[House Report 107-422]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
107th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 107-422
======================================================================
PLANT GENOME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
_______
April 30, 2002.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Boehlert, from the Committee on Science,submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 2051]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.
2051) to provide for the establishment of regional plant genome
and gene expression research and development centers, having
considered the same, report favorably thereon with amendments
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................3
III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................3
IV. Summary of Hearings.............................................5
V. Committee Actions...............................................6
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................6
VII. Section-By-Section Analysis (By Title and Section)..............7
VIII. Committee Views.................................................8
IX. Cost Estimate..................................................10
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................11
XI. Compliance with Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)...........12
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............13
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........13
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................13
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................13
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act...............................13
XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........13
XVIII.Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, As Reported..........13
XIX. Committee Recommendations......................................13
XX. Proceedings of Subcommittee Markup.............................14
XXI. Proceedings of Full Committee Markup...........................28
I. Amendment
The amendments are as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the National
Science Foundation;
(2) the term ``institution of higher education'' has the
meaning given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001); and
(3) the term ``nonprofit organization'' means a nonprofit
research institute or a nonprofit association with experience
and capability in plant biotechnology research as determined by
the Director.
SEC. 2. MATCHING FUNDS.
The Director may establish matching fund requirements for grantees to
receive grants under this Act.
SEC. 3. PLANT GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH CENTERS.
(a) In General.--The Director shall award grants to consortia of
institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or both)
to establish regional plant genome and gene expression research
centers. Grants shall be awarded under this section on a merit-
reviewed, competitive basis. When making awards, the Director shall, to
the extent practicable, ensure that the program created by this section
examines as many different agricultural environments as possible.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the centers established pursuant to
subsection (a) shall be to conduct research in plant genomics and plant
gene expression. A center's activities may include--
(1) basic plant genomics research and genomics applications,
including those related to cultivation of crops in extreme
environments and to cultivation of crops with reduced reliance
on fertilizer;
(2) basic research that will contribute to the development or
use of innovative plant-derived products;
(3) basic research on alternative uses for plants and plant
materials, including the use of plants as renewable feedstock
for alternative energy production and nonpetroleum-based
industrial chemicals and precursors; and
(4) basic research and dissemination of information on the
ecological and other consequences of genetically engineered
plants.
SEC. 4. PARTNERSHIPS FOR PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD.
(a) In General.--(1) The Director shall award grants to institutions
of higher education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such
entities to establish research partnerships for supporting the
development of plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the
developing world. The Director, by means of outreach, shall encourage
inclusion of Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-
serving institutions, or tribal colleges or universities in consortia
that enter into such partnerships.
(2) In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an
institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit organization (or
consortium thereof) shall enter into a partnership with one or more
research institutions in one or more developing nations and may also
include for-profit companies involved in plant biotechnology.
(3) Grants under this section shall be awarded on a merit-reviewed
competitive basis.
(b) Purpose.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used for
support of research in plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the
developing world. Such activities may include--
(1) basic genomic research on crops grown in the developing
world;
(2) basic research in plant biotechnology that will advance
and expedite the development of improved cultivars, including
those that are pest-resistant, produce increased yield, reduce
the need for fertilizers, or increase tolerance to stress;
(3) basic research that could lead to the development of
technologies to produce pharmaceutical compounds such as
vaccines and medications in plants that can be grown in the
developing world; and
(4) research on the impact of plant biotechnology on the
social, political, economic, and environmental conditions in
countries in the developing world.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science
Foundation $9,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $13,500,000 for fiscal year
2003, and $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2004 to carry out this Act.
Amend the title so as to read:
A bill to authorize the National Science Foundation to
establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome and
gene expression research and development and international
research partnerships for the advancement of plant
biotechnology in the developing world.
II. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to authorize the National
Science Foundation to establish regional centers for the
purpose of plant genome and gene expression research and
development and to provide grants to establish international
research partnerships for the advancement of plant
biotechnology in the developing world.
III. Background and Need for the Legislation
Basic research on plant biotechnology.--The National
Science Foundation (NSF) has been at the forefront of research
aimed at better understanding the molecular, genetic, and
biochemical nature of plants. Developments based on this
research have driven progress in the field of agricultural
biotechnology--and thus are of tremendous interest to the
agricultural community. NSF-funded research in this area,
however, is in keeping with the agency's mission of basic
research and therefore has focused primarily on efforts to
better understand the fundamental biology of plants.
One area of particular focus for NSF has been study of the
plant Arabidopsis thaliana, which is a relative of plants such
as broccoli and cauliflower. Arabidopsis has been used by
scientists as a model organism for plant biology studies for
many years, and an effort to sequence the entire Arabidopsis
genome--analogous in many ways to the Human Genome Project--was
completed in December 2000. That effort, part of NSF's Plant
Genome Research Program, involved the work of a consortium of
scientists from six different countries. NSF led the effort for
the United States with support from the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE).
While having the complete DNA sequence of an organism is an
important step in understanding how that organism functions,
just knowing the sequence of all of an organism's genes is not
enough to gain a full understanding of the organism. Central to
scientists' efforts to better understand plants is a clearer
understanding of what individual genes in the organism actually
do--information that cannot be derived from DNA sequences
alone. NSF recently launched a research program to determine
the functions of all 25,000 Arabidopsis genes--the ``2010
Project'', which began in FY 2001. Better understanding the
specific roles of various plant genes and how they contribute
to the overall function of the plant provides the foundation
for all aspects of plant biotechnology.
The promise of a program such as NSF's 2010 Project is in
its ability to harness fundamental knowledge to solve
additional research questions and, eventually, to help solve
problems related to plant production and utilization. While
understanding the biology of Arabidopsis will provide insight
into the basic genetics and physiology of all plants,
additional research is required to better understand the unique
features of more complex plants including commercially-valuable
crop plants such as corn and wheat. H.R. 2051 would expand
NSF's support of genomics research to include newagriculturally
important species and applications of the knowledge derived from
studies of genomics.
Food for the Developing World.--The ``Green Revolution'' of
the 1960's is credited with saving a billion lives through the
implementation of novel agricultural technologies--selective
breeding and hybridization techniques, the introduction of
inorganic fertilizers, and utilization of controlled irrigation
procedures--in parts of the developing world. The Green
Revolution, however, was not a permanent solution to feeding
the ever-increasing world population. In his acceptance speech
for the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Norman Borlaug cautioned
that the Green Revolution had only ``won a temporary success in
man's war against hunger'', given the globe's burgeoning
population. While the world's population has grown
significantly over the past four decades, natural resources and
cropland have not. In addition, subsistence farming has led to
mineral depletion, erosion, and increased salinity or acidity
of much of that land. While technological developments have
resulted in improved crop yields, many people in the developing
world still go hungry every day.
