mechanisms of coordination, program 
     funding areas, partnerships, or activities necessary to 
     achieve the goals, priorities, and grand challenges 
     established for the program.
       [(4) Triennial external review of nanotechnology research 
     and development program.--
       [(A) In general.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall enter into an arrangement with the National 
     Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to 
     conduct a triennial evaluation of the Federal nanotechnology 
     research and development program, including--
       [(i) a review of the technical success of the program in 
     achieving the stated goals and grand challenges under the 
     metrics established by the program and the nanotechnology 
     Advisory Panel, and under other appropriate measurements;
       [(ii) a review of the program's management and coordination 
     across agencies and disciplines;
       [(iii) a review of the funding levels by each agency for 
     the program's activities and their ability with such funding 
     to achieve the program's stated goals and grand challenges;
       [(iv) recommendations for new or revised program goals and 
     grand challenges;
       [(v) recommendations for new research areas, partnerships, 
     coordination and management mechanisms, or programs to be 
     established to achieve the program's stated goals and grand 
     challenges;
       [(vi) recommendations for investment levels in light of 
     goals by each participating agency in each program funding 
     area for the 5-year period following the delivery of the 
     report;
       [(vii) recommendations on policy, program, and budget 
     changes with respect to nanotechnology research and 
     development activities;
       [(viii) recommendations for improved metrics to evaluate 
     the success of the program in accomplishing its stated goals;
       [(ix) a review of the performance of the Information 
     Services and Applications Council and its efforts to promote 
     access to and early application of the technologies, 
     innovations, and expertise derived from program activities to 
     agency missions and systems across the Federal government and 
     to United States industry; and
       [(x) an analysis of the relative position of the United 
     States compared to other nations with respect to 
     nanotechnology research and development, including the 
     identification of any critical research areas where the 
     United States should be the world leader to best achieve the 
     goals of the program.
       [(B) Evaluation to be transmitted to congress.--The 
     Director of the National Science Foundation shall transmit 
     the results of any evaluation for which it made arrangements 
     under subparagraph (A) to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Science upon receipt. The first such evaluation 
     shall be transmitted no later than June 10, 2005, with 
     subsequent evaluations transmitted to the Committees every 3 
     years thereafter.

     [SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       [(a) National Science Foundation.--
       [(1) General authorization.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation to carry out the Director's responsibilities under 
     this Act $346,150,000 for fiscal year 2004.
       [(2) Specific allocations.--
       [(A) Interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers.--Of 
     the amounts described in paragraph (1), $50,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004, shall be available for grants of up to 
     $5,000,000 each for multidisciplinary nanotechnology research 
     centers.
       [(B) Center for societal, ethical, educational, legal, and 
     workforce issues related to nanotechnology.--Of the sums 
     authorized for the National Science Foundation each fiscal 
     year, $5,000,000 shall be used to establish a university-
     based Center for Societal, Ethical, Educational, Legal, and 
     Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology.
       [(C) National nanotechnology coordination office.--Of the 
     sums authorized for the National Science Foundation each 
     fiscal year, $5,000,000 shall be used for the activities of 
     the Nanotechnology Coordination Office.
       [(D) Gap funding.--Of the sums authorized for the National 
     Science Foundation each

[[Page 29420]]

     fiscal year, $5,000,000 shall be for use in competitive 
     grants as described in section 4(c)(7) of this Act.
       [(b) Department of Energy.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out the 
     Secretary's responsibilities under this Act $160,195,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004.
       [(c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out 
     the Administrator's responsibilities under this Act 
     $58,650,000 for fiscal year 2004.
       [(d) National Institutes of Health.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Director of the National Institutes 
     to carry out the Director's responsibilities under this Act 
     $49,680,000 for fiscal year 2004.
       [(e) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out 
     the Director's responsibilities under this Act $50,600,000 
     for fiscal year 2004.
       [(f) Environmental Protection Agency.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency to carry out the Administrator's 
     responsibilities under this Act $5,750,000 for fiscal year 
     2004.
       [(g) Department of Justice.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Director of the National Institute of 
     Justice to carry out the Director's responsibilities under 
     this Act $1,610,000 for fiscal year 2004.
       [(h) Department of Transportation.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation to carry 
     out the Secretary's responsibilities under this Act 
     $2,300,000 for fiscal year 2004.
       [(i) Department of Agriculture.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the 
     Secretary's responsibilities under this Act $2,870,000 for 
     fiscal year 2004.

     [SEC. 7. SOCIETAL, ETHICAL, EDUCATIONAL, LEGAL, AND WORKFORCE 
                   ISSUES RELATED TO NANOTECHNOLOGY.

       [(a) Studies.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall encourage, conduct, coordinate, commission, 
     collect, and disseminate studies on the societal, ethical, 
     educational, and workforce implications of nanotechnology 
     through the Center for Societal, Ethical, Educational, Legal, 
     and Workforce Issues established under section 4(c)(5). The 
     studies shall identify anticipated issues and problems, as 
     well as provide recommendations for preventing or addressing 
     such issues and problems.
       [(b) Data Collection.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall collect data on the size of the anticipated 
     nanotechnology workforce need by detailed occupation, 
     industry, and firm characteristics, and assess the adequacy 
     of the trained talent pool in the United States to fill such 
     workforce needs.
       [(c) Annual Report.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall compile the studies required by paragraph 
     (2) and, with the assistance of the Center for Societal, 
     Ethical, Educational, Legal, and Workforce Issues Related to 
     Nanotechnology established under section 4(c)(5) of this Act, 
     shall complete a report that includes a description of the 
     Center's activities, which shall be submitted to the 
     President, the Council, the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation, and the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Science not later than 18 months after the date 
     of enactment of this Act.

     [SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

       [In this Act:
       [(1) Advisory panel.--The term ``Advisory Panel'' means the 
     President's National Nanotechnology Panel.
       [(2) Fundamental research.--The term ``fundamental 
     research'' means research that builds a fundamental 
     understanding and leads to discoveries of the phenomena, 
     processes, and tools necessary to control and manipulate 
     matter at the nanoscale.
       [(3) Grand challenge.--The term ``grand challenge'' means a 
     fundamental problem in science or engineering, with broad 
     economic and scientific impact, whose solution will require 
     the application of nanotechnology.
       [(4) Interdisciplinary nanotechnology research center.--The 
     term ``interdisciplinary nanotechnology research center'' 
     means a group of 6 or more researchers collaborating across 
     scientific and engineering disciplines on large-scale long-
     term research projects that will significantly advance the 
     science supporting the development of nanotechnology or the 
     use of nanotechnology in addressing scientific issues of 
     national importance, consistent with the goals set forth in 
     section 4(b).
       [(5) Nanotechnology.--The term ``nanotechnology'' means the 
     ability to work at the molecular level, atom-by-atom, to 
     create large structures with fundamentally new molecular 
     organization.
       [(6) Program.--The term ``program'' means the national 
     nanotechnology research program established under section 4.
       [(7) Research infrastructure.--The term ``research 
     infrastructure'' means the measurement science, 
     instrumentation, modeling and simulation, and user facilities 
     needed to develop a flexible and enabling infrastructure so 
     that United States industry can rapidly commercialize new 
     discoveries in nanotechnology.]

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Nanotechnology 
     Research and Development Act''.

