[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[House]
[Pages 19074-19077]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTION OF MODELING AND SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY TO 
            THE SECURITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 487) recognizing the contribution 
of modeling and simulation technology to the security and prosperity of 
the United States, and recognizing modeling and simulation as a 
National Critical Technology.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 487

       Whereas the United States of America is a great and 
     prosperous Nation, and modeling and simulation contribute 
     significantly to that greatness and prosperity;
       Whereas modeling and simulation in the United States is a 
     unique application of computer science and mathematics that 
     depends on the validity, verification, and reproducibility of 
     the model or simulation, and depends also on the capability 
     of the thousands of Americans in modeling and simulation 
     careers to develop these models;
       Whereas members of the modeling and simulation community in 
     government, industry, and academia have made significant 
     contributions to the general welfare of the United States, 
     and while these contributions are too numerous to enumerate, 
     modeling and simulation efforts have contributed to the 
     United States by--
       (1) expanding the understanding of nuclear chain reactions 
     during the Manhattan Project through some of the earliest 
     simulations replicating the reaction process, which 
     ultimately contributed to the end of World War II;
       (2) serving as a foundational element of the Stockpile 
     Stewardship Program, which enabled the President of the 
     United States to certify the safety, security, and 
     reliability of the nuclear stockpile for more than ten years 
     without the use of live nuclear testing, which demonstrates 
     the Nation's commitment to nuclear nonproliferation;
       (3) accelerating the effectiveness of joint, coalition, and 
     interagency training exercises, while dramatically reducing 
     the costs of such exercises, as demonstrated by United States 
     Joint Forces Command's 2007 homeland security exercise, Noble 
     Resolve, which was conducted virtually and required 5 months, 
     140 personnel, and $2,000,000 for development, compared to a 
     2002 Millennium Challenge exercise that was conducted live 
     and required 5 years, 14,000 personnel, and $250,000,000 for 
     development;
       (4) preserving countless human lives, as well as military 
     and civilian aircraft, ships, and other vehicles through the 
     rehearsal of repeatable, simulated emergencies that otherwise 
     could not have been practiced;
       (5) increasing the quality of health care through the 
     development of medical simulation training, which led the 
     Food and Drug Administration to require such training for 
     physicians before certain high-risk procedures to treat heart 
     disease and strokes;
       (6) reducing the cost of health care, as demonstrated by 
     medical malpractice insurance rate discounts being provided 
     to anesthesiologists and obstetricians who include simulated 
     procedures in their biennial training requirements;
       (7) simulating large scale natural or man-made disasters to 
     improve the effectiveness of local, State, and Federal first 
     responders, law enforcement, and other agencies involved in a 
     coordinated emergency response;
       (8) forecasting weather and predicting climate change to 
     enable scientists, industry, and policymakers to study the 
     effects of climate change and also to prepare for extreme 
     weather, such as hurricanes;
       (9) protecting rivers, waterways, and endangered species 
     reliant on these waters through the Environmental Protection 
     Agency's hydrology Dynamic Stream Simulation and Assessment 
     Model, which predicts impacts on water quality for the 
     Truckee River, including its effect on Lake Tahoe and other 
     portions of its basin;
       (10) producing analysis that resulted in enhanced designs 
     and construction of critical infrastructure, such as roads, 
     interchanges, airports, harbors, railways, and bridges that 
     increases transportation capacity and safety, and reduces 
     travel time and environmental impact; and
       (11) providing National Aeronautics and Space 
     Administration (NASA) astronauts training to ensure a safe 
     and productive mission in space, including the utilization of 
     the Shuttle Training Aircraft, which simulates real aircraft 
     shuttle characteristics and enables NASA pilots to have 1,000 
     simulated shuttle landings before they land the Space Shuttle 
     for the first time as a glider;
       Whereas these contributions, in addition to numerous 
     contributions that are not listed but that equally have 
     brought prosperity to our Nation, demonstrate that modeling 
     and simulation efforts have, and will continue to--
       (1) provide vital strategic support functions to our 
     Military;
       (2) defend our freedom and advance United States interests 
     around the world;
       (3) promote better health care through improved medical 
     training, improved quality of care, reduced medical errors, 
     and reduced cost;
       (4) encourage comprehensive planning for national disaster 
     and emergency preparedness response;
       (5) improve and secure our critical infrastructure and 
     transportation systems;
       (6) protect the environment; and
       (7) allow the Nation to explore the Earth and space to 
     further our understanding of our world and universe;
