[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book II)]
[October 28, 1998]
[Page 1903]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Next Generation Internet Research Act of 1998
October 28, 1998

    I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 3332, the ``Next Generation 
Internet Research Act of 1998.'' Building on the solid foundation of the 
High-Performance Computing Act of 1991, this bill authorizes an 
ambitious new research program in advanced communication technologies 
that will be critical for assuring American prosperity, national and 
economic security, and international competitiveness in the 21st 
century.
    Federal investment in computer networking technology and related 
fields spurred technological developments that have created new 
businesses and jobs; given powerful new tools to the research community; 
made it easier for citizens to participate in their government; allowed 
small businesses, remote communities, and people with disabilities to 
participate in the world economy; and improved the Nation's quality of 
life. The work launched by this bill will lead to even greater 
achievements.
    Specifically, H.R. 3332 authorizes the National Science Foundation, 
Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Institute of 
Standards and Technology to work with America's business and academic 
communities in an ambitious new research program. The role of the 
Department of Defense in this research has already been authorized in 
Public Law 105-261, which I signed on October 17, 1998. This research 
will lead to a new generation of Internet capabilities that will provide 
connections that are not only much faster, but also more reliable, 
secure, and high-quality. The next generation of the Internet will 
facilitate a range of unprecedented new services--such as the ability to 
support tele-surgery and other medical services--which require extremely 
high levels of reliability and protection.
    The bill also authorizes an advanced ``testbed'' network that will 
link key Federal and university research centers. These testbeds will 
permit America's leading research teams to develop new Internet 
techniques and demonstrate how those techniques can advance a wide range 
of critical research initiatives.
    This forward-looking legislation will help ensure that the Nation 
continues to support a balanced program of research in high-speed 
computers, communication systems, and the software necessary to put 
technology to practical use at work and at home.
    Vice President Gore's vision and leadership led to the 1991 High-
Performance Computing Act, and I want to thank him for the key role he 
has played in ensuring that research in this critical and fast-paced 
area is focused on the most important missions and is managed 
efficiently. This new legislation will build on that standard of 
excellence.

                                                      William J. Clinton

The White House,

October 28, 1998.

Note: H.R. 3332, approved October 28, was assigned Public Law No. 105-
305. An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this statement.