     SEC. 2. NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) National Nanotechnology Program.--The President shall 
     implement a National Nanotechnology Program. Through 
     appropriate agencies, councils, and the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office established in subsection 
     (d), the Program shall--
       (1) Establish the goals, priorities, grand challenges, and 
     metrics for evaluation for Federal nanotechnology research, 
     development, and other activities;
       (2) Invest in Federal research and development programs in 
     nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; 
     and
       (3) Provide for interagency coordination of Federal 
     nanotechnology research, development, and other activities 
     undertaken pursuant to the Program.
       (b) Goals.--The goals of the National Nanotechnology 
     Program shall include:
       (1) Developing a fundamental understanding of matter that 
     enables control and manipulation at the nanoscale.
       (2) Ensuring United States global leadership in the 
     development and application of nanotechnology.
       (3) Advancing the United States productivity and industrial 
     competitiveness through stable, consistent, and coordinated 
     investments in long-term scientific and engineering research 
     in nanotechnology.
       (4) Developing a network of shared facilities and centers 
     to foster partnerships among researchers in nanotechnology.
       (5) Accelerating the deployment and application in the 
     private sector, including startup companies, of nanoscale-
     related research and development.
       (6) Providing effective education and training for 
     researchers and professionals skilled in the 
     multidisciplinary perspectives necessary for nanotechnology 
     so that a true interdisciplinary research culture for 
     nanoscale science, engineering, and technology can emerge.
       (7) Ensuring that ethical, legal, environmental, and other 
     appropriate societal concerns are considered during the 
     development of nanotechnology, including safer sustainable 
     nanoscience products and processing.
       (c) Program Management.--The National Science and 
     Technology Council shall oversee the planning, management, 
     and coordination of the National Nanotechnology Program. The 
     Council, itself or through an appropriate subgroup it 
     designates or establishes, shall--
       (1) establish a set of broad applications of nanotechnology 
     research and development, or grand challenges, to be met by 
     the results and activities of the Program, based on national 
     needs;
       (2) provide for interagency coordination of the Program, 
     including with the activities of the Defense Nanotechnology 
     Research and Development Program established under section 
     246 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314);
       (3) develop, within 12 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, and update every 4 years thereafter, a strategic 
     plan to meet the goals and priorities established under 
     subsection (b) and to guide the activities and anticipated 
     outcomes of the participating agencies, including a 
     description of how the Program will move results out of the 
     laboratory and into application for the benefit of society, 
     support for long-term funding for multidisciplinary research 
     and development in technology, and dedication of funding for 
     interagency nanotechnology projects;
       (4) coordinate the budget requests of each of the agencies 
     involved in the Program with the Office of Management and 
     Budget to ensure that a balanced nanotechnology research 
     portfolio is maintained in order to ensure the appropriate 
     level of research effort;
       (5) exchange information with academic, industry, State and 
     local government (including State and regional nanotechnology 
     programs), and other appropriate groups conducting research 
     on and using nanotechnology;
       (6) develop a plan to utilize Federal programs, such as the 
     Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small 
     Business Technology Transfer Research Program, in support of 
     the goal stated in subsection (b)(5);
       (7) identify research areas that are not being adequately 
     addressed by the agencies' current research programs;
       (8) encourage progress on Program goals through the 
     utilization of existing manufacturing facilities and 
     industrial infrastructures such as, but not limited to, the 
     employment of underutilized manufacturing facilities in areas 
     of high unemployment as production engineering and research 
     testbeds; and
       (9) provide for, on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, 
     interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers, which to 
     the greatest extent possible, shall be established in 
     geographically diverse centers including at least one center 
     in a State participating in the National Science Foundation's 
     (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research 
     (EPSCoR), established under section 113 of the NSF 
     Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862(g)) and shall 
     encourage the participation of minority serving institutions 
     at these centers.
       (d) Program Coordination.--The President shall establish a 
     National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, with full-time 
     staff, which shall--

[[Page 29421]]

       (1) provide technical and administrative support to the 
     Council and the Advisory Panel;
       (2) serve as the point of contact on Federal nanotechnology 
     activities for government organizations, academia, industry, 
     professional societies, State nanotechnology programs, 
     interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical 
     and programmatic information;
       (3) conduct public outreach, including dissemination of 
     findings and recommendations of the Advisory Panel, as 
     appropriate; and
       (4) establish an office to promote access to and early 
     application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise 
     derived from Program activities to agency missions and 
     systems across the Federal Government, and to United States 
     industry, including startup companies.
       (e) Annual Report.--The Council shall prepare an annual 
     report, to be submitted to the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Science and the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation at the time of the President's 
     budget request to Congress, that includes--
       (1) the Program budget, for the current fiscal year, for 
     each agency that participates in the Program, including a 
     breakout of spending for the development and acquisition of 
     research facilities and instrumentation, for each program 
     component area, and for all activities pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(7), which shall be submitted by December 31st of such 
     year;
       (2) the proposed Program budget for the next fiscal year, 
     for each agency that participates in the Program, including a 
     breakout of spending for the development and acquisition of 
     research facilities and instrumentation, for each program 
     component area, and for all activities pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(7);
       (3) an analysis of the progress made toward achieving the 
     goals and priorities established for the Program;
       (4) an analysis of the extent to which the Program has 
     incorporated the recommendations of the Advisory Panel and 
     the Center, established in section 7 of this Act; and
       (5) an assessment of how Federal agencies are implementing 
     the plan described in section (c)(7), and a description of 
     the amount of Small Business Innovative Research and Small 
     Business Technology Transfer Research funds supporting the 
     plan.

     SEC. 3. ADVISORY PANEL.

       (a) In General.--The President shall establish or designate 
     a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.
       (b) Qualifications.--The Panel established or designated by 
     the President under subsection (a) shall consist primarily of 
     individuals who are non-Federal members and shall include 
     representatives of academia and industry. Members of such 
     Panel shall be qualified to provide advice and information on 
     nanotechnology research, development, demonstrations, 
     education, technology transfer, commercial application, or 
     societal and ethical concerns. In selecting or designating an 
     Advisory Panel, the President may also seek and give 
     consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, 
     the scientific community (including the National Academy of 
     Sciences), scientific professional societies, academia, the 
     defense community, State and local governments, regional 
     nanotechnology programs, and other appropriate organizations.
       (c) Duties.--The Panel shall advise the President and the 
     Council on matters relating to the Program, including 
     assessing--
       (1) trends and developments in nano-
     technology science and engineering;
       (2) progress made in implementing the Program;
       (3) the need to revise the Program;
       (4) the balance among the components of the Program, 
     including funding levels for the program component areas;
       (5) whether the Program component areas, priorities, and 
     technical goals developed by the Council are helping to 
     maintain United States leadership in nanotechnology;
       (6) the management, coordination, implementation, and 
     activities of the Program; and
       (7) whether societal, ethical, environmental, and workforce 
     concerns are adequately addressed by the Program.
       (d) Reports.--The Advisory Panel shall report, not less 
     frequently than once every 2 fiscal years, to the President, 
     the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology, 
     and the House of Representatives Committee on Science on its 
     assessments under subsection (c) and its recommendations for 
     ways to improve the Program. The first report under this 
     subsection shall be submitted within 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (e) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal 
     members of the Panel, while attending meetings of the Panel 
     or while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the 
     Panel away from their homes or regular places of business, 
     may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code, for individuals in the Government serving 
     without pay. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 
     prohibit members of the Panel who are officers or employees 
     of the United States from being allowed travel expenses, 
     including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
     existing law.

     SEC. 4. TRIENNIAL EXTERNAL REVIEW OF NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 
                   AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall enter into an arrangement with the National 
     Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to 
     conduct a triennial evaluation of the National Nano-
     technology Program, including--
       (1) a review of the technical success of the Program in 
     achieving the stated goals under the metrics established by 
     the Program and the Advisory Panel, and under other 
     appropriate measurements;
       (2) a review of the Program's management and coordination 
     across agencies and disciplines;
       (3) a review of the funding levels by each agency for the 
     Program's activities and their ability with such funding to 
     achieve the Program's stated goals;
       (4) recommendations for new or revised Program goals;
       (5) recommendations for new research areas, partnerships, 
     coordination and management mechanisms, or programs to be 
     established to achieve the Program's stated goals;
       (6) recommendations for investment levels by each 
     participating agency in each Program funding area for the 5-
     year period following the delivery of the report;
       (7) recommendations on policy, program, and budget changes 
     with respect to nanotechnology research and development 
     activities;
       (8) recommendations for improved metrics to evaluate the 
     success of the Program in accomplishing its stated goals;
       (9) a review of the performance of the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office and its efforts to promote 
     access to and early application of the technologies, 
     innovations, and expertise derived from program activities to 
     agency missions and systems across the Federal Government and 
     to United States industry; and
       (10) an analysis of the relative position of the United 
     States compared to other nations with respect to 
     nanotechnology research and development, including the 
     identification of any critical research areas where the 
     United States should be the world leader to best achieve the 
     goals of the Program.
       (b) Evaluation To Be Transmitted to Congress.--The Director 
     of the National Science Foundation shall transmit the results 
     of any evaluation for which it made arrangements under 
     subsection (a) to the Advisory Panel, the Senate Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science upon receipt. The first 
     such evaluation shall be transmitted no later than June 10, 
     2005, with subsequent evaluations transmitted to the 
     Committees every 3 years thereafter.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) National Science Foundation.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out 
     the Director's responsibilities under this Act--
       (A) $350,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (B) $385,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (C) $424,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (D) $449,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (E) $476,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (2) Specific allocations.--
       (A) Interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers.--Of 
     the amounts authorized by paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, 
     $50,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be available for 
     grants of up to $5,000,000 each for multidisciplinary 
     nanotechnology research centers.
       (B) American nanotechnology preparedness center.--Of the 
     amounts authorized by paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, 
     $5,000,000 shall be used to establish and maintain a 
     university-based American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center.
       (C) National nanotechnology coordination office.-- Of the 
     sums authorized by paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, 
     $5,000,000 shall be used for the activities of the 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office.
       (D) Manufacturing technologies for nanomaterials.--Of the 
     sums authorized by paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, 
     $5,000,000 shall be used for the activities of the Center for 
     Nanomaterials Manufacturing.
       (b) Department of Energy.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     the Secretary of Energy to carry out the Secretary's 
     responsibilities under this Act--
       (A) $265,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (B) $292,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (C) $321,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (D) $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (E) $360,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (2) Allocation.--Of the sums authorized by paragraph (1) 
     for each fiscal year, $25,000,000 shall be used on a merit-
     reviewed and competitive basis to support consortia that 
     integrate newly developed nanotechnology and microfluidic 
     tools with systems biology, immunology, and molecular 
     imaging, of which at least 1 such consortium shall be 
     provided with at least $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
       (c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out 
     the Administrator's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $34,100,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $37,500,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $42,300,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (d) National Institutes of Health.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Director of the National Institutes to 
     carry out the Director's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $77,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $85,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and