Biotechnology has already shown promise for producing
plants that are more tolerant to drought or high soil salt
levels, can resist insect, fungal, and viral infections, and
improve the nutritional content of food. Also, since some
staple crops of the African diet, such as the cassava tuber,
have little or no nutritive value, enhancing the nutritional
content of food could be a key weapon in the fight against
malnutrition and disease. For example, the ``golden rice''
project, which involved the incorporation of genes able to lead
to the production of vitamin A in rice, created a
nutritionally-enhanced plant that could potentially reduce the
effects--such as blindness--of endemic vitamin A deficiency in
the developing world. Other nutritionally-enhanced food
products, such as those with increased levels of cancer-
fighting compounds, for example, could also potentially be
produced. Beyond plant-based production of pharmaceuticals,
researchers are also using biotechnology to develop foods that
are a direct source of edible vaccines. These vaccines are
genetically incorporated into food plants, need no
refrigeration, and require no sterilization equipment or
needles for delivery. Such a vaccine delivery system could
overcome many of the health care and transportation
infrastructure limitations in many parts of the developing
world.
Federal funding for genomic research on developing world
crops, or so called ``orphan crops'', will play a important
role in the development of agricultural biotechnology in the
developing world. Private companies have contributed a great
deal to the advancement of agricultural biotechnology, but
their focus has been on commodities that are grown in temperate
climates, such as corn and soybeans. Little research has been
done on orphan crops because private companies have very little
incentive to invest in products that will not bring a financial
return. While not a solution in itself in combating many of the
problems of the developing world, public funding for genomic
and biotechnology research on developing world crops will serve
as a catalyst in helping the technology reach its potential in
fighting hunger, malnutrition and disease.
Research on risks associated with agricultural
biotechnology.--Balancing these promising technological
developments, however, are concerns that the introduction of
new compounds to a given plant could upset the biochemical
balance of the plant in a way that renders the plant harmful
for human consumption. Additional research, including that
aimed at better understanding the underlying biology of plants
and the effects of introducing new biochemical pathways, will
continue to develop our ability to assess any risks to the
environment or to human health that these new varieties may
pose.
Other potential risks to the environment exist as well.
Transmission of unwanted genetic traits from modified crop
plants to nearby plant relatives, adverse impacts on insect
populations that feed on modified plants, more rapid
acquisition of resistance to pesticides by insect pests, and
other ecological concerns will require additional assessment.
Beyond technological concerns, socioeconomic issues
associated with the development and use of these new
technologies in developing countries exist as well. For
example, these countries typically do not have national
regulatory bodies that review genetically altered crops to
determine whether their introduction is appropriate.
The programs authorized by H.R. 2051 will enable
researchers to build on our current knowledge base and
accelerate the development of this promising technology while
continuing to address concerns related to its safety.
IV. Summary of Hearings
During the 106th Congress, the Subcommittee on Basic
Research of the Committee on Science held a series of hearings
and briefings aimed at understanding agricultural biotechnology
and its implications. The Subcommittee received testimony and
information from leading scientists and other interested
parties from around the world, on all sides of the issue.
Hearings examined the wide range of benefits, potential risks,
and the regulatory framework that oversees the development of
new plant biotechnology products as they progress from the
laboratory to the marketplace.
In the 107th Congress, the Subcommittee on Research of the
Committee on Science held a June 6, 2001 hearing on NSF's
Fiscal Year 2002 Research and Related Activities Budget
Request. In addition to the budget overview, the Subcommittee
received testimony on the process by which NSF establishes
programmatic and budget priorities as exemplified by the Plant
Genome Research Program and Project 2010.
On September 25, 2001, the Research Subcommittee held a
hearing on H.R. 2051 and H.R. 2912. The Subcommittee heard from
witnesses with expertise on the scientific, technical,
political, and economic issues related to plant biotechnology
and the application of transgenic crops in the developed and
the developing world. The witnesses discussed current advances
and concerns, as well as future needs, in plant genomics and
related research. They also discussed the role that the
National ScienceFoundation should play in plant biotechnology
research and provided views and recommendations on H.R. 2051 and H.R.
2912. The witnesses emphasized the potential for biotechnology to raise
living standards in third world countries through the development of
drought tolerant, insect resistant, and higher yielding crop varieties,
and to fight disease through the development of edible vaccines and
medicines for afflictions such as enteric diseases.
V. Committee Action
On June 5, 2001, Science Subcommittee on Research Chairman
Nick Smith introduced H.R. 2051, a bill to provide for the
establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression
research and development centers.
The Subcommittee on Research met on December 12, 2001, to
consider the bill. Subcommittee Chairman Smith and the ranking
member, Eddie Bernice Johnson, offered an en bloc amendment. In
addition to making technical corrections to the bill, the
amendment incorporated the major provisions of H.R. 2912, a
bill to establish plant biotechnology partnerships with the
developing world, introduced by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. The
amendment also (1) dropped the requirement that NSF could not
contribute more than 50 percent of the funds needed to
establish plant genome and gene expression centers; and (2)
combined the authorization amounts of H.R. 2051 and H.R. 2912
into one authorization amount for carrying out the provisions
of the bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. With a
quorum present, Ms. Johnson moved that the Subcommittee
favorably report the bill, H.R. 2051, as amended, to the Full
Committee on Science with the recommendation that it be in
order for the amendment, in the nature of a substitute adopted
by the Subcommittee, to be considered as an original bill for
the purpose of amendment at Full Committee, and that the staff
be instructed to make technical and conforming changes to the
bill as amended. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote.
On March 20, 2002, the Full Committee met to consider the
bill, H.R. 2051, as reported by the Subcommittee on Research.
With a quorum present, Ms. Johnson moved that the Committee
report the bill, H.R. 2051, as amended, to the House, that the
staff prepare the legislative report and make technical and
conforming changes, and that the Chairman take all necessary
steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. The
motion was agreed to by voice vote.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 2051 authorizes NSF to award grants to institutions of
higher education to establish regional plant genome and gene
expression research centers. Research activities at the Centers
may include basic research into (1) basic plant genomics or
genomics applications; (2) the development or use of innovative
plant derived products; (30 alternative uses for plants and
plant materials; and (4) the ecological and other effects of
genetically engineered plants.
The Act also authorizes NSF to award grants to institutions
of higher education to establish research partnerships for
supporting plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the
developing world. The plant biotechnology partnerships will be
used to support basic research activities that may include
basic research on (1) genomes of crops grown in the developing
world; (2) the development of pharmaceutical compounds such as
plant vaccines and medications; and (4) the impact of plant
biotechnology on the social, political, economic, and
environmental conditions in countries in the developing world.
Both programs are authorized at $9 million for FY 2002,
$13.5 million for FY 2003, and $13.5 million for FY 2004.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis
Sec. 1. Definitions
Defines ``Director'', as the Director of the National
Science Foundation (NSF). Uses the definition for `institution
of higher education' found in the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Defines ``nonprofit organization'' as a nonprofit research
institute or a nonprofit association with experience and
capability in plant biotechnology research as determined by the
Director.
Sec. 2. Matching funds
Allows NSF to establish a matching funds requirement for
grantees to receive grants.
