[Senate Report 108-147]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 280
108th Congress Report
1st Session SENATE 108-147
_______________________________________________________________________
21st CENTURY NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
__________
R E P O R T
of the
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
on
S. 189
September 15, 2003.--Ordered to be printed
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
one hundred eighth congress
first session
JOHN McCAIN, Arizona, Chairman
TED STEVENS, Alaska ERNEST F. HOLLINGS, South Carolina
CONRAD BURNS, Montana DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii
TRENT LOTT, Mississippi JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER IV, West
KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas Virginia
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, Maine JOHN F. KERRY, Massachusetts
SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas JOHN B. BREAUX, Louisiana
GORDON SMITH, Oregon BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota
PETER G. FITZGERALD, Illinois RON WYDEN, Oregon
JOHN ENSIGN, Nevada BARBARA BOXER, California
GEORGE ALLEN, Virginia BILL NELSON, Florida
JOHN E. SUNUNU, New Hampshire MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
FRANK LAUTENBERG, New Jersey
Jeanne Bumpus, Staff Director and General Counsel
Ann Begeman, Deputy Staff Director
Robert W. Chamberlin, Chief Counsel
Kevin D. Kayes, Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel
Gregg Elias, Democratic General Counsel
(ii)
Calendar No. 280
108th Congress Report
SENATE
1st Session 108-147
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21ST CENTURY NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
_______
September 15, 2003.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. McCain, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 189]
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to
which was referred the bill (S. 189) to authorize
appropriations for nanoscience, nanoengineering, and
nanotechnology research, and for other purposes, having
considered the same, reports favorably thereon with an
amendment (in the nature of a substitute) and recommends that
the bill (as amended) do pass.
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this legislation is to authorize
appropriations for Federal nanotechnology programs for fiscal
year (FY) 2004 through FY 2008, and to establish a National
Nanotechnology Program (the Program) to provide guidance,
investment, and coordination to Federal nanotechnology
research.
Background and Needs
Nanotechnology is a newly emerging field of science where
scientists and engineers are beginning to manipulate matter at
the molecular and atomic level in order to develop materials
and systems with revolutionary properties. A nanometer is one-
billionth of a meter, or roughly 100,000 times smaller than a
strand of human hair.
Nanotechnology is an inter-disciplinary field, combining all
aspects of the traditional sciences. Nanotechnology requires
expertise in engineering, chemistry, physics, materials
science, biology, and computer science. Nanotechnology had been
touted as the next Industrial Revolution, ushering in advanced
materials and systems. Advances in nanotechnology are expected
to lead to groundbreaking benefits throughout industries. While
much of the work done in nanotechnology involves basic
research, some commercial products are already available to
customers. For example, new plastic imbued with nanoparticles
of clay is as hard as glass, less likely to shatter, and better
at sealing in carbonation to keep drinks fresh. The textile
industry has developed fabric that uses nano-hooks to attach
small fibers to cotton, allowing it to effectively repel
stains. Self-cleaning windows are coated with nanoparticles to
prevent dirt from sticking to glass. Research is being done in
nano-containers to improve drug delivery.
There are also numerous national and homeland security
applications for nanotechnology. The military is developing
uniforms that can monitor soldiers' vital statistics and relay
this information to command and control stations. In the war in
Iraq, nano-coatings were applied on lines that feed boilers on
steam-powered ships and the propulsion shafts of minesweepers.
National Nanotechnology Initiative
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) was created in
2000 with the goal of coordinating the Federal government's
research and development efforts in nanotechnology. Federal
support is crucial because given nanotechnology's infancy, few
companies are willing to fully invest their resources since the
pay-offs are so far into the future. Venture capitalists also
shy away from nanotechnology for the same reasons. Universities
tend not to have sufficient funds to engage in exploratory
work. Only the Federal government can bridge the gap for the
next decade before this research can be widely applied to
commercial products. The Federal government has a history of
sponsoring research that opens new frontiers that have led to a
multitude of national security and commercial applications
(atomic physics, space exploration and the development of the
Internet). Many believe that nanotechnology is the next such
frontier.
Funding for the NNI, through participating agencies, has
increased from a total of $255 million in FY 1999 to $774
million in FY 2003. The Administration has requested $849
million for the NNI for FY 2004, an increase of 9.8 percent
over the FY 2003 appropriated level. If Congress approves this
requested increase, the funding for the NNI will have doubled
since FY 2001.
The Administration recently appointed Dr. Clayton Teague as
the first full-time director of the National Nanotechnology
Coordination Office (NNCO). The NNCO provides day-to-day
technical and administrative support to the NNI. The NNCO also
supports the preparation of multi-agency planning, budget, and
assessment documents. The NNCO serves as the point of contact
on Federal nanotechnology activities for government
organizations, academia, industry, professional societies,
foreign organizations, and others to exchange technical and
programmatic information.
``Small Wonder, Endless Frontiers''
In June 2002, the National Academy of Science (NAS) completed
its review of the NNI. In its report entitled, Small Wonders,
Endless Frontiers, the NAS found that the leadership and
investment strategy established by the Nanoscale Science,
Engineering, and Technology (NSET) subcommittee of the National
Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has set a positive tone
for the NNI. The NNI's initial success also can be measured by
the number offoreign governments that have established similar
research programs. Nevertheless, the NAS review committee made a number
of recommendations concerning the program, including:
The Office of Science and Technology Policy
(OSTP) should establish an independent standing
nanoscience and nanotechnology advisory board to
provide advice to NSET members on research investment
policy, strategy, program goals, and management
processes.