[[Page 29422]]

       (5) $95,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (e) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out 
     the Director's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $62,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $68,200,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $84,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (f) Environmental Protection Agency.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency to carry out the Administrator's 
     responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $6,050,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $6,413,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $6,800,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (g) Department of Justice.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Director of the National Institute of 
     Justice to carry out the Director's responsibilities under 
     this Act--
       (1) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $1,100,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $1,210,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $1,283,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $1,360,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (h) Department of Homeland Security.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security to 
     carry out the Secretary's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $2,200,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $2,420,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $2,570,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $2,720,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (i) Department of Agriculture.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the 
     Secretary's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2004;
       (2) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (3) $12,100,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (4) $12,830,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (5) $13,600,000 for fiscal year 2008.

     SEC. 6. AMERICAN NANOTECHNOLOGY PREPAREDNESS CENTER.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall, on a merit-reviewed and competitive basis, 
     establish a new American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center 
     to encourage, conduct, coordinate, commission, collect, and 
     disseminate research on the educational, legal, workforce, 
     societal, and ethical issues related to nanotechnology.
       (b) Studies.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, through the Center, shall conduct, coordinate, 
     commission, collect, and disseminate studies on the 
     educational, legal, workforce, societal, and ethical 
     implications of nanotechnology. The studies shall identify 
     anticipated issues and problems, as well as provide 
     recommendations for preventing or addressing such issues and 
     problems.
       (c) Workforce Data.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall collect data on the size of the anticipated 
     nanotechnology workforce need by detailed occupation, 
     industry, and firm characteristics, and assess the adequacy 
     of the trained talent pool in the United States to fill such 
     workforce needs.
       (d) Annual Report.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall compile the studies required by paragraph 
     (b) and, with the assistance of the Center, shall complete a 
     report that includes a description of the Center's 
     activities, which shall be submitted to the President, the 
     Council, the Advisory Panel, the Senate Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science not later than 18 months 
     after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 7. COMMERCIALIZATION ISSUES RELATED TO NANOSCIENCE AND 
                   NANOTECHNOLOGY.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology shall establish a center within 
     NIST's Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory for issues 
     relating to the commercialization of nanoscience and 
     nanotechnology research. The program shall--
       (1) conduct basic research on issues related to the 
     development and manufacture of nanotechnology including--
       (A) metrology;
       (B) reliability and quality assurance;
       (C) processes control; and
       (D) manufacturing best practices; and
       (2) in consultation with the National Technical Information 
     Service and the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, 
     act as a clearinghouse for information related to 
     commercialization of nanoscience and nanotech-
     nology research, including--
       (A) information relating activities by regional, state, and 
     local commercial nanotechnology initiatives;
       (B) transition of research, technologies, and concepts from 
     Federal nanotechnology research and development programs into 
     commercial and military products;
       (C) best practices by government, university and private 
     sector laboratories transitioning technology to commercial 
     use;
       (D) examples of ways to overcome barriers and challenges to 
     technology deployment; and
       (E) use of existing manufacturing infrastructure and 
     workforce.
       (b) Use of Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.--
     The Director of the National Institute of Standards and 
     Technology shall utilize the manufacturing extension 
     partnership program to the extent possible to reach small and 
     medium sized manufacturing companies.
       (c) Manufacturing Technologies for Nanomaterials.--The 
     Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish, 
     on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, a new Center for 
     Nanomaterials Manufacturing to encourage the development and 
     transfer of technologies for the manufacture of 
     nanomaterials. The Center will encourage, conduct, 
     coordinate, commission, collect, and disseminate research on 
     new manufacturing technologies for materials with 
     unprecedented combinations of strength, toughness, lightness, 
     flame resistance, and membrane separation characteristics, 
     and develop mechanisms to transfer such manufacturing 
     technologies to United States industries.

     SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Advisory panel.--The term ``Advisory Panel'' means the 
     President's National Nanotechnology Panel established or 
     designated under section 3.
       (2) Fundamental research.--The term ``fundamental 
     research'' means research that builds a fundamental 
     understanding and leads to discoveries of the phenomena, 
     processes, and tools necessary to control and manipulate 
     matter at the nanoscale.
       (3) Nanotechnology.--The term ``nanotechnology'' means the 
     ability to work at the molecular level, atom-by-atom, to 
     create large structures with fundamentally new molecular 
     organization.
       (4) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the National 
     Nanotechnology Program established under section 2.
       (5) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National 
     Science and Technology Council or an appropriate subgroup 
     designated by the Council under section 2(c).
       (6) Grand challenge.--The term ``grand challenge'' means a 
     fundamental problem in science or engineering, with broad 
     potential economic and scientific impact, the solution to 
     which will require the application of nanotechnology 
     research.

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join my colleagues, 
Senators Allen, Wyden, Hollings, and Stevens in sponsoring this 
substitute amendment to S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology 
Research and Development Act. I commend Senators Allen and Wyden for 
their leadership on this important legislation, and also thank Senators 
Stevens, Lott, and Sununu and Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Hall 
of the House Science Committee, for their work on this issue.
  Nanotechnology is a truly revolutionary field of science. Scientists 
have been able to develop materials and systems with dramatic new 
properties by manipulating structures and systems at the scale of 
10-9 meters, or 1/100,000 the width of a human hair. This 
basic research has the potential to benefit virtually every sector of 
our economy, including biotechnology, telecommunications, national 
security, manufacturing, and computers. Some experts have projected 
that sales of products based on nanotechnology will reach $1 trillion 
by 2015. Many of our international economic competitors have begun to 
focus on this field. For example, the European Union budgeted $1.2 
billion for nanotechnology research in 2003 and 2004.
  This bill is designated to highlight the United States' interest and 
efforts in this emerging technology. The bill would authorize a 
coordinated research program across the Federal Government through a 
National Nanotech-
nology Program. In addition, it would authorize funding for 
nanotechnology research at the National Science Foundation, the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Energy, and the 
Environmental Protection Agency from fiscal year 2005 through fiscal 
year 2008. I think that this multiyear authorization is important, 
because it signals to the Federal agencies, the States, and private 
industry our commitment to this important cutting-edge research.
  In addition, it is important to point out that the legislation deals 
with more than just basic research. The bill includes provisions that 
will ensure that social, ethical, environmental, educational, legal, 
and workforce issues will be analyzed, including the creation of a new 
center on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis to study these issues. 
The bill also would establish a program at NIST to conduct basic 
research on metrology and other issues relating to nanotechnology-based 
manufacturing. In addition, the bill would authorize the Secretary of 
Commerce, or his designee, to establish