       Whereas modeling and simulation frequently complements or 
     replaces experimentation where experimentation is hazardous, 
     expensive, or impossible, thus providing far greater 
     capability than experimentation alone;
       Whereas the modeling and simulation industry provides well-
     paying jobs to many Americans and represents an opportunity 
     for Americans with strong foundations in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics to contribute to the prosperity 
     and security of the United States;
       Whereas other countries have recognized the value of 
     modeling and simulation as an opportunity to gain a 
     competitive advantage over the United States economically and 
     militarily, and some of these same countries produce more 
     engineers each year than the United States;
       Whereas modeling and simulation efforts are critically 
     dependent on a fundamental education in science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics;
       Whereas modeling and simulation require unique knowledge, 
     skills, and abilities that are not adequately incorporated 
     into governmental occupational classification codes; and
       Whereas advances in modeling and simulation can be achieved 
     through innovation in the private sector, and proper export 
     controls and intellectual property rights are critical to the 
     continued growth and innovation in this sector: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends those who have contributed to the modeling and 
     simulation efforts which have developed essential 
     characteristics of our Nation;
       (2) urges that, consistent with previous legislation passed 
     by this and previous Congresses, science, technology, 
     engineering, and mathematics remain key disciplines for 
     primary and secondary education;
       (3) encourages the expansion of modeling and simulation as 
     a tool and subject within higher education;
       (4) recognizes modeling and simulation as a National 
     Critical Technology;
       (5) affirms the need to study the national economic impact 
     of modeling and simulation;
       (6) supports the development and implementation of 
     governmental classification codes that include separate 
     classification for modeling and simulation occupations; and
       (7) encourages the development and implementation of ways 
     to protect intellectual property of modeling and simulation 
     enterprises.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Feeney) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks, and include extraneous material on H. Res. 487.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Tennessee?
  There was no objection.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 487, which 
recognizes the contribution of modeling and simulation technology to 
the security and prosperity of the United States, and recognizing 
modeling and simulation as a national critical technology.
  Modeling and simulation is an important technology. It allows 
scientists to understand the functioning of complex systems that would 
otherwise be impossible to comprehend. It allows developers to 
understand their products better. It allows industry to save money that 
would otherwise be spent on experimentation and to allocate those funds 
to other activities, and allows our military to understand the impacts 
of their weapons.
  In short, modeling and simulation is a very powerful tool that has 
improved

[[Page 19075]]

our lives in many ways. Americans lead the world in this technology, 
and we should acknowledge that. It's important that we nurture this 
industry and stimulate its further growth.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FEENEY. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Gordon for 
bringing this resolution successfully through his committee, and I rise 
in support of House Resolution 487, and yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, House Resolution 487 recognizes that modeling and 
simulation technology is a national critical technology essential for 
America's long-term national security and her economic prosperity.
  As a member of the House Modeling and Simulation Caucus, and 
representing one of the largest modeling and simulation clusters in the 
United States, I urge that the House pass this resolution to help 
retain America's lead in this high-technology field.
  Your child's or your grandchild's video game represents one product 
of the modeling and simulation industry. Aircraft training simulators 
provide another well-known example.
  Simulation uses combinations of sound, sight and motion to make you 
feel that you are experiencing an actual event. Modeling involves the 
complex computer models used to create these artificial environments.
  For training purposes, modeling and simulation places people in an 
artificial, but seemingly real, environment and puts them through their 
paces. Unlike live training, if you make a mistake, you get to live 
another day and learn valuable lessons.
  In the latter part of the 20th century, the U.S. military 
revolutionized warfighting by emphasizing this high-fidelity training 
that simulates the stress and decision-making of actual combat. 
Servicemen and -women gain experience and judgment previously only 
earned on the actual battlefield, often through serious injury and 
death.
  Substantial amounts of that simulation and training come from my 
congressional district where representatives of all service branches 
collaborate with the University of Central Florida and private 
contractors of all sizes to produce these training systems. As other 
speakers will note, other clusters of modeling and simulation 
excellence exist throughout the United States.