Sec. 3. Plant genome and gene expression research centers
Establishes a merit-based, competitive program at NSF to
provide grants to consortia of institutions of higher education
or non-profit organizations, or both to develop regional plant
genome and gene expression research centers. These centers
would conduct research in plant genomics and plant gene
expression. Research activities could include: (1) Basic plant
genomics research and applications related to the development
and testing of new varieties of enhanced crops, including those
grown in extreme environments and those grown with reduced
reliance on fertilizer; (2) basic research related to the
development of innovative, plant-derived products; (3) basic
research on alternative uses of plants or plant material
including the use of plants are renewable feedstock for energy
production; and (4) basic research and dissemination of
information on the ecological and other consequences of
genetically engineered plants.
Sec. 4. Partnerships for plant biotechnology in the developing world
Establishes a merit-based, competitive program at NSF to
provide grants to institutions of higher education, non-profit
organizations, or consortia thereof, to develop
researchpartnerships supporting plant biotechnology targeted to the
needs of the developing world. Consortia may also include for-profit
companies. The Director is encourage, by means of outreach, the
inclusion of Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-
Serving Institutions, or Tribal Colleges in the consortia. In order to
receive grants, the grantee must have entered into a partnership with
one or more research institutions in a developing nation. Research
undertaken by the partnerships could include (1) basic genomic research
on crops grown in the developing world; (2) basic research in plant
biotechnology that improves plant tolerance, increases yield, or
reduces the need for fertilizers; (3) basic research that could lead to
the development of technologies to produce vaccine and pharmaceutical
products in plants grown in the developing world; and (4) research on
the social, political, economic, and environmental impact of plant
biotechnology in the developing world.
Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations
Authorizes $9 million for FY 2002, $13.5 million for FY
2003, and $13.5 million for FY 2004 to carry out the Act.
VIII. Committee Views
The Committee on Science believes that advancements in
plant biotechnology hold great promise as a tool to alleviate
poverty and hunger, improve general health and well-being,
protect the environment, and address a wide variety of problems
both in the United States and around the world. However, the
Committee also recognizes that, as a relatively new technology,
many questions remain concerning the safety of genetically
modified organisms. This Act is designed to utilize NSF's
ability to harness the fundamental knowledge needed to address
these challenges and concerns.
Building on NSF's proven capacity to engage the academic
research community, the Act authorizes NSF to fund new centers
for plant genomics and gene expression research and develop new
plant biotechnology research partnerships with the developing
world. Both programs will take advantage of NSF's standard
competitive peer-review process.
plant genome and gene expression centers
NSF currently supports 23 Plant Genome Virtual Centers that
allow researchers from multiple disciplines and from different
institutions to work together to access data and study complex
questions related to plant genomics. Virtual centers bring
together researchers with diverse expertise, including
traditional plant breeding research, molecular biology,
information technology, and agronomy, among many others. It is
the Committee's intention that the plant genome and gene
expression centers will expand upon the same multidisciplinary,
interactive approach exemplified by the Plant Genome Virtual
Centers.
The Committee wishes to stress that the term ``plant
genomics and gene expression research'' is meant to be
interpreted broadly, and may encompass basic research in fields
such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, plant
reproduction and pathology, bioinformatics, and many others,
provided that the research is directly aimed at advancing plant
biotechnology.
Regarding specific research activities to be conducted at
the centers:
Section 3(b)(1): It is the Committee's intention that
research activities relating to the development of crops with
reduced reliance on fertilizers may include research into
enhancing the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes and developing
commercial varieties of non-legumes that are able to fix
nitrogen. The primary input required for nitrogen fertilizer
production is natural gas; in fact, fertilizer manufacturing
consumes about 6 percent of all U.S. natural gas production.
The Committee believes that potential exists for plant
biotechnology developments in this area to reduce agricultural
input costs while also reducing energy dependence.
Section 3(b)(2): Early plant biotechnology development
efforts were primarily focused on improving the production
quantity and quality of plant-derived foods, and involved
generation of pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant plants, for
example. Today, in addition to plant varieties with enhance
nutritional properties or other desirable characteristics, a
growing sub-field of the science is focusing on innovative uses
for plant products. For example, plants can be engineered to
produce compounds such as enzymes used in food processing,
vaccines and antibodies for the pharmaceutical industry, and
compounds used to produce biodegradable plastics. The Committee
encourages plant genome and gene expression centers to conduct
fundamental research that may address questions related to
these types of applications.
Section 3(b)(3): In future decades, worldwide energy demand
will continue to increase significantly, primarily due to
population growth and increases in per capita energy
consumption that accompany higher living standards throughout
the world. Alternative renewable energy sources hold promise to
help meet this increased demand. For example, renewable
feedstocks have received significant attention as an
alternative to current hydrocarbon-based energy sources. While
the technological process currently exists to manufacture
feedstock-based fuel, biotechnology advancements in feedstock
production, pretreatment, fermentation, and distillation could
help to make this process more economically feasible. The
Committee encourages plant genome and gene expression centers
to conduct fundamental research into these areas, and expects
that NSF would coordinate this biotechnology research with
other government agencies, such as the U.S. Departments of
Agriculture and Energy, that are also engaged in this type of
research.
Section 3(b)(4): The Committee understands that plant
biotechnology, since its inception, has been the subject of
significant debate. It is clear that there are real and
extensive risks and uncertainties associated with this
technology. For instance, concerns exist that the introduction
of new compounds to a given plant could upset thebiochemical
balance of the plant in a way that renders the plant harmful for human
consumption. Others have expressed concern that genetically engineered
``plant pesticides,'' such as those carrying the Bt gene, which causes
plants to release a toxin that defends it from insects and other pests,
could be harmful to human health and/or the environment. Other
uncertainties remain regarding the safety of biotechnology, including
questions related to the long-term environmental and human health
effects of consuming biotech foods, and the potential that new
allergens may be introduced into the food chain.
The Committee believes that research on the ecological and
other consequences of genetically engineered plants is an
important component of the overall research effort, and
encourages NSF to fund research on these important issues as
part of the work of the centers authorized by this Act. The
Committee also believes that the centers should, through
outreach and other means of informal education, strive to
communicate scientific information on these risks to the
public.
Plant Biotechnology Partnerships with the Developing World
More people die worldwide each year from famine and
diseases related to malnutrition than from all other diseases
combined. In March of 2002, the World Health Organization and
the United Nations Children's Fund reported that 8 million
babies, more than half in the first month of life, die each
year. Malnutrition is responsible for sixty percent of these
deaths. In other words, 9 babies perish due to hunger each
minute. Clearly, successfully combating hunger and malnutrition
has significant potential to raise standards of living and
increase life expectancy in developing countries. Through the
development of new crops that produce increased yields, reduce
the need for fertilizer inputs, and help plants withstand
stress conditions such as drought and high salinity levels,
plant biotechnology holds great promise as a tool to improve
life in these countries. Understanding this, the committee
intends that the Plant Biotechnology Partnerships for the
Developing World program will provide the fundamental research
needed to build on the current plant biotechnology knowledge
base to address specific agricultural problems in the
developing world.