[[Page 29423]]

a clearinghouse of information for issues relating to nanotechnology 
commercialization. It is important that the private sector has access 
to this basic research in nanotechnology, so that United States can 
attain a competitive edge in this new field.
  I thank my colleagues for their support of this important 
legislation.
  Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I am proud to cosponsor S. 189, the 21st 
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. With this 
legislation, the Senate recognizes the emerging field of nanotechnology 
and its importance to the United States economy. I thank my colleagues 
for their efforts. I particularly thank Senator Wyden for his 
leadership and maturity in guiding this bill to the floor. There were 
several times when this bill was going to be derailed and each time 
Senator Wyden stepped in to get us back on track.
  Nanotechnology has been described as the next Industrial Revolution 
that will drastically alter the way products are manufactured. Yet we 
are not alone as other countries are competing to push the boundaries 
of this technical frontier. Countries such as Japan and the European 
Union are already spending hundreds of millions of dollars on 
nanotechnology research. The United States cannot afford to fall behind 
if we want to maintain our economic strength. This legislation is one 
step towards ensuring America's leadership and economic competitiveness 
in nanotechnology.
  This legislation is an affirmation that the United States will 
continue to play a leading role in the development of nanotechnology. 
It authorizes $784 million for fiscal year 2005 for five Federal 
agencies involved in nanotech-
nology research. Although other agencies were not included in this 
bill, I am hopeful that they will contribute to the National 
Nanotechnology Program. The legislation provides interagency 
coordination to the Federal Government's nanotechnology research and 
development efforts. The establishment of a National Nanotechnology 
Coordination Office will infuse an organized, structured, and 
collaborative approach to this research. The legislation also calls for 
the development of a strategic plan that will provide a roadmap for the 
country's research and development future.
  Nanotechnology is a new frontier and we want to ensure that it is 
developed responsibly. That is why I pushed for the creation of the 
American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center. This Center is charged 
with ensuring that societal, ethical, and environmental concerns 
surrounding nano-technology are properly addressed as research 
progresses. This is vital as we see more and more of nanotechnology in 
everyday life, we need to assure citizens that this new technology is 
safe and non-threatening.
  In addition to the American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center, this 
legislation also establishes a Nanotechnology Advisory Panel. The 
National Academies of Sciences recommended an Advisory Panel in its 
review of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. I am proud to support 
its creation in this legislation. I think that it is vital that the 
President receive advice from dedicated experts directly involved in 
this field, from the scientists and researchers who are at the 
forefront of this technology, rather than from advisors who are 
appointed to serve other technical advisory roles.
  One of this country's main strengths is our ability to innovate. 
Nano-
technology will be the next test as to whether we can continue to move 
forward. There remains a tremendous amount of basic research that needs 
to be undertaken in order to fully understand the science behind it 
all. This is exactly the role that Federal Government should play: to 
promote scientific knowledge that will benefit our society and our 
economic competitiveness. This bill does exactly that and I am proud to 
support it.
  I thank the House Science Committee for their cooperation. I also 
thank the other cosponsors, particularly Senators Lieberman and Clinton 
as well as Senators Allen, McCain, Stevens, Mikulski, Landrieu, Levin, 
Bayh, Cantwell, Corzine, Hutchinson, Kerry, Lautenberg, Baucus, 
Rockefeller, Alexander, and Warner for their support. In particular, I 
would also like to thank the staff who put this bill together. In 
addition to my staff, we enjoyed the hard work of Ruchi Bhowmik with 
Senator Wyden, Liz Connell with Senator Stevens, Ken La Sala with the 
Senate Commerce Committee, Frank Cavaliere with Senator Allen, Mike 
O'Reilly with Senator Sununu, and Michael Yentzen with Senator Lott.
  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce a substitute text 
for S. 189, the 21st Century Nano-
technology Research and Development Act. I thank Commerce Committee 
Chairman McCain, Ranking Member Hollings, and my colleagues Senators 
Allen, Clinton and Lieberman for their tremendous bipartisan assistance 
and cooperation. With this bill, we pave the way for greater 
discoveries and applications in an area that will soon become a major 
economic driver for this country.
  The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act will 
provide a smart, accelerated, and organized approach to nanotechnology 
research, development, and education. This legislation will marshal 
America's nanotechnology efforts that are spread out across the State 
and Federal levels into one driving force. This bill will develop much 
needed strategic interagency cooperation and coordination through a 
National Nanotechnology Program. A National Nanotechnology Advisory 
Panel will advise the President on nanotechnology matters and the 
American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center will evaluate important 
workforce and ethical issues to ensure that societal and citizen 
concerns about nanotechnology are addressed now--at the outset of this 
science--and will support, not hinder, the development of this 
important science.
  As I have said before, nanotech-
nology has the potential to change America on a scale equal to, if not 
greater than, the computer revolution. Nanoparticles and nanodevices 
will become the building blocks of our health care, agriculture, 
manufacturing, environmental cleanup, and even national security. By 
getting behind nanotechnology now with organized, goal-oriented 
support, the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in keeping the 
United States at the forefront of this discipline.
  It is estimated that nanotechnology will become a trillion-dollar 
industry over the next 10 years. With the Nation's unemployment still 
high and real economic recovery still out of reach, nanotechnology 
holds the promise of new trade and jobs needed to jump start the 
economy. As the nanotechnology industry grows, the ranks of skilled 
workers needed to discover and apply its capabilities must grow too. In 
the nanotechnology revolution, areas of high unemployment could become 
magnets for domestic production, engineering and research for 
nanotechnology applications. I am determined that the United States 
will mine the opportunities of nano-
technology and this legislation will ensure that the United States 
takes full advantage of the opportunities nanotechnology presents.
  Our Nation's current National Nanotechnology Initiative is a step in 
the right direction. This nation has already committed substantial 
funds to nanotechnology research and development in the coming years. 
But funding is not enough. There must be careful planning to make sure 
that money is used for sound science over the long-term. That is the 
reason for the substitute amendment to S. 189 I introduce today. The 
strategic planning it prescribes will ensure that scientists get the 
support they need to realize nanotechnology's greatest potential.
  With this bill, Congress is challenging the government to accept new 
responsibilities in promoting and developing nanotechnology. Again, I 
thank the House Science Committee and House Science Chairman Boehlert 
for their cooperation and I thank the other cosponsors, Senators 
Alexander, Warner, Mikulski, Landrieu, Levin, Bayh, Cantwell, Corzine, 
Hutchison, Kerry, Lautenberg, Baucus, and

[[Page 29424]]

Rockefeller, for their valuable assistance. I am also pleased to report 
that this amendment has the support of nanotechnology industry members, 
such as the Nano Business Alliance. This amended version is the work of 
bipartisan and bi-cameral cooperation and I look forward to working 
with my colleagues to get this to the President's desk.