  But such training expands beyond military uses. Commercial aviation's 
enviable safety record is due in part to aircraft simulator training 
that prepares cockpit crews to handle complex and fast-paced 
emergencies.
  In that vein, medical simulation is an especially promising and 
emerging field. By creating artificial, but seemingly real, 
environments, doctors and nurses can hone their skills in using 
sophisticated and invasive medical technology or in treating severely 
injured patients.
  Beyond training, modeling and simulation replicates complex 
environments, allowing planners and designers to ask various ``what 
if'' questions.
  Transportation planners simulate highway networks to determine how 
best to alleviate congestion. Emergency management experts simulate 
large-scale natural or manmade disasters to better improve coordinated 
emergency responses. Hurricane Katrina highlighted the need to better 
use modeling and simulation in order to protect life and property 
during such disasters.
  Because of these growing numbers of uses, the modeling and simulation 
industry is rapidly growing and demands the best students with 
extensive math and science backgrounds including psychology, medicine, 
computer science, mathematics, engineering and physics.
  In addition to the cluster in Central Florida, there's a great 
cluster of modeling and simulation in the Fourth Congressional District 
represented by Congressman Randy Forbes, and I'd like to indulge my 
colleagues to paraphrase some important comments by Congressman Forbes 
and then would like to insert his comments, the original text, in the 
Record.
  Representative Forbes points out that we can test a new airplane in a 
wind tunnel without risking human life and without building full scale 
airplanes. The benefits and applications of this technology are 
immediately obvious. We can learn a system in a more cost-effective, 
timely and safer manner. And, furthermore, we can simulate thousands of 
scenarios over and over again on a computer when it is too hazardous, 
expensive, or impossible to perform real world tests.
  So, in short, modeling simulation tools allow us to understand 
complex interactions that would otherwise be impossible to comprehend 
using other means. If modeling and simulation sounds like it has the 
promise to dramatically change the way we apply science in our world, 
the fact is that it has already done so.
  This resolution seeks to recognize the countless efforts of 
professionals who have taken this technology and applied it to make the 
United States a safer and more prosperous Nation.
  The impact of modeling and simulation technology is felt in the 
private sector, academia, government, and across disciplines. Modeling 
and simulation tools have streamlined the design and manufacture of 
cars, homes, boats and airplanes, to name a few devices.
  Modeling and simulation software designed in Illinois, for example, 
assists automotive engineers in designing engines that are more 
efficient, while reducing emissions that impact adversely our 
environment. Modeling and simulation analysis is also used in the 
engineering of major roads, bridges, harbors, railways and airports, 
all of which lead to increased transportation capacity and safety.
  At the United States Joint Forces Command in the Fourth District of 
Virginia, represented by Congressman Forbes, modeling and simulation 
tools have accelerated the effectiveness of joint interagency exercises 
run by the command. One of their experimentation projects is to enhance 
our national security by running scenarios in an urban combat 
environment. The goal is to provide lessons learned for our troops in 
theater before they encounter the same situation on the ground.
  Because of these kinds of valuable contributions, this resolution 
honors modeling and simulation by recognizing it as a national critical 
technology. National critical technology refers to those technologies 
essential to develop long-term national security and economic 
prosperity for our country. One example of the success historically of 
modeling and simulation is the famous Manhattan Project. It was early 
models and simulators that allowed scientists to develop an 
understanding of nuclear chain reactions that ultimately led to the end 
of World War II.
  America's military have used simulators to train personnel for flying 
aircraft, ships, and we now use simulators to train soldiers and 
marines to detect roadside IEDs.
  Additionally, in the past, medical malpractice insurance rates have 
included artificially high premiums because it was difficult to reduce 
the number of medical errors for certain medical procedures that were 
not routinely performed. Today, insurance discounts are being provided 
to anesthesiologists and obstetricians who include simulated procedures 
in their biennial training requirements.
  Madam Speaker, the advantages that we have reaped from modeling and 
simulation go across all congressional districts and benefit all 
Americans in ways that are often unseen. I am thrilled to be a 
cosponsor of this resolution today.
  I want to thank the chairman. The future is very bright and modeling, 
simulation and training will lead the way to make it a safer, brighter 
future for all Americans.