In addition to the need for this technology, researchers in
developing countries need technical assistance to fully
understand the benefits and risks and be able to implement
plant biotechnology. The Committee envisions that the
partnership program will meet this need, supporting scientists
at U.S. institutions working in concert with scientists from
developing nations. Many developing nations have established
agricultural research centers that focus on developing world
crops and will make significant contributions to plant
biotechnology research done in the U.S., while continuing to
develop their own scientific capacity.
The Committee is aware that minority-serving institutions
of higher education also have developed substantial research
capabilities in the area of plant biotechnology. The Committee
expects the Director to take active steps, including through
workshops and symposia, to inform Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, Hispanic-servingInstitutions, and tribal
colleges and universities about the opportunities for research awards
under the program established by this legislation and to encourage the
inclusion of such institutions in the research partnerships under
section 4.
IX. Cost Estimate
Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(2) of the House of Representatives
requires each committee report accompanying each bill or joint
resolution of a public character to contain: (1) an estimate,
made by such committed, of the costs which would be incurred in
carrying out such bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year
(or for the authorized duration of any program authorized by
such bill or joint resolution, if less then five years); (2) a
comparison of the estimate of costs described in subparagraph
(1) of this paragraph made by such committee with an estimate
of such costs made by any government agency and submitted to
such committee; and (3) when practicable, a comparison of the
total estimated funding level for the relevant program (or
programs) with the appropriate levels under current law.
However, House Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(3)(B) provides that this
requirement does not apply when a cost estimate and comparison
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office
under section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has
been timely submitted prior to the filing of the report and
included in the report pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause
3(c)(3). A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the
Director of the Congressional Budget Office under section 402
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely
submitted to the Committee on Science prior to the filing of
this report and is included in Section X of this report
pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(2) of the House of Representatives
requires each committee report that accompanies a measure
providing new budget authority (other than continuing
appropriations), new spending authority, or new credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures to
contain a cost estimate, as required by section 308(a)(1) of
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and, when practicable with
respect to estimates of new budget authority, a comparison of
the total estimated funding level for the relevant program (or
programs) to the appropriate levels under current law. H.R.
2051 does not contain any new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming
that the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R.
2051 does authorize additional discretionary spending, as
described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the
bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, April 4, 2002.
Hon. Sherwood L. Boehlert,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 2051, a bill to
authorize the National Science Foundation to establish regional
centers for the purpose of plant genome and gene expression
research and development and international research
partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in the
developing world.
If you wish further details on this estimate , we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Kathleen
Gramp.
Sincerely,
Barry B. Anderson
(For Dan L. Crippen, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 2051--A bill to authorize the National Science Foundation to
establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome and
gene expression research and development and international
research partnerships for the advancement of plant
biotechnology in the developing world
Summary: H.R. 2051 would expand the scope of the National
Science Foundation's (NSF's) existing research on plant
genetics and biotechnology by authorizing appropriations for
research on special issues and for partnerships with
institutions in developing nations. The bill would authorize $9
million for 2002 and $13.5 million for each of fiscal years
2003 and 2004 for these new initiatives. These funds would be
awarded competitively and would focus on such issues as crop
cultivation in extreme climates, innovative plant products,
feedstocks for alternative energy production, the ecological
effects of genetically engineered plants, and biotechnology in
developing countries.
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2051 would cost a
total of $34 million over the 2002-2007 period, assuming
appropriation of the authorized amounts. The bill would not
affect direct spending or receipts, so pay-as-you-go procedures
would not apply.
H.R. 2051 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 2051 is shown in the following table.
For this estimate, CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted by
spring and that the funding authorized for 2002 will be
provided in a supplemental appropriation act. Outlays are
projected based on spending trends for similar NSF programs.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 250
(general science, space, and technology).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------------
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Plant Genome Spending Under Current Law:
Budget Authority \1\.................................. 115 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... 93 76 24 7 3 1
Proposed Changes:
Authorization Level................................... 9 14 14 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... (\2\) 6 14 10 3 1
Spending Under H.R. 2051:
Authorization Level \1\............................... 124 14 14 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... 93 82 38 17 6 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The 2002 level is the amount estimated to be appropriated for plant genome research for 2002.
\2\ Less than $500,000.
Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 2051
contains no integovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments. The bill would benefit public universities
by authorizing $36 million in grants, between fiscal year 2002
and 2004, to establish research centers and to cultivate
partnerships. Any costs incurred by public universities to
participate in this program would be voluntary.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Kathleen Gramp; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Elyse Goldman; and
Impact on the Private Sector: Jean Talarico.
Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 2051 contains no unfunded mandates.
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(1) of the House of Representatives
requires each committee report to include oversight findings
and recommendations required pursuant to clause 2(b)(1) of rule
X. The Committee on Science's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c)(4) of House Rule XIII, the goal
and objective of the bill is to authorize the National Science
Foundation to establish regional centers for the purpose of
plant genome and gene expression research and development and
to provide grants to establish international research
partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in the
developing world.
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement
Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(1) of the House of Representatives
requires each report of a committee on a bill or joint
resolution of a public character to include a statement citing
the specific powers granted to the Congress in the Constitution
to enact the law proposed by the bill or joint resolution.
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States
grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 2051.
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 2051 does not establish nor authorize the
establishment of any advisory committee.
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 2051 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill in not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XVIII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
This legislation does not amend any existing Federal
statute.
XIX. Committee Recommendations
On March 20, 2002, a quorum being present, the Committee on
Science favorably reported H.R. 2051, by a voice vote, and
recommends its enactment.
XX. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP HELD BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH ON H.R.
2051, A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL PLANT GENOME
AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
----------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001
House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Research,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:30 p.m., in
Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Nick Smith
[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding.
Chairman Smith. And now we are official. I would ask that
my full statement be included in the record. And without
objection, the full statement will be included in the record.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith of Michigan follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman Nick Smith
The legislation before the Subcommittee today will help to
strengthen plant biotechnology research efforts at the National Science
Foundation. The use of biotechnology to produce new varieties of
plants--for food or other uses--has been of great interest to this
Subcommittee in the past. In the past two years, we have held numerous
hearings aimed at understanding this rapidly expanding area of science.
We received testimony and information from scientists and other
interested parties from around the world, on all sides of the issue,
and learned a great deal about the incredible potential of plant
biotechnology to make our world a better place to live.
At our most recent hearing on this issue in September, we heard
specific comments from the scientific community on the legislation
before us today. Witnesses shared their thoughts on how this proposed
legislation could advance basic plant science research and fill funding
gaps in the current genomics research portfolio. We also learned of the
successful efforts of the NSF Plant Genome Research Program to
completely sequence all 25,000 genes of Arabidopsis, a small mustard
plant. This sequencing will one day serve as a tremendous resource to
all areas of plant biology research, but will require continued efforts
to identify and understand how these 25,000 genes are expressed.