                       Inclusion of Biotechnology

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I rise to clarify the legislative intent of 
S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. 
In reviewing the section of the substitute text dealing with the 
purpose and definitions of fundamental research in nanotechnology that 
our bill references, I believe that they are not intended to limit 
research and development to the physical sciences and are intended to 
include a wide variety of research, including the biotechnology-
nanotechnology interface. Senator Stevens, is that your reading of this 
legislation?
  Mr. STEVENS. I agree with the Senator from Oregon. It is our 
intention to include research into the biotechnology-nanotechnology 
interface. We did not mention specific areas or research because we did 
not intend to be overly restrictive.
  Mr. WYDEN. I would just like to take a moment to clarify some of the 
types of nanotechnology applications that are possible through the 
research involving biotechnology at the nano-level, which are 
encompassed by this legislation These examples include applications 
ranging from industrial manufacturing to advances in medicine to 
breakthroughs in defense against bioterrorism.
  For instance, biotechnology is spurring the development of proteins 
that will be capable of manufacturing biological structures on the 
nano-scale. This technology will allow the development of nano-
electronics such as micro-transistors and silicon chips. In the area of 
photonics there is potential for developing new micro-optical switches 
and optical micro-processing platforms.
  Researchers recently discovered a first of its kind carbon-silicon 
compound in freshwater diatoms. This discovery promises to open the 
door to understanding the molecular process of biosilicification, or 
the ways plants and animals build natural structures. This 
understanding may lead to applications ranging from low cost synthesis 
of advanced biomaterials to new treatments for osteoporosis.
  These are only a few examples of advances made through the interface 
between biotechnology and nanotech-
nology. I just want to confirm this legislation should help facilitate 
the synergy between the biological sciences and material sciences.
  Mr. STEVENS. These examples are exactly the type of research that we 
have intended to cover in this legislation. Beyond industrial 
applications there are many health care applications of nano-
biotechnology.
  I am particularly excited about the potential for nanotechnology in 
the area of systems biology and molecular imaging. Systems biology 
analyzes all of the elements in a system, rather than an individual 
cell, gene or protein. By applying nanotechnology to systems biology 
and using molecular imaging, it will be possible to achieve ultra-rapid 
diagnostic results by analyzing on a molecular level the signatures of 
thousands of genes and proteins. Moreover, the systems approach in 
combination with nanotechnology will speed up and greatly reduce the 
cost of discovering new drugs. This will lead to the advancement of 
predictive medicine generating revolutions in the diagnosis, treatment 
and prevention of disease.
  Given nanotechnology's tremendous potential in health care, I want to 
encourage the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to be proactive 
participants in the nanotechnology revolution. Although a specific 
authorization of appropriations for NIH is not included in this bill at 
the request of our House colleagues, it is expected that NIH will be an 
active participant in the National Nanotechnology Program.
  Mr. WYDEN. I thank the distinguished Senator from Alaska for 
clarification of this matter and I wholeheartedly agree with him 
regarding the potential benefits of nanotechnology in the field of 
health care.
  Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, this legislation is the product of many, 
many hours of debate and discussion. I appreciate the commitment of the 
Chairman of the Commerce Committee, Senator McCain, and the sponsors of 
the bill, Senators Wyden and Allen, to try to address my concerns and 
accommodate my views on this bill. I appreciate the indulgence of the 
Ranking Member, Senator Hollings, for his understanding and assistance 
on this bill. Through persistence and thoughtful consideration by a 
handful of interested Members in both bodies, an agreement was reached 
on a legislative package that has brought us to this stage of the 
process. While I still have significant reservations, I am willing to 
allow the bill to proceed forward.
  Nanotechnology is a burgeoning field of inquiry that has captured the 
interest of many of our nation's brightest scientific minds. While the 
concepts behind the study of nanotechnology are not necessarily new, 
recent successes have highlighted its enormous potential. If early 
experiences are an indication of things to come, nanotechnology has the 
capability to dramatically change our approach to a wide range of 
complex scientific problems. By understanding materials and compounds 
at the molecular or atomic level, scientists can develop techniques to 
improve the properties of everything from medicines to metals; machines 
to microchips.
  S. 189 is meant to complement, rather than restrain, the work that 
the Bush administration is already doing on the issue of 
nanotechnology. This administration is deeply committed to expending 
the resources and conducting research on critical areas of 
nanotechnology and nanoscale science and engineering. The 
administration's ``National Nanotechnology Initiative'' is on track to 
commit almost $900 million in FY 2004 for nanotechnology research 
within appropriate Federal agencies. In addition, the administration 
has already established a National Nanotechnology Coordination Office 
to facilitate and coordinate the muli-agency effort. It is essential 
that S. 189 not infringe on the good work already being done by the 
administration on this issue or on the near- or mid-term plans for 
further work in this area.
  Despite this progress, I have several concerns about the underlying 
text of the managers' amendment, and for that matter, the original 
version of S. 189. I firmly believe that oversight is an important 
function of the Senate, and an important part of that oversight is to 
ensure that Federal funds are spent appropriately. However the 
Managers' Amendment creates redundant reporting requirements for 
various agencies within the Administration. By my count, the bill 
includes annual, biennial and triennial reporting obligations by the 
National Science and Technology Council, the National Nanotechnology 
Advisory Panel, and the National Academy of Sciences, respectively. 
These reports have a number of overlapping components that will result 
in the checking and rechecking of similar questions and issues. It is 
important to note that Congressional studies and reporting requirements 
impose very significant costs on the reporting agencies, thereby 
draining funds from the very projects and research we are trying to 
fund.
  S. 189 also authorizes the establishment of several interdisciplinary 
and specialized research centers on nanotechnology. The language of the 
bill requires that the process for establishing these centers be on a 
merit-reviewed and competitive basis. Let me serve notice to those 
involved in the establishment of these centers: I will work to ensure 
that any center established pursuant to this bill be placed at the most 
appropriate setting possible. I know this sentiment is shared by the 
Chairman of the Commerce Committee and other Members of the Senate, and 
I look forward to working with them to ensure that the principles of 
merit-review and competitive basis are upheld.
  Finally, let me mention that there are concerns expressed by 
individuals

[[Page 29425]]

within the academic and scientific communities and by general citizens 
that research and development of nanotechnology could possibly spiral 
out of control leading to the harmful impacts on humans. Some people 
have expressed concern that nanotechnology will lead to a super-race of 
humans or a situation where nano-machines attack or even dominate human 
beings. Others argue that there are uncertainties about the impact of 
nanotechnologies on important aspects of our daily lives, including our 
society, environment, ethics, educational systems, legal structure or 
workforce. While I do not dismiss the possible negative ramifications 
of the study and realization of nanotechnology, I believe those 
possible dangers are remote and avoidable. Almost all scientific 
research or new technology can be used for mischievous purposes. 
Moreover, there are potential implications by the use of nanotechnology 
that should be examined as part of research projects and development 
stages of nano-
technology. However, the emphasis that S. 189 provides to these issues 
is more than I would have considered necessary. We cannot and should 
not fear the technological future; we should pay it proper respect and 
plan for it accordingly.
  In closing, it is my understanding that the product of today's Senate 
work on this bill will likely be taken up and passed by the House and 
sent to the President for his consideration. I look forward to the 
multiple advances that will occur from the statutory framework provided 
under this bill. Our action today will signal to the research community 
the importance and significance we place on this field of study, and 
this will spur further investment by the private sector and hopefully 
lead to the technological breakthrough that will ignite further 
innovation and economic growth.
  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, the emerging field of nanotechnology 
constitutes an opportunity for the U.S. to claim global leadership in a 
new frontier in science and technology that has the potential to 
transform every aspect of our lives. By manipulating matter at a 
molecular scale, nanotechnology will allow us to develop new materials 
and devices that have unique properties currently beyond the realm of 
conventional technology. Nanotechnology is what scientists and 
technologists often call an enabling technology--a tool that opens the 
door to new possibilities constrained only by physics and the limits of 
our imaginations. This field has the great potential to affect our 
economy and quality of life since it has such broad prospective 
applications in so many different areas including medicine, 
electronics, energy, telecommunications, computing, and manufacturing. 
It has been estimated that the impact of nanotechnology on existing and 
new manufacturing will be in the trillions of dollars. In addition to 
creating new job opportunities, this exciting new initiative has the 
potential to provide novel therapeutic treatments and a fundamental 
understanding of diseases including cancer. For example, research in 
building innovative tools to study biology at the nanometer scale will 
unlock mysteries and shed light on the vast number of biological 
processes. The new authorizing legislation the Senate is passing today, 
which I am pleased to have played a role in, should be an important 
step in this effort.
  Yet, despite the enormous potential that nanotechnology offers, it is 
not an area in which we have assumed uncontested leadership. From an 
international perspective, the United States faces the danger of 
falling behind its Asian and European counterparts in supporting the 
pace of nano-
technological advancement. While our Nation certainly possesses the raw 
resources and talent to lead the world in developing this technology, 
it is also clear that a long-term focus and sustained commitment, as 
well as new collaboration between Government, academia, and industry, 
will be needed to ensure our place at the head of the next wave of 
innovation.
  In recognition of the need to support ongoing nanotechnology efforts 
and to spur new ones, I was pleased to join Senator Ron Wyden in 
cosponsoring the original ``21st Century Nano-
technology Research and Development Act'' last year, which was 
reintroduced this year S. 189. My staff worked with the Commerce 
Committee on the initial drafting of this bill, and I was able to 
assist in including parallel legislation in last year's defense 
authorization P.L. 107-314, section 246 to help assure that Department 
of Defense research and development in nano-
technology works in concert with the civilian agencies covered by this 
bill. Much of the original Senate bill is retained in this final 
legislation. The revised S. 189 legislation we act on today, which we 
anticipate will also soon be approved by the House, will build on the 
efforts of the National Nanotechnology Initiative NNI, which was 
started under President Clinton and has received continued support 
under President Bush, to establish a comprehensive, intelligently 
coordinated program for addressing the full spectrum of challenges 
confronting a successful national science and technology effort, 
including those related to funding, coordination, infrastructure 
development, technology transition, and social issues.
  The time is now ripe to elevate the U.S. nanotechnology effort beyond 
the level of an Executive Branch initiative. Funding for nanotechnology 
will soon reach $1 billion a year, and the NNI currently attempts to 
coordinate programs across a wide range of Federal agencies and 
departments. This level of funding and the major coordination 
challenges that arise with so many diverse participants require having 
a program that is based in statute, provided with greater support and 
coordination mechanisms, afforded a higher profile, and subjected to 
constructive Congressional oversight and support.
  The final legislation closely tracks many of the recommendations of 
the National Research Council, NRC, which completed a thorough review 
of the NNI in 2002. The NRC report commended the leadership and multi-
agency involvement of the NNI, and its recommendations included the 
establishment of an independent advisory panel. As the field of 
nanotechnology covers a wide variety of disciplines including 
engineering, physics, chemistry and life sciences, guidance is needed 
from a panel composed of experts from each of the disciplines. A 
comprehensive perspective is necessary for helping to set the 
directions and goals of the national program, including advice on the 
focus of research that should be conducted in the academia sector, as 
well as assistance in the transition of technology from academic into 
the private sector that will ensure the competitiveness of U.S. 
industry. Although members of the Presidents Council of Advisors on 
Science and Technology, PCAST, which the President is likely to select 
as the advisory body under section 4 in the final bill, are highly 
accomplished and esteemed, they are not necessarily steeped in the 
field of nanotechnology. Therefore, our expectation is that PCAST will 
set up its own nano-
technology panel composed of experts from both academia and industry 
representing the key nanotechnology disciplines. This independent panel 
should work in coordination with the National Science and Technology 
Council and the new Program Office, particularly across stove piped 
agency boundaries to better assure a fully integrated, crosscutting, 
interdisciplinary research effort. Otherwise, the promise of this 
research will not be realized.
  To ensure that the United States takes the lead in this new and 
promising field of science and technology, we must provide for the 
organization and guidance necessary to foster interaction between 
Government, academia, and industry, so as to maximize the potential 
benefits of nanotechnology to our economy. This legislation provides a 
strong foundation and comprehensive framework that elicits 
contributions from all three sectors of our society in pushing 
nanotechnology research and development to the next level. I hope that 
we may all work together in a bipartisan fashion on implementing this 
bill to set the stage for U.S. economic growth over the next century.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, as an original co-sponsor of S. 189, the 
21st

