[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 44 (Monday, November 2, 1998)]
[Pages 2169-2170]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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

[[Page 2170]]

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.