A better understanding of gene expression will eventually allow
researchers to develop an array of new beneficial plant varieties that
will only be limited by the resourcefulness and imagination of our
scientists. Some of these improvements that may be just around the
corner include new drought tolerant and salt tolerant crop plants,
plants that can resist insect, fungal, and viral infections, plants
with improved nutritional content, and plants that can reduce our
reliance on fertilizers and pesticides. Other new varieties may also
serve as alternative energy sources, and provide inexpensive industrial
precursors, or supply needed ``edible vaccines.''
My bill, H.R. 2051, will help us to make these promising
advancements a reality. It authorizes the establishment of Plant Genome
Expression Centers--centers for basic research that will extend plant
genomics research and accelerate the development of new beneficial
plant varieties. The centers will be funded through a merit-based,
competitive process, and will bring together some of the best
researchers in the field to participate and work together.
We will proceed today by first considering a Manager's amendment
that combines Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson's plant biotechnology
legislation focusing on the developing world, H.R. 2912, with my bill
establishing Plant Genome Expression Centers. Several technical changes
are included in the manager's amendment to clean up the language, but
they do not alter the function or purpose of either bill. Additionally,
the funding authorized in each bill is combined into one sum so that
the NSF will have more flexibility to devote resources to these
commitments as needed. This results in authorized appropriations of $9
million for fiscal year 2002, $13.5 million for fiscal year 2003, and
$13.5 million for fiscal year 2004.
These two bills share a common goal of strengthening plant
biotechnology research at the National Science Foundation, and I think
they complement each other well as a single piece of legislation. I am
confident the benefits realized through these Plant Genome Expression
Centers and Plant Biotechnology Partnerships in the developing world
will allow us to harness fundamental knowledge and solve many difficult
challenges. Again, this is a bipartisan effort we can be proud of and
I'm pleased to extending my support the bills as combined.
Chairman Smith. This legislation that the Ranking Member
and I, Republicans, and Democrats, have worked on, I think
moves us ahead in the area of biotechnology to probably
increase the possibility, or the probability, that more of the
world is going to support our biotech and genetic modification
through the new technology.
We have been concentrating on the development of products
to reduce the price to farmers a little bit, and it might
result in a minimal reduction in price to consumers. But the
greater challenge is to produce products that help people, that
try to minimize environmental damage to help better protect the
environment, and, certainly, the opportunities to feed a hungry
world by producing the kind of products that can grow in those
alkaline soils or grow under those climatic conditions, where
the developing nations haven't been able to grow the kind of
sufficient supply of food that they need.
Also, in this legislation, it--we move into the area of
energy, both with the development of biofuels, through
biotechnology, and also, an area that I have been particularly
interested in, the fixation of nitrogen in soils. Of course,
legumes, with their nodules, are able to fix nitrogen in the
soil, and that becomes a substitute to chemical fertilizer,
nitrogen fertilizer, that utilizes in the area of 10--of 5 to
10 percent of the total production of natural gas in this
country.
So that there is a lot that we can do with this technology.
It is only limited by the creativity of our scientists
exploring it and the willingness of Congress to move ahead with
encouraging this kind of research. And with that, I would turn
to our Ranking Member, Ms. Johnson, for comments.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I will
start reading mine because we don't have a quorum. There is not
much we can do.
Chairman Smith. Read slowly.
Ms. Johnson. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing
this important legislation before the Subcommittee today. And I
greatly appreciate your working with me in a bipartisan manner
to incorporate H.R. 2912, the plant biotechnology bill I
introduced into the substitute amendment that will be offered
to H.R. 2051, your plant genome centers bill. I know we share a
strong interest in seeing the promise of plant biotechnology
realized in both the United States and the developing world,
and I believe this legislation will make a valuable
contribution to achieving that goal.
Each day, 800 million people are malnourished and go
hungry, the majority of whom live in the developing world.
Every 2.2 seconds, malnutrition claims another victim, half of
whom are children. Within the next 25 years, the world
population is projected to grow by 2 to 8.2 billion. Unless
food production is dramatically increased in the regions where
it is most needed, persistent hunger will become more prevalent
and malnutrition will claim even more victims than it does
today.
In many regions of the developing world, the farming
practices used today are the same as, or similar to, those
practical--those practiced for centuries. Unfortunately, these
practices often lead to low crop yields and soil destruction.
Many farmers desperately need access to the best management
practices. In addition, better seeds, fertilizer, and
biotechnology would increase yields and, thus, help to reduce
the epidemic of malnutrition now facing too many regions of the
world. I believe that plant biotechnology has a potential to
help the developing world, increase food security, and move
towards self-sufficiency.
That is why I introduced H.R. 2912. This bill authorizes
the NSF to establish a grant program of partnerships between
the United States research organization and those in the
developing countries for research on plant biotechnology
targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world. I
believe that by working side by side with scientists from poor
countries, crop varieties resistant to insects and viruses,
crops that can be grown in drought, drought-stricken lands,
with only minimal water, and crops that have improved
nutritional content can be developed.
At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this
Subcommittee back in September, several witnesses gave examples
showing where plant biotechnology is already having a positive
impact in the developing world. Insect-resistant potatoes are
reducing crop losses from potato tuber moth infections in
Egypt. In Kenya, virus-resistant sweet potatoes have decreased
crop loss by 25 percent. And in India, where 18 percent of the
children suffer from some level of vitamin A deficiency, the
development of golden mustard, which is high in vitamin A, has
the potential to reduce suffering.
Investment in basic research in plant biotechnology
targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world will
lead to a better understanding of many types of crops and
strengthen the capacity to develop and produce new, enhanced--
of ours.
NSF has already made important contributions to advance the
knowledge base for plant biotechnology. I see this compromised
bill as a way to build on that base and to see that plant
biotechnology to address agricultural issues and problems
worldwide.
Mr. Chairman, I thank you--and the only one--for working
with me to develop this bipartisan legislation. I look forward
to assisting you in any way I can to move this bill to the Full
Committee and to the Floor. I commend the legislation to my
colleagues and ask for their support. Thank you very much.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]
Prepared Statement of the Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this important
legislation before the Subcommittee today. I greatly appreciate your
working with me in a bipartisan manner to incorporate H.R. 2912, the
plant biotechnology bill I introduced, into the substitute amendment
that will be offered to H.R. 2051, your plant genome centers bill. I
know we share a strong interest in seeing the promise of plant
biotechnology realized in both the U.S. and the developing world, and I
believe this legislation will make a valuable contribution to achieving
that goal.
Each day, 800 million people are malnourished and go hungry, the
majority of whom live in the developing world. Every 2.2 seconds,
malnutrition claims another victim, half of whom are children. Within
the next 25 years, the world population is projected to grow by 2
billion to 8.2 billion. Unless food production is dramatically
increased in the regions where it is most needed, persistent hunger
will become more prevalent and malnutrition will claim even more
victims than it does today.
In many regions of the developing world, the farming practices used
today are the same as or similar to those practiced for centuries.
Unfortunately, these practices often lead to low crop yields and soil
destruction. Many farmers desperately need access to best management
practices. In addition, better seeds, fertilizer, and biotechnology
would increase yields and thus help to reduce the epidemic of
malnutrition now facing too many regions of the world.