[[Page 29426]]

Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, I am delighted 
that the Senate is acting on this important legislation. I want to 
thank my Senate colleagues, particularly Senator Hollings and Senator 
Wyden. Senator Hollings' leadership on the Senate Commerce, Science and 
Transportation Committee was essential in winning the passage of this 
legislation, which has so much promise for New Yorkers and Americans 
generally. Senator Wyden has helped to shepherd this legislation 
through the Senate with his customary vision, determination and skill.
  In ten or twenty years, we may well view this legislation as one of 
the most important bills passed by the 108th Congress. The bill 
provides multi-year authorization for increased Federal research and 
development investment in nanotechnology. Experts believe that 
nanotechnology could have an impact on our economy and society as 
significant as the impact of the steam engine, electricity, the 
Internet, and the computer chip. Researchers and high-tech start-ups 
have already identified many potential benefits and applications of 
nanotechnology in health, energy and the environment, information and 
communications technology, advanced materials, manufacturing, and 
national security. It is possible that nano-
technology could lead to solar energy that is competitive with fossil 
fuels. Medical researchers are already working on using nanotechnology 
to develop tools for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.
  In addition to funding research in nanoscale science and engineering, 
the legislation also supports exploration of the ethical and social 
dimensions of nanotechnology. I want to underline the importance of 
this component of the legislation. These provisions are intended to 
help ensure that we use this information to make intelligent decisions 
about the benefits and risks of this powerful new technology. We have a 
responsibility to ensure that appropriate safeguards are placed on the 
exploration of nanoscience and technology and that Congress exercises 
effective oversight of this process. I will work hard with my 
colleagues to ensure that Congress does its part.
  I am proud to say that New York is playing a leading role in the 
development of nanotechnology, and is already seeing concrete benefits 
from the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Three of the six 
university-based centers of nanotechnology funded by the National 
Science Foundation in 2001 are located at New York's world-class 
research centers at Cornell University, Columbia University and 
Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute. Long Island's Brookhaven National 
Laboratory is the future home of the Center for Functional 
Nanomaterials, supported by the Department of Energy. The State of New 
York and International SEMATECH and its member companies are planning 
to provide approximately $400 million in support to create a next-
generation computer chip research and development facility at the 
University at Albany-SUNY. All of these investments are creating the 
foundations for future economic growth and the creation of high-tech, 
high-wage jobs, including in upstate New York.
  The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act shows 
what this Nation is capable of when we come together and set aside 
partisan differences. The National Nanotech-
nology Initiative was launched by President Clinton in January 2000, 
and has continued to enjoy bipartisan support from President Bush and 
members of Congress.
  I urge my colleagues to continue to pay attention to nanotechnology 
after this legislation is passed. In many respects, this legislation is 
only the first step. As President Clinton noted when unveiling the 
National Nanotechnology Initiative, realizing the full promise of this 
technology may take twenty years of sustained investment. America's 
lead in this critical technology is by no means assured. Moreover, this 
legislation will not result in an extra dime being devoted to 
nanotechnology research, unless the legislation is followed by 
steadfast support for federal research and development in the budget 
and appropriations process.
  I hope that the Administration and the Congress look for ways to 
build on and strengthen the current initiative. I believe that there 
are many such opportunities. The National Institutes of Health have 
targeted a relatively modest amount of funding for the NNI, despite the 
broad range of nano-
technology applications for health and biology. In addition, I hope we 
can increase the Environmental Protection Agency's budget for 
nanotechnology because it has a role to play in a variety of settings, 
including pollution prevention. We should also explore ways to respond 
to calls for the development of clean sources of energy using 
nanotechnology.
  This legislation is a bold step in the direction of creating a 
brighter and more prosperous future for all Americans. In the years 
ahead, I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on both 
sides of the aisle to ensure the full development of this important 
initiative.
  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise to support the passage of S. 189, 
the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. I 
appreciate Senator Wyden's leadership on this issue and the cooperation 
of him and the other sponsors of this legislation in responding to a 
number of concerns I had with the original bill, and in particular with 
the provisions of the bill authorizing programs at the U.S. Department 
of Energy. In the last Congress, I introduced legislation on this 
topic, S. 90, which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural 
Resources. That bill provided authorizations for nanotechnology 
programs in the Department of Energy which are now incorporated, in a 
streamlined form, in this bill. This is a good bill for our country's 
high technology future, and I urge that it be passed.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I make the following parliamentary inquiry: 
This bill, which deals with nanotechnology programs across the Federal 
Government, was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and 
Transportation. It is not true the Senate procedures provide for a case 
in which a future bill amending a particular public law might be 
referred to a different committee than the one originally assigned the 
public law, if that future bill consisted of amendments to parts of the 
public law that were in the jurisdiction of the different committee; is 
that true?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. That is correct.
  Mr. REID. I thank the Chair.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Allen-
Wyden amendment at the desk be agreed to, the committee-reported 
substitute amendment, as amended, be agreed to, the bill, as amended, 
be read the third time and passed, the motions to reconsider be laid 
upon the table en bloc, and that any statements relating to the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The amendment (No. 2202) was agreed to.
  (The amendment is printed in today's Record under ``Text of 
Amendments''.)
  The committee amendment, as amended, was agreed to.
  The bill (S. 189), as amended, was read the third time and passed, as 
follows:

                                 S. 189

       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 ``21st Century Nanotechnology 
     Research and Development Act''.

     SEC. 2. NATIONAL NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) National Nanotechnology Program.--The President shall 
     implement a National Nanotechnology Program. Through 
     appropriate agencies, councils, and the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office established in section 3, 
     the Program shall--
       (1) establish the goals, priorities, and metrics for 
     evaluation for Federal nanotechnology research, development, 
     and other activities;
       (2) invest in Federal research and development programs in 
     nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; 
     and
       (3) provide for interagency coordination of Federal 
     nanotechnology research, development, and other activities 
     undertaken pursuant to the Program.

[[Page 29427]]