  Central Florida represents one of the larger if not the largest 
Modeling and Simulation clusters in the United States. The Navy's 
NAVAIR Orlando and the Army's PEO-STRI are based in my District. Over 
100 Modeling and Simulation companies directly employ over 6,000 
people. Having reached a critical mass in Central Florida, the Modeling 
and Simulation industry continues to expand.

[[Page 19076]]

  Central Florida achieved critical mass by leveraging relationships 
among military, academic, industry, and government entities. Locally, 
we refer to this rich and complex web of cooperation, collaboration, 
and partnerships as Team Orlando.
  Over 50 years before ``jointness'' and ``transformation'' became 
favored concepts in the Department of Defense, the Navy and Army 
demonstrated these traits in Orlando by starting a partnership for the 
development of training systems. The Air Force and Marines joined as 
full partners during the 1990s. All military services use a common 
infrastructure of facilities, contracting, administration, and 
technology.
  Collaboration with academia is demonstrated by the University of 
Central Florida and its Institute for Simulation and Training.
  The private sector is represented by a portfolio of Modeling and 
Simulation companies. Recognized and established entities are present 
such as Lockheed Martin and SAIC. But Central Florida is also home to 
scores of innovative, entrepreneurial start-ups such as IDEAL 
Technologies and Vcom3D.
  The lessons learned from Central Florida's experience can be applied 
nationally. Modeling and Simulation isn't a zero-sum game where success 
in one geographic area comes at the expense of another. This technology 
holds so much promise that everyone benefits from national cooperation 
and collaboration.
  Today's resolution will help create a unified national identity for 
this technology. And it will raise this technology's profile within the 
Department of Defense, other government agencies, and the private 
sector.
  Modeling and simulation allows us to better understand and control 
complex systems ranging from highway systems, manufacturing and 
processing facilities, and emergency management systems. Modeling and 
simulation also trains people to handle complex and fast-paced 
situations ranging from warfighting to emergency medical care.
  So I urge support of this resolution recognizing modeling and 
simulation as a National Critical Technology.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, let me just conclude by 
saying I think this is our 30th bill with Mr. Feeney's help out of the 
Science Committee. All have been bipartisan. All but two have been 
unanimous. This is another good piece of legislation.
  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, while nearly all Members of this body have 
benefited from the application of modeling and simulation, or M-and-S, 
technology in one way or another, I want to briefly describe what we 
are talking about when we discuss Modeling and Simulation technology. 
``Modeling and Simulation'' simply refers to replicating a system on a 
smaller scale or on a computer for extensive analysis.
  For example, we can test a new airplane in a wind tunnel without 
risking human life and without building full-scale airplanes. The 
benefits and applications of this technology are immediately obvious: 
we can learn about a system in a more cost-effective, timely, and safer 
manner than analyzing the real thing. And furthermore, we can simulate 
thousands of scenarios over and over again on a computer when it is too 
hazardous, expensive, or impossible to perform a real-world experiment.
  So in short, M-and-S tools allow us to understand complex 
interactions that would otherwise be impossible to comprehend using 
other means. If modeling and simulation technology sounds like it has 
the promise to dramatically change the way we apply science in the 
world, the fact is, that is has already done so--and this resolution 
seeks to recognize the countless efforts of the professionals who have 
taken this technology and applied it to make the United States a safer 
and more prosperous Nation.
  The impact of Modeling and Simulation technology is felt in the 
private sector, academia, government, and across all disciplines. M-
and-S tools have streamlined the design and manufacturing of cars, 
homes, boats, and airplanes.
  M-and-S software designed in Illinois is assisting automotive 
engineers to design engines that are more efficient while reducing 
emissions. M-and-S analysis is also used in the engineering of major 
roads, bridges, harbors, railways, and airports--all of which lead to 
increased transportation capacity and safety.
  At the United States Joint Forces Command in the Fourth Congressional 
District in Virginia, M-and-S tools have accelerated the effectiveness 
of joint and interagency exercises run by the Command. One of their 
experimentation projects is to enhance our national security by running 
scenarios in an urban combat environment. Their goal is to provide 
``lessons learned'' for our troops in theater before they encounter the 
same situation on the ground.