I believe that plant biotechnology has the potential to help the
developing world increase food security and move towards self-
sufficiency. That is why I introduced H.R. 2912. This bill authorizes
NSF to establish a grant program for partnerships between U.S. research
organizations and those in developing countries for research on plant
biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing
world. I believe that by working side-by-side with scientists from poor
countries, crop varieties resistant to insects and viruses, crops that
can be grown in drought stricken lands with only minimal water, and
crops that have improved nutritional content can be developed.
At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this Subcommittee
back in September, several witnesses gave examples showing where plant
biotechnology is already having a positive impact in the developing
world. Insect resistant potatoes are reducing crop losses from Potato
Tuber Moth infestations in Egypt; in Kenya, virus resistant sweet
potatoes have decreased crop loss by 25 percent; and in India, where 18
percent of the children suffer from some level of vitamin A deficiency,
the development of ``golden mustard,'' which is high in vitamin A, has
the potential to reduce suffering. Investment in basic research on
plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the
developing world will lead to a better understanding of many types of
crops and strengthen the capacity to develop and produce new and
enhanced cultivars.
NSF has already made important contributions to advance the
knowledge base for plant biotechnology. I see this compromise bill as a
way to build on that base and to use plant biotechnology to address
agricultural issues and problems worldwide.
Mr. Chairman, thank you for working with me to develop this
bipartisan legislation. I look forward to assisting you in any way I
can to move the bill through Committee and to the Floor.
I commend the legislation to my colleagues and ask for their
support.
Chairman Smith. The--without objection, the Chair will
allow any other Members' comments to be entered into the record
unless Representative Rivers you would like to make a comment
at this time. Without objection, that is so ordered.
H.R. 2051
10:40 a.m.
We will now consider H.R. 2051, To Provide for the
Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression
Research and Development Centers. And the first reading of the
bill. As soon as you start, I am going to stop you. So----
The Clerk. H.R. 2051, a bill to Provide For the
Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression
Research and Development Centers. Be it enacted by the Senate
and the House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, Section 1, Centers. The National
Science Foundation is authorized to make grants for the
establishment of----
Chairman Smith. Without objection, the bill will be
considered read.
[H.R. 2051 follows:]
Chairman Smith. And we have an amendment to the bill. And
the Manager's Amendment incorporates Ms. Johnson's legislation
that has the--that is, plant biotechnology legislation--but her
provisions focus on the developing world--H.R. 2912, with my
bill establishing plant genome expression centers, H.R. 2051.
And I think it is a good addition to this overall effort to
accomplish some great goals that we might, with the National
Science Foundation, and in gene expression. I would like to
yield to Ms. Johnson for any comments she may have on the
amendment.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I want
to express my appreciation for you adding this amendment and I
would urge the members of the Committee to support it.
[Amendment to H.R. 2051, offered by Mr. Smith of Michigan
and Ms. Johnson]
Chairman Smith. For the record, the results in authorized
appropriations will be $9 million for fiscal year 2002; $13.5
million for 2003; and $13.5 million for fiscal year 2004. And
our legal counsel, Barry--Barry is not here. So we will turn--
--
Unidentified Speaker. He is out there.
Chairman Smith. I think we can just turn to you for
authority to move on and report the bill if Barry is not here.
Barry, he was about to let us go on without objection. And we
could hold the roll open for the required \1/3\ quorum. What is
your--what is your--without objection, we will sort of stand at
ease--that is, just short of recess.
And I would ask Sharon Hays to maybe give us an outline of
what is coming up next year in this Subcommittee, if you can
give us some of your thoughts. Of course, we are going to have
the NSF authorization bill. The prospects for this legislation
probably will be marked up in Full Committee when we return in
February. Is that your understanding, Sharon?
Ms. Hays. That is. We haven't set any time----
Chairman Smith. Any other legislation that--any other
Committee sessions that you think should be considered by this
Committee for next year? Have we--do we have an outline? If we
don't, maybe we would request an outline from you and the
democrat staff people to give us a proposed outline of what we
might look forward to, to schedule and plan for next year.
Ms. Rivers. Two sets of staff, the Democratic staff and
then the Democrat staff. Can you just tell me the difference
between them?
Chairman Smith. Well, the Democrat staff would be more
partisan than the Democratic staff, I think. So if we can put
that request in, Sharon. I am not sure where we are. I--my
understanding is, is we are going to have the NSF authorization
bill that we are going to be working on pretty diligently with
several hearings next year. And so simply request that staff
maybe review the possibilities and present them to the Ranking
Member and myself.
Ms. Hays. Mr. Chairman, we will be having a staff meeting
in early January where we will be doing exactly that kind of
planning for the next year. So we will get back to you shortly
thereafter.
Chairman Smith. Would like to formally introduce, for the
Committee and for the record, Dan Byers, who is our new
designee on the Science Committee staff. And Dan is--has--was
an AAAS Representative in my office two years ago, and last
year became my Legislative Assistant for agricultural affairs.
And so, Dan, welcome aboard. And we will wait another five
minutes and then, if there is no objection, we will proceed
with unanimous consent that we move these bills to Full
Committee.
[Recess.]
Chairman Smith. [continuing]. Mikes on? Thank you. All in
favor of the amendment say, aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it.
And with--it says quick gavel. Without--ask for other
amendments. Hearing no other amendments, the question is on
passage of the bill--and the H.R. 2051, as amended. All those
in favor will say aye. All those opposed, say no. Again, a
quick gavel. The ayes have it. I now recognize Ms. Johnson for
a motion.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I move that the
Subcommittee favorably report the bill, H.R. 2051, as amended,
to the Full Committee with the recommendation that it has been
in order for--that it be in order for the bill, as amended, by
the Subcommittee to be considered as an original bill for the
purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule at Full
Committee. Further, I ask unanimous consent that the staff be
instructed to make all necessary technical and conforming
changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance with the
recommendations of the Subcommittee.
Chairman Smith. The Committee has heard the motion. Those
in favor will say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it
and the motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to
reconsider is laid upon the table and the Chairman will note
the presence of many Members of this Committee in attendance.
[Whereupon, at 10:54 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]
XXI. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup
PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 2051, TO PROVIDE FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL PLANT GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS
----------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2002
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:40 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Sherwood L.
Boehlert [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Boehlert. The Committee on Science will be in
order. First of all, I would like to advise all members that
there is a sign-up sheet before each individual place,
reflecting the views and estimates, and we would like you to
read the Committee's views and estimates, and hopefully, you
will be inspired to sign the sheet indicating your approval.
With that, let us get moving.
The Committee on Science will be in order. Pursuant to
notice, the Committee on Science is meeting today to consider
the following measures. H.R. 2051, A Bill to Provide for the
Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression
Research and Development Centers. Thank you, Mr. Smith. H.R.
3389, the National Sea Grant Program Act Amendments of 2002,
and H.R. 3929, the Energy Pipeline Research Development and
Demonstration Act.