       (b) Program Activities.--The activities of the Program 
     shall include--
       (1) developing a fundamental understanding of matter that 
     enables control and manipulation at the nanoscale;
       (2) providing grants to individual investigators and 
     interdisciplinary teams of investigators;
       (3) establishing a network of advanced technology user 
     facilities and centers;
       (4) establishing, on a merit-reviewed and competitive 
     basis, interdisciplinary nano-
     technology research centers, which shall--
       (A) interact and collaborate to foster the exchange of 
     technical information and best practices;
       (B) involve academic institutions or national laboratories 
     and other partners, which may include States and industry;
       (C) make use of existing expertise in nanotechnology in 
     their regions and nationally;
       (D) make use of ongoing research and development at the 
     micrometer scale to support their work in nanotechnology; and
       (E) to the greatest extent possible, be established in 
     geographically diverse locations, encourage the participation 
     of Historically Black Colleges and Universities that are part 
     B institutions as defined in section 322(2) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)) and minority 
     institutions (as defined in section 365(3) of that Act (20 
     U.S.C. 1067k(3))), and include institutions located in States 
     participating in the Experimental Program to Stimulate 
     Competitive Research (EPSCoR);
       (5) ensuring United States global leadership in the 
     development and application of nanotechnology;
       (6) advancing the United States productivity and industrial 
     competitiveness through stable, consistent, and coordinated 
     investments in long-term scientific and engineering research 
     in nanotechnology;
       (7) accelerating the deployment and application of 
     nanotechnology research and development in the private 
     sector, including startup companies;
       (8) encouraging interdisciplinary research, and ensuring 
     that processes for solicitation and evaluation of proposals 
     under the Program encourage interdisciplinary projects and 
     collaborations;
       (9) providing effective education and training for 
     researchers and professionals skilled in the 
     interdisciplinary perspectives necessary for nanotechnology 
     so that a true interdisciplinary research culture for 
     nanoscale science, engineering, and technology can emerge;
       (10) ensuring that ethical, legal, environmental, and other 
     appropriate societal concerns, including the potential use of 
     nanotechnology in enhancing human intelligence and in 
     developing artificial intelligence which exceeds human 
     capacity, are considered during the development of 
     nanotechnology by--
       (A) establishing a research program to identify ethical, 
     legal, environmental, and other appropriate societal concerns 
     related to nanotechnology, and ensuring that the results of 
     such research are widely disseminated;
       (B) requiring that interdisciplinary nanotechnology 
     research centers established under paragraph (4) include 
     activities that address societal, ethical, and environmental 
     concerns;
       (C) insofar as possible, integrating research on societal, 
     ethical, and environmental concerns with nanotechnology 
     research and development, and ensuring that advances in 
     nanotechnology bring about improvements in quality of life 
     for all Americans; and
       (D) providing, through the National Nanotechnology 
     Coordination Office established in section 3, for public 
     input and outreach to be integrated into the Program by the 
     convening of regular and ongoing public discussions, through 
     mechanisms such as citizens' panels, consensus conferences, 
     and educational events, as appropriate; and
       (11) encouraging research on nano-
     technology advances that utilize existing processes and 
     technologies.
       (c) Program Management.--The National Science and 
     Technology Council shall oversee the planning, management, 
     and coordination of the Program. The Council, itself or 
     through an appropriate subgroup it designates or establishes, 
     shall--
       (1) establish goals and priorities for the Program, based 
     on national needs for a set of broad applications of 
     nanotechnology;
       (2) establish program component areas, with specific 
     priorities and technical goals, that reflect the goals and 
     priorities established for the Program;
       (3) oversee interagency coordination of the Program, 
     including with the activities of the Defense Nanotechnology 
     Research and Development Program established under section 
     246 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-314) and the National 
     Institutes of Health;
       (4) develop, within 12 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act, and update every 3 years thereafter, a strategic 
     plan to guide the activities described under subsection (b), 
     meet the goals, priorities, and anticipated outcomes of the 
     participating agencies, and describe--
       (A) how the Program will move results out of the laboratory 
     and into application for the benefit of society;
       (B) the Program's support for long-term funding for 
     interdisciplinary research and development in nanotechnology; 
     and
       (C) the allocation of funding for interagency 
     nanotechnology projects;
       (5) propose a coordinated interagency budget for the 
     Program to the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the 
     maintenance of a balanced nanotechnology research portfolio 
     and an appropriate level of research effort;
       (6) exchange information with academic, industry, State and 
     local government (including State and regional nanotechnology 
     programs), and other appropriate groups conducting research 
     on and using nano-
     technology;
       (7) develop a plan to utilize Federal programs, such as the 
     Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small 
     Business Technology Transfer Research Program, in support of 
     the activity stated in subsection (b)(7);
       (8) identify research areas that are not being adequately 
     addressed by the agencies' current research programs and 
     address such research areas;
       (9) encourage progress on Program activities through the 
     utilization of existing manufacturing facilities and 
     industrial infrastructures such as, but not limited to, the 
     employment of underutilized manufacturing facilities in areas 
     of high unemployment as production engineering and research 
     testbeds; and
       (10) in carrying out its responsibilities under paragraphs 
     (1) through (9), take into consideration the recommendations 
     of the Advisory Panel, suggestions or recommendations 
     developed pursuant to subsection (b)(10)(D), and the views of 
     academic, State, industry, and other appropriate groups 
     conducting research on and using nano-
     technology.
       (d) Annual Report.--The Council shall prepare an annual 
     report, to be submitted to the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives 
     Committee on Science, and other appropriate committees, at 
     the time of the President's budget request to Congress, that 
     includes--
       (1) the Program budget, for the current fiscal year, for 
     each agency that participates in the Program, including a 
     breakout of spending for the development and acquisition of 
     research facilities and instrumentation, for each program 
     component area, and for all activities pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(10);
       (2) the proposed Program budget for the next fiscal year, 
     for each agency that participates in the Program, including a 
     breakout of spending for the development and acquisition of 
     research facilities and instrumentation, for each program 
     component area, and for all activities pursuant to subsection 
     (b)(10);
       (3) an analysis of the progress made toward achieving the 
     goals and priorities established for the Program;
       (4) an analysis of the extent to which the Program has 
     incorporated the recommendations of the Advisory Panel; and
       (5) an assessment of how Federal agencies are implementing 
     the plan described in subsection (c)(7), and a description of 
     the amount of Small Business Innovative Research and Small 
     Business Technology Transfer Research funds supporting the 
     plan.

     SEC. 3. PROGRAM COORDINATION.

       (a) In General.--The President shall establish a National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office, with a Director and full-
     time staff, which shall--
       (1) provide technical and administrative support to the 
     Council and the Advisory Panel;
       (2) serve as the point of contact on Federal nanotechnology 
     activities for government organizations, academia, industry, 
     professional societies, State nanotechnology programs, 
     interested citizen groups, and others to exchange technical 
     and programmatic information;
       (3) conduct public outreach, including dissemination of 
     findings and recommendations of the Advisory Panel, as 
     appropriate; and
       (4) promote access to and early application of the 
     technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program 
     activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal 
     Government, and to United States industry, including startup 
     companies.
       (b) Funding.--The National Nanotech
     nology Coordination Office shall be funded through 
     interagency funding in accordance with section 631 of Public 
     Law 108-7.
       (c) Report.--Within 90 days after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, the Director of the Office of Science and 
     Technology Policy shall report to the Senate Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science on the funding of the 
     National Nanotechnology Coordination Office. The report shall 
     include--
       (1) the amount of funding required to adequately fund the 
     Office;
       (2) the adequacy of existing mechanisms to fund this 
     Office; and
       (3) the actions taken by the Director to ensure stable 
     funding of this Office.

[[Page 29428]]



     SEC. 4. ADVISORY PANEL.

       (a) In General.--The President shall establish or designate 
     a National Nano-
     technology Advisory Panel.
       (b) Qualifications.--The Advisory Panel established or 
     designated by the President under subsection (a) shall 
     consist primarily of members from academic institutions and 
     industry. Members of the Advisory Panel shall be qualified to 
     provide advice and information on nanotechnology research, 
     development, demonstrations, education, technology transfer, 
     commercial application, or societal and ethical concerns. In 
     selecting or designating an Advisory Panel, the President may 
     also seek and give consideration to recommendations from the 
     Congress, industry, the scientific community (including the 
     National Academy of Sciences, scientific professional 
     societies, and academia), the defense community, State and 
     local governments, regional nanotechnology programs, and 
     other appropriate organizations.
       (c) Duties.--The Advisory Panel shall advise the President 
     and the Council on matters relating to the Program, including 
     assessing--
       (1) trends and developments in nanotechnology science and 
     engineering;
       (2) progress made in implementing the Program;
       (3) the need to revise the Program;
       (4) the balance among the components of the Program, 
     including funding levels for the program component areas;
       (5) whether the program component areas, priorities, and 
     technical goals developed by the Council are helping to 
     maintain United States leadership in nanotechnology;
       (6) the management, coordination, implementation, and 
     activities of the Program; and
       (7) whether societal, ethical, legal, environmental, and 
     workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program.
       (d) Reports.--The Advisory Panel shall report, not less 
     frequently than once every 2 fiscal years, to the President 
     on its assessments under subsection (c) and its 
     recommendations for ways to improve the Program. The first 
     report under this subsection shall be submitted within 1 year 
     after the date of enactment of this Act. The Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy shall transmit a copy 
     of each report under this subsection to the Senate Committee 
     on Commerce, Science, and Technology, the House of 
     Representatives Committee on Science, and other appropriate 
     committees of the Congress.
       (e) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal 
     members of the Advisory Panel, while attending meetings of 
     the Advisory Panel or while otherwise serving at the request 
     of the head of the Advisory Panel away from their homes or 
     regular places of business, may be allowed travel expenses, 
     including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by 
     section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals 
     in the government serving without pay. Nothing in this 
     subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the 
     Advisory Panel who are officers or employees of the United 
     States from being allowed travel expenses, including per diem 
     in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with existing law.
       (f) Exemption from Sunset.--Section 14 of the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the Advisory Panel.