  Because of these kinds of valuable contributions, this resolution 
honors modeling and simulation by recognizing it as a National Critical 
Technology. A National Critical Technology refers to those technologies 
that are essential to develop in order to ensure the long-term national 
security and economic prosperity of the United States. I have already 
mentioned how modeling and simulation has broadly contributed to our 
national security and the economic prosperity, but let me name a few 
specific examples:
  During the Manhattan Project, it was early models and simulations 
that allowed scientists to a developed understanding of nuclear chain 
reactions that ultimately led to the end of World War II.
  America's military have used simulators to train personnel for flying 
aircraft and ships, and now they use simulators to train soldiers and 
marines to detect roadside IEDs.
  Additionally, in the past, medical malpractice insurance rates have 
included artificially high premiums because it was difficult to reduce 
the number of medical errors for certain medical procedures that were 
not routinely performed. Today, however, insurance discounts are being 
provided to anesthesiologists and obstetricians who include simulated 
procedures in their biennial training requirements.
  I commend those that have used M-and-S tools to make great 
contributions to this country.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 487, which recognizes modeling and simulation as a national 
critical technology. I would like to thank my friend from Virginia's 
Fourth Congressional District and the chair of the Congressional 
Modeling and Simulation Caucus, Congressman Randy Forbes, for 
introducing this important resolution.
  Modeling and simulation has become an essential component in ensuring 
that we meet both the defense and domestic challenges of the 21st 
century. Modeling and simulation allows us to easily and effectively 
sharpen the tools, procedures, and decisions needed to address 
difficult and complex problems. This critical technology allows us to 
build and develop models of complex systems--whether a car, an 
airplane, an entire battlefield, or even a major city's evacuation 
plan--to see how certain actions will affect the end result. These 
simulations help us develop better and practical analogies of real 
world situations. With the growing international challenges of the 21st 
century, this technology is vital to the defense of our great Nation. 
Simulating battlefield conditions will sharpen the skills of the brave 
men and women serving in our armed forces.
  Madam Speaker, the practical uses of modeling, analysis and 
simulation technology as a training tool are boundless. Military and 
airline pilots have been using this technology for decades. Congress 
should be interested in using this technology for homeland security, 
disaster preparedness, and other ways to benefit the public; the 
resolution before the House today ensures that this body is aware of 
how critical this technology is for our Nation.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to represent the people and businesses of 
the Third Congressional District of Virginia who are a part of this 
important and growing sector of Virginia's economy. In addition to our 
local military bases supporting the Joint Forces Center in Suffolk, our 
local colleges and universities and NASA Langley Research Center on the 
Virginia peninsula are engaged in applying people, tools and facilities 
to modeling, analysis and simulation technology. Hampton Roads is 
leading the way in modeling and simulation technology. The Virginia 
Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center in Suffolk, Virginia, is a 
premier facility that is second to none.
  The modeling and simulation industry is vital to the growing economy 
of Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Hampton Roads 
Congressional Delegation has a history of working together and we will 
continue to do so in promoting this important industry in this 
Congress. Using modeling and simulation technology in the fields of 
science, national defense, homeland security and disaster planning will 
better the lives of all Americans and make our great Nation safer.
  Madam Speaker, I am glad that the House is considering this 
resolution today and I encourage all my colleagues to support this 
resolution and to learn more about this critical technology.
  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, in addition to formally recognizing 
modeling and simulation contributions, H. Res 487 urges Congress to 
continue to invest in critical science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics, or STEM education--disciplines that are essential to the 
expansion of modeling and simulation technology. Previous Congresses, 
as well

[[Page 19077]]

as this Congress, have demonstrated a deep commitment to furthering 
STEM education. Because the skills required for modeling and simulation 
develop over a long period of time--it is essential that we begin to 
develop these critical skills in our children now.
  Already, academic programs for modeling and simulation have sprung up 
across the country, at places such as Texas A&M and at the Virginia 
Modeling and Simulation Center based out of Old Dominion University. 
There, nearly 100 modeling and simulation professionals seek new ways 
to apply this technology.
  We must invest now rather than later, and I applaud the efforts of 
the Administration and this House towards that end. This investment is 
particularly valuable as other countries continue to produce more 
engineers than we graduate each year.