I ask unanimous consent for the authority to recess the
Committee at any point, and without objection it is so ordered.
Mr. Hall will be making his way here to present his opening
remarks. Let me do mine.
The three bills we have before us this morning deal with
very different topics and come from three different
subcommittees, but they do have a few key aspects in common.
First, all three are bipartisan consensus bills. Once again,
the Committee's majority and minority staffs have worked in
tandem to draft the bills that advance proposals from members
on both sides of the aisle. This Committee continues to set an
example of working together that others would do well to
follow. Also, all three bills are designed to promote research
and development, especially, long-term research and development
that will help address critical societal problems.
H.R. 2051 was designed to help strengthen American
agriculture and alleviate malnutrition in the developing world.
H.R. 3389 will help protect the nation's coastal areas and
fisheries and combat invasive species. And H.R. 3929 will help
prevent pollution and pipeline explosions. These bills are not
funding research for the sake of research whether they deal
with abstruse matters of no concern to the rest of Congress or
to the rest of the country. The research advances that will
result from these measures will help improve the daily lives of
people here and around the world. Let me say just a little bit
more about each of these bills and then they will be described
more fully by their sponsors as we mark up each one.
H.R. 2051, offered by Chairman Nick Smith and Ranking
Minority Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, will create two new
programs on plant biotechnology at the National Science
Foundation. The bill offers a balanced approach to biotech
authorizing research not only to develop new genetic
engineering techniques and products, but also, to examine the
ecological and social consequences of bio-engineered plants.
H.R. 3389, offered by Chairman Vernon Ehlers and Ranking
Minority Member Jim Barcia, will reauthorize and reform the Sea
Grant Program, while keeping it within the National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. We will have to
negotiate a final version of the bill with the Resources
Committee before it can come to the Floor, and we plan to push
in a strong and unified fashion for our version of this bill.
However, we will, as Dr. Ehlers has committed, find a way to
address the concerns Mr. Underwood has raised about the way the
Sea Grant Program deals with the Pacific Islands.
Finally, we will take up H.R. 3929, offered by Ranking
Minority Member Ralph Hall and Lamar Smith, which will ensure
that all the federal agencies with expertise in pipeline safety
are engaged in research in that important area. We will work
with the Energy and Commerce, and Transportation and
Infrastructure Committees to move our bill as part of a
comprehensive pipeline safety measure.
So we have much to accomplish today and we will do it in
the bipartisan fashion that has become the Committee's
hallmark. With that, the Chair recognizes Mr. Hall.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chairman, as usual, you have covered the
waterfront pretty well. I just want to say that I support these
three bills. We will have an amendment for the third bill, but
on H.R. 2051, I want to congratulate Nick Smith and Ranking
Democratic Member Eddie Bernice Johnson for their efforts on
it. And of course, on the Sea Grant Program, your bill, I
certainly support that and look forward to working with you,
and you have recognized Chairman Ehlers and Representative
Barcia. And on my bill, I will have an amendment of 3929 that
we will discuss when we have a little more time. With that,
thank you for doing a good job, and I yield back the balance of
my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to support H.R. 2051, which authorizes
programs at the National Science Foundation on plant biotechnology
research.
I want to congratulate Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith
and Ranking Democratic Member Eddie Bernice Johnson for their efforts
to develop this important bill. They worked together in a remarkable
spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship.
The bill will further strengthen NSF's ongoing research to advance
knowledge in the field of plant biotechnology. Moreover, it will
support research collaborations between U.S. scientists and scientists
from abroad to help bring the benefits of this emerging technology to
the developing world.
I would like to yield now to the co-author of the bill,
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for a further explanation of the
legislation.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much. And let me tell
you, it is the Chair's intent to move with dispatch. These
bills have been looked at with the respective committee staffs.
They are very able and very professional staffs, so we don't
envision a long markup here. We have a hearing immediately
after with some very distinguished guests, and I know a number
of our colleagues have conflicting commitments. So without
objection, all members' opening statements will be placed in
the record at this point.
H.R. 2051
10:47 a.m.
Chairman Boehlert. We will now consider H.R. 2051, A Bill
to Provide for the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and
Gene Expression Research and Development Centers. I now
recognize for five minutes the Chair of the Subcommittee on
Research, the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Smith, to briefly
explain the bill.
Mr. Smith. Mr. Chairman, I will briefly explain the bill
and ask that my complete statement be entered into the record
without objection.
Chairman Boehlert. So ordered.
Mr. Smith. And I thank you, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Hall, for
bringing this bill before Congress. During the Subcommittee
markup on this issue, we heard specific comments from the
scientific community on the legislation that is before us today
on the potential not only to feed a hungry world, but to better
protect the environment and, actually, to allow plants, food
plants, to grow in areas of the Third World where we haven't
been able to grow those food products before and, also, the
potential to increase the health aspects of certain food
products.
Plant Genome Research Program is becoming a new era for our
technology in the United States, not only for health of
individuals, but for the health of the environment. I think a
better understanding of gene expression will eventually allow
researchers to develop, really, a new array of new beneficial
plant varieties that will be limited only by the
resourcefulness and the imagination of our scientists. And some
of these improvements may be just around the corner as rapidly
as we are moving ahead on this technology. H.R. 2051 is going
to help make these promising achievements a reality in the near
future. It authorizes the establishment of plant genome
expression centers, centers for basic research that will take
us to the next phase of plant genomic research and accelerate
the development of beneficial new plant varieties.
Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Hall, and Committee Members,
colleagues, one aspect of this bill is to reduce our demand for
energy as we expand our efforts to increase the availability of
bio fuels, as we increase the fixation of nitrogen in our soil.
We now have legumes that can fix nitrogen. We use about six
percent of the natural gas to accommodate the production of
nitrogen fertilizer in this country. We are on the--we are
almost at the point where we now can reduce our need for that
product. And with that, I yield back, Mr. Chairman.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Nick Smith
I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for bringing before the
Committee today my bill, H.R. 2051, strengthening plant biotechnology
research efforts at the National Science Foundation. The use of
biotechnology to produce new varieties of plants--for food, medicine,
or other uses--has been of great interest to the Research Subcommittee
that I chair with Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson. Over the past
three years, our Subcommittee held numerous hearings aimed at
understanding this rapidly expanding area of science. We received
testimony and information from scientists and other interested parties
from around the world, on all sides of the issue, and heard about the
incredible potential of plant biotechnology to feed a hungry world,
protect our environment, reduce energy demand, and advance other
critical needs.
At our most recent hearing on this issue last September, we heard
specific comments from the scientific community on the legislation
before us today. Witnesses shared their thoughts on how this proposed
legislation could advance basic plant science research and fill funding
gaps in the current genomics research portfolio. We also learned of the
successful efforts of the NSF Plant Genome Research Program to
completely sequence all 25,000 genes of Arabidopsis, a small mustard
plant. This sequencing is a tremendous resource to all areas of plant
biology research, but will require continued efforts to identify and
understand how these 25,000 genes are expressed. A better understanding
of gene expression will eventually allow researchers to develop an
array of new beneficial plant varieties that will be limited only by
the resourcefulness and imagination of our scientists. Some of these
improvements may be just around the corner, including: new drought
tolerant and salt tolerant crop plants, plants that can resist insect,
fungal, and viral infections; plants with improved nutritional content;
and plants that can reduce our reliance on fertilizers and pesticides.