     SEC. 5. TRIENNIAL EXTERNAL REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL 
                   NANOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall enter into an 
     arrangement with the National Research Council of the 
     National Academy of Sciences to conduct a triennial 
     evaluation of the Program, including--
       (1) an evaluation of the technical accomplishments of the 
     Program, including a review of whether the Program has 
     achieved the goals under the metrics established by the 
     Council;
       (2) a review of the Program's management and coordination 
     across agencies and disciplines;
       (3) a review of the funding levels at each agency for the 
     Program's activities and the ability of each agency to 
     achieve the Program's stated goals with that funding;
       (4) an evaluation of the Program's success in transferring 
     technology to the private sector;
       (5) an evaluation of whether the Program has been 
     successful in fostering interdisciplinary research and 
     development;
       (6) an evaluation of the extent to which the Program has 
     adequately considered ethical, legal, environmental, and 
     other appropriate societal concerns;
       (7) recommendations for new or revised Program goals;
       (8) recommendations for new research areas, partnerships, 
     coordination and management mechanisms, or programs to be 
     established to achieve the Program's stated goals;
       (9) recommendations on policy, program, and budget changes 
     with respect to nanotechnology research and development 
     activities;
       (10) recommendations for improved metrics to evaluate the 
     success of the Program in accomplishing its stated goals;
       (11) a review of the performance of the National 
     Nanotechnology Coordination Office and its efforts to promote 
     access to and early application of the technologies, 
     innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to 
     agency missions and systems across the Federal Government and 
     to United States industry;
       (12) an analysis of the relative position of the United 
     States compared to other nations with respect to 
     nanotechnology research and development, including the 
     identification of any critical research areas where the 
     United States should be the world leader to best achieve the 
     goals of the Program; and
       (13) an analysis of the current impact of nanotechnology on 
     the United States economy and recommendations for increasing 
     its future impact.
       (b) Study on Molecular Self-Assembly.--As part of the first 
     triennial review conducted in accordance with subsection (a), 
     the National Research Council shall conduct a one-time study 
     to determine the technical feasibility of molecular self-
     assembly for the manufacture of materials and devices at the 
     molecular scale.
       (c) Study on the Responsible Development of 
     Nanotechnology.--As part of the first triennial review 
     conducted in accordance with subsection (a), the National 
     Research Council shall conduct a one-time study to assess the 
     need for standards, guidelines, or strategies for ensuring 
     the responsible development of nanotechnolgy, including, but 
     not limited to--
       (1) self-replicating nanoscale machines or devices;
       (2) the release of such machines in natural environments;
       (3) encryption;
       (4) the development of defensive technologies;
       (5) the use of nanotechnology in the enhancement of human 
     intelligence; and
       (6) the use of nanotechnology in developing artificial 
     intelligence.
       (d) Evaluation to be Transmitted to Congress.--The Director 
     of the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office shall 
     transmit the results of any evaluation for which it made 
     arrangements under subsection (a) to the Advisory Panel, the 
     Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and 
     the House of Representatives Committee on Science upon 
     receipt. The first such evaluation shall be transmitted no 
     later than June 10, 2005, with subsequent evaluations 
     transmitted to the Committees every 3 years thereafter.

     SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) National Science Foundation.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation to carry out the Director's responsibilities under 
     this Act--
       (1) $385,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (2) $424,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (3) $449,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (4) $476,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (b) Department of Energy.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Secretary of Energy to carry out the 
     Secretary's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $317,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (2) $347,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (3) $380,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (4) $415,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the 
     National Aeronautics and Space Administration to carry out 
     the Administrator's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $34,100,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (2) $37,500,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (3) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (4) $42,300,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (d) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--There 
     are authorized to be appropriated to the Director of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology to carry out 
     the Director's responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $68,200,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (2) $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (3) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (4) $84,000,000 for fiscal year 2008.
       (e) Environmental Protection Agency.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental 
     Protection Agency to carry out the Administrator's 
     responsibilities under this Act--
       (1) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2005;
       (2) $6,050,000 for fiscal year 2006;
       (3) $6,413,000 for fiscal year 2007; and
       (4) $6,800,000 for fiscal year 2008.

     SEC. 7. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE PROGRAMS.

       (a) NIST Programs.--The Director of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology shall--
       (1) as part of the Program activities under section 
     2(b)(7), establish a program to conduct basic research on 
     issues related to the development and manufacture of 
     nanotechnology, including metrology; reliability and quality 
     assurance; processes control; and manufacturing best 
     practices; and
       (2) utilize the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program 
     to the extent possible to ensure that the research conducted 
     under paragraph (1) reaches small- and medium-sized 
     manufacturing companies.
       (b) Clearinghouse.--The Secretary of Commerce or his 
     designee, in consultation with the National Nanotechnology 
     Coordination Office and, to the extent possible, utilizing 
     resources at the National Technical

[[Page 29429]]

     Information Service, shall establish a clearinghouse of 
     information related to commercialization of nanotechnology 
     research, including information relating to activities by 
     regional, State, and local commercial nanotechnology 
     initiatives; transition of research, technologies, and 
     concepts from Federal nanotechnology research and development 
     programs into commercial and military products; best 
     practices by government, universities and private sector 
     laboratories transitioning technology to commercial use; 
     examples of ways to overcome barriers and challenges to 
     technology deployment; and use of manufacturing 
     infrastructure and workforce.

     SEC. 8. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY PROGRAMS.

       (a) Research Consortia.--
       (1) Department of energy program.--The Secretary of Energy 
     shall establish a program to support, on a merit-reviewed and 
     competitive basis, consortia to conduct interdisciplinary 
     nanotechnology research and development designed to integrate 
     newly developed nanotechnology and microfluidic tools with 
     systems biology and molecular imaging.
       (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the sums 
     authorized for the Department of Energy under section 6(b), 
     $25,000,000 shall be used for each fiscal year 2005 through 
     2008 to carry out this section. Of these amounts, not less 
     than $10,000,000 shall be provided to at least 1 consortium 
     for each fiscal year.
       (b) Research Centers and Major Instrumentation.--The 
     Secretary of Energy shall carry out projects to develop, 
     plan, construct, acquire, operate, or support special 
     equipment, instrumentation, or facilities for investigators 
     conducting research and development in nanotechnology.

     SEC. 9. ADDITIONAL CENTERS.

       (a) American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center.--The 
     Program shall provide for the establishment, on a merit-
     reviewed and competitive basis, of an American Nanotechnology 
     Preparedness Center which shall--
       (1) conduct, coordinate, collect, and disseminate studies 
     on the societal, ethical, environmental, educational, legal, 
     and workforce implications of nanotechnology; and
       (2) identify anticipated issues related to the responsible 
     research, development, and application of nanotechnology, as 
     well as provide recommendations for preventing or addressing 
     such issues.
       (b) Center for Nanomaterials Manufacturing.--The Program 
     shall provide for the establishment, on a merit reviewed and 
     competitive basis, of a center to--
       (1) encourage, conduct, coordinate, commission, collect, 
     and disseminate research on new manufacturing technologies 
     for materials, devices, and systems with new combinations of 
     characteristics, such as, but not limited to, strength, 
     toughness, density, conductivity, flame resistance, and 
     membrane separation characteristics; and
       (2) develop mechanisms to transfer such manufacturing 
     technologies to United States industries.
       (c) Reports.--The Council, through the Director of the 
     National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, shall submit to 
     the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     and the House of Representatives Committee on Science--
       (1) within 6 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, a report identifying which agency shall be the lead 
     agency and which other agencies, if any, will be responsible 
     for establishing the Centers described in this section; and
       (2) within 18 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, a report describing how the Centers described in this 
     section have been established.

     SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Advisory panel.--The term ``Advisory Panel'' means the 
     President's National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel 
     established or designated under section 4.
       (2) Nanotechnology.--The term ``nano-
     technology'' means the science and technology that will 
     enable one to understand, measure, manipulate, and 
     manufacture at the atomic, molecular, and supramolecular 
     levels, aimed at creating materials, devices, and systems 
     with fundamentally new molecular organization, properties, 
     and functions.
       (3) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the National 
     Nanotechnology Program established under section 2.
       (4) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the National 
     Science and Technology Council or an appropriate subgroup 
     designated by the Council under section 2(c).
       (5) Advanced technology user facility.--The term ``advanced 
     technology user facility'' means a nanotechnology research 
     and development facility supported, in whole or in part, by 
     Federal funds that is open to all United States researchers 
     on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis.
       (6) Program component area.--The term ``program component 
     area'' means a major subject area established under section 
     2(c)(2) under which is grouped related individual projects 
     and activities carried out under the Program.

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