  This resolution is also meant to bring to the attention of this body, 
that policy decisions made in Congress and in the Administration can 
either accelerate the implementation of this technology, or 
unnecessarily slow its growth. That's why for the past 2 years, leaders 
in modeling and simulation from government, academia, and the private 
sector from around the country have come together in Virginia to 
identify the key policy challenges that are affecting the modeling and 
simulation industry.
  For example, since last year, there has been a prohibition in place 
that prevents the Department of Defense from purchasing any flight 
simulator using a services contract. Now, if that prohibition had been 
in place just one year earlier, the Army's Flight School Twenty One at 
Fort Rucker, Alabama, would not have had the chance to revolutionize 
the way the Army's future aviators train. Because the prohibition came 
into affect after the service contract was signed, the Army was able to 
incorporate modern simulations into the heart of the training 
curriculum. As lawmakers, we ought to be aware of these policies, how 
they came about, and whether they are still valid or have outlived 
their usefulness.
  When we recognize a technology that has been instrumental to our 
Nation, it follows that we should also understand the workforce that is 
producing these accomplishments. The professionals who make up the 
modeling and simulation community are scientists, mathematicians, 
programmers, and analysts. And unfortunately, we do not know much about 
them in part because they do not fit neatly into any current category 
as defined by the Department of Labor. There is also no nationwide 
estimate of how large the modeling and simulation community is; or 
whether our education system is producing an adequately technical 
workforce. So the government's classification of occupational codes is 
another area where Federal policy impacts modeling and simulation 
technology.
  As many of my colleagues know, the Department of Labor uses 
classification codes to identify and describe many occupations. The 
codes identify the projected job market, and the typical skills, 
education, and experience requirements. Particularly for occupations 
related to critical technologies such as modeling and simulation, it is 
important that we identify these details. With this information, we can 
learn if the number of technical graduates each year can match expected 
modeling and simulation job growth, and we can identify the economic 
impact this industry has had across the country.
  Madam Speaker, as Members consider their vote on this measure today, 
I would encourage my colleagues to keep in mind how this technology can 
break some of the logjams that seem to know no solution. For instance, 
medical errors persist even in the best hospitals. But, these errors 
could likely be reduced if we can train our medical professionals in 
situations that replicate the most common errors or scenarios without 
ever seeing a patient. Simulation can also extend the value of each 
defense dollar, which will only become more important as rising 
entitlement spending squeezes overall discretionary spending, which 
includes defense spending.
  We can increase the opportunity for interagency cooperation by 
decreasing the financial and time costs associated with exposing 
department-long bureaucrats to other agencies. One way to do this is 
through simulated exercises and interagency education and training. 
Just five years ago, a large scale defense exercise was run with many 
personnel in real-time. It required 5 years, 14,000 personnel, and 250 
million dollars.
  This year, a recent interagency exercise at U.S. Joint Forces Command 
was conducted to practice responding to a natural and a man-made 
disaster. It required only 5 months, 140 personnel and 2 million 
dollars to develop. Madam Speaker, the price of many things that the 
government buys only goes up with time. But, with modeling and 
simulation, we can improve the value of each taxpayer's dollar by 
saving money on personnel costs, equipment, and time.
  Modeling and Simulation also contributed to finding a solution to the 
concerns of nuclear testing. For a long time, there was a tension 
between wanting to have certainty in the reliability of our nuclear 
stockpile that at the time, was believed to only be achieved by live 
testing. But there were also concerns that more testing by the United 
States would negatively impact our nuclear nonproliferation efforts. 
Fortunately, an acceptable solution came in the form of modeling and 
simulation.
  At the Government's Department of Energy national laboratories in 
California and New Mexico, modeling and simulation tools serve as a 
foundational element of the National Nuclear Security Administration's 
Stockpile Stewardship Program, which enables the President of the 
United States to certify the safety security and reliability of nuclear 
stockpile for more than 10 years without the use of live nuclear 
testing. So, we are able to have full certainty as to the readiness of 
our primary deterrent, while also demonstrating the Nation's commitment 
to nuclear nonproliferation.
  Madam Speaker, we are at the tip of the iceberg as to what other 
issues modeling and simulation can address. I urge passage of this 
resolution that commends past modeling and simulation successes, and 
which presents a glimpse of the kinds of issues this House must address 
in the future to advance the benefits of this technology for the 
security and economy of this country.
  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 487.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________