Other new varieties may also serve as alternative energy sources, and
provide inexpensive industrial precursors, or supply needed ``edible
vaccines.''
My bill, H.R. 2051, will help us to make these promising
advancements a reality. It authorizes the establishment of Plant Genome
Expression Centers--centers for basic research that will take us to the
next phase in plant genomics research and accelerate the development of
beneficial new plant varieties. The centers will take advantage of the
National Science Foundation's merit-based, competitive process, and
will bring together some of the best researchers in the field to
participate and work together.
H.R. 2051 also authorizes a program creating Plant Biotechnology
Partnerships for the Developing World. This program is based on the
provisions of H.R. 2912, introduced by Ms. Johnson. The plant
biotechnology partnerships will provide the fundamental research needed
to build on the current plant biotechnology knowledge base to address
specific agricultural problems in the developing world. The
Partnerships program will also provide researchers in developing
countries with much needed technical assistance to better understand
and implement plant biotechnology.
The benefits of biotechnology are great, and the scientific
evidence confirming the safety of plant biotech products developed
within our strong regulatory framework continues to mount. I believe
that this Committee can play a critical role in the development of the
technology by continuing to insist that the debate surrounding it
remain firmly grounded in science, and I thank the Chairman for his
efforts in this area. I urge members to support this legislation
strengthening our research efforts to foster new innovations in plant
biotechnology. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. Ms.
Johnson.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me
express my appreciation for you bringing this important
legislation before the Committee today, and I would like to ask
unanimous consent to place my entire statement in the record.
Chairman Boehlert. Without objection, so ordered.
Ms. Johnson. Last week, the World Health Organization and
the United Nations Children's Fund released a very troubling
report on health conditions in the developing world. According
to the report, 8 million babies, more than half, in the first
month of life die each year. Malnutrition is responsible for 60
percent of these deaths. So in other words, every minute nine
babies perish due to hunger. Within the next 25 years, the
world's population is projected to grow by 2 billion people, to
8.2 billion. To meet this challenge, developing countries need
to dramatically improve their food security, and this is what
the original bill of 2912 intended, and I am delighted that Mr.
Smith and I worked together, and it is incorporated into 2051.
And if there are no other questions, Mr. Chairman, I am
ready to make a motion.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this important
legislation before the Committee today.
The bill before us, as reported by the Research Subcommittee, was
developed in a cooperative manner between Chairman Smith and myself. I
want to thank Mr. Smith for working with me in a bipartisan manner to
incorporate H.R. 2912, the plant biotechnology bill I introduced, into
H.R. 2051, his plant genome centers bill.
Subcommittee Chairman Smith and I share a strong interest in seeing
the promise of plant biotechnology realized in both the U.S. and the
developing world, and I believe this legislation will make a valuable
contribution to achieving that goal.
Last week, the World Health Organization and the United Nations
Children's Fund released a very troubling report on health conditions
in the developing world. According to the report, eight million babies,
more than half in the first month of life, die each year. Malnutrition
is responsible for 60 percent of these deaths. In other words, every
minute, 9 babies perish due to hunger. If you consider other age
groups, the statistics are even worse. Within the next 25 years, the
world's population is projected to grow by 2 billion to 8.2 billion
people. To meet this challenge, developing countries need to
dramatically increase food production in the regions where it is most
needed in addition to improving food distribution networks. If this is
not done, persistent hunger will become more prevalent and malnutrition
will claim even more victims than it does today.
Bilateral and multilateral assistance institutions are working with
developing countries to improve agricultural practices throughout the
world. In addition to better management techniques, soil conservation,
better seeds and fertilizer, biotechnology has a very important role to
play in increasing crop yields and thus reducing the epidemic of
malnutrition now facing too many regions of the world. The beauty of
biotechnology is that the entire technology can be transferred in a
single seed.
Because I believe that plant biotechnology has the potential to
help the developing world increase food security and move towards self-
sufficiency, I introduced H.R. 2912. This bill authorizes NSF to
establish a grant program for partnerships between U.S. research
organizations and those in developing countries for research on plant
biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing
world. Federal funding for crops that can be grown in the developing
world is essential because private companies have little financial
incentive to invest in so-called ``orphan'' crops. The partnership
aspect of this legislation is particularly important because in
addition to creating new crop varieties to combat hunger and
malnutrition, it helps develop the scientific capacity of developing
countries. Many of these countries already have established
agricultural research institutions and will be able to make valuable
contributions to plant research along with U.S. scientists.
At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this Subcommittee
back in September, several witnesses gave examples on how plant
biotechnology is already having a positive impact in the developing
world. Insect resistant potatoes are reducing crop losses from Potato
Tuber Moth infestations in Egypt; in Kenya, virus resistant sweet
potatoes have decreased crop losses by 25 percent; and in India, where
18 percent of the children suffer from some level of vitamin A
deficiency, which can lead to blindness, the development of ``golden
mustard,'' which is high in vitamin A, has the potential to reduce
suffering. Investment in basic research on plant biotechnology targeted
to the agricultural needs of the developing world will lead to a better
understanding of many types of crops and strengthen the capacity to
develop and produce new and enhanced cultivars.
NSF has already made important contributions to advance the
knowledge base for plant biotechnology. I see this compromise bill as a
way to build on that base and to use plant biotechnology to address
agricultural issues and problems worldwide.
Mr. Chairman, I thank you and Ranking Democratic Member Mr. Hall,
my colleague from Texas, for bringing this bipartisan bill before the
Committee.
I commend the legislation to my colleagues and ask for their
support.
Chairman Boehlert. Let me first ask unanimous consent that
the bill as amended by the Subcommittee on Research and
Development on December 12, 2001 be considered as original text
for the purpose of amendment and the bill be considered as read
and open to amendment at any point. Without objection, so
ordered.
[H.R. 2051 follows:]
Chairman Boehlert. Are there any amendments? Hearing none,
the question is on the bill, H.R. 2051, A Bill to Provide for
the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression
Research and Development Centers. All those in favor will say
aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. I now recognize
Ms. Johnson for a motion.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the
Committee favorably report H.R. 2051 as amended to the House
with the recommendation that the bill as amended do pass.
Furthermore, I move that the staff be instructed to prepare the
legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming
changes, and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to
bring the bill before the House for consideration.
Chairman Boehlert. The question is now the motion to report
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it and the
bill is favorably reported. Without objection, the motion to
reconsider is laid upon the table. I move that the members have
two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental
minority or additional views on the measure. Without objection,
so ordered. I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules
of the House of Representatives that the Committee authorize
the Chairman to offer such motions as may be necessary in the
House to go to conference with the Senate on H.R. 2051 or a
similar Senate bill. Without objection, so ordered.