NSET should develop a crisp, compelling,
overarching, strategic plan.
NNI should support long-term funding in
nanoscale science and technology so it can achieve its
potential and promise.
NSET should increase multi-agency
investments in research at the intersection between
nanoscale technology and biology.
NSET should create programs for the
invention and development of new instruments for
nanoscience.
A special fund for Presidential grants,
under OSTP management, should be created to support
interagency research programs relevant to nanoscale
science and technology.
NSET should provide strong support for the
development of an interdisciplinary culture for
nanoscale science and technology within NNI.
Industrial partnerships should be stimulated
and nurtured, both domestically and internationally, to
help accelerate the commercialization of NNI
developments. NSET should create support mechanisms for
coordinating and leveraging State initiatives to
organize regional competitive clusters for the
development of nanoscale science and technology.
NSET should develop a new funding strategy
to ensure that societal implications of nanoscale
science and technology become an integral and vital
component of NNI.
NSET should develop performance metrics to
assess the effectiveness of the NNI in meeting its
objectives and goals.
(The entire NAS report can be found at http://
www.nap.edu/catalog/10395.html)
Ethical and Health Concerns. Recently, commentators, including
Michael Crichton, author of the book, Prey; HRH Prince Charles,
the Prince of Wales; and Bill Joy, chief scientist of Sun
Microsystems, have all raised concerns about nanotechnology.
They all raise the specter of a ``gray goo'' catastrophe in
which self-replicating microscopic robots the size of bacteria
fill the world and wipe out humanity. Less sensational concerns
also have been raised about the health and environmental
effects of nanotechnology. A research group led by researchers
at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA)
Johnson Space Center found in preliminary studies that inhaling
vast amounts of nanotubes is dangerous. In another study, Dr.
Vyvyan Howard, pathology specialist at the University of
Liverpool, found that nanoscale materials are toxic, and can be
easily ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
International Competition. Despite these concerns, both the
United States and its European and Asian economic competitors
have begun the race to be the leader in nanotechnology. The EU
has budgeted $1.2 billion for nanotechnology in 2003 and 2004.
Japan is expected to invest approximately $810 million in FY
2003. South Korea and Taiwan also have established national
nanoscience and nanotechnology research programs based on the
NNI. The NSF found that nearly 25,000 graduates in Asian
countries received doctoral degrees in engineering fields
related to nanotechnology in 2000, compared with fewer than
5,000 in the United States. Also, of the 18,000 scientific
articles mentioning nanotechnology in 2000, just one-third came
from America.
Summary of Provisions
Authorization of appropriations
S. 189, as reported, would authorize appropriations for
nanoscale science and technology research and development
programs at the NSF, Department of Energy, NASA, National
Institutes of Health, National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), Environmental Protection Agency, Department
of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of
Agriculture. S. 189 would authorize $796 million for these
programs for FY 2004 and a total of $4.7 billion for the period
of FY 2004 through FY 2008.
National Nanotechnology Program
S. 189, as reported, would authorize the President to
implement a National Nanotechnology Program (NNP). The program
would build on the work of the NNI to provide federally funded
research through the participating government agencies. The NNP
would establish the goals, priorities, grand challenges, and
metrics for evaluation of Federal nanotechnology research
programs; invest in Federal research and development programs
in nanotechnology and related sciences; and provide for the
interagency coordination of Federal nanotechnology research,
development, and other activities undertaken as part of the
Program. The legislation would authorize the establishment of
interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers; the
establishment of an American Nanotechnology Preparedness
Center; and the establishment of a Center for Nanomaterials
Manufacturing. The legislation also would authorize the
Director of NIST to establish a center within NIST's
Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory for issues relating to the
commercialization of nanoscience and nanotechnology research,
and act as a clearinghouse for information related to
nanoscience and nanotechnology research.
Program Coordination and Management
S. 189, as reported, also would authorize the NSTC to oversee
the planning, management, and coordination of the NNP. The NSTC
would coordinate the budget requests of, and provide guidance
to, participating departments and agencies. The legislation
also would authorize the President to establish the National
Nanotechnology Advisory Panel (NNAP) to advise the President
and NSTC on the management, coordination, and implementation of
the NNP portfolio, the components of the NNP, trends and
developments in nanotechnology, maintenance of United States
leadership in this area, and the need to revise the NNP. S. 189
also retroactively would authorize the President to establish
an NNCO to serve as the primary point of contact on Federal
nanotechnology activities.
Legislative History
On January 16, 2003, Senator Wyden introduced S. 189, the 21st
Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. This
legislation was co-sponsored by Senators Allen, Lieberman,
Warner, Mikulski, Hollings, Landrieu, Clinton, Levin, Bayh,
Hutchison, Alexander, Rockefeller, Corzine, Kerry, Lautenberg,
and Cantwell.
On May 1, 2003, the full Committee conducted a hearing on S.
189. At the hearing, the witnesses included: Dr. James Murday,
Chief Scientist, Acting, Office of Naval Research; Dr. James
Roberto, Associate Laboratory Director for Physical Sciences,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Dr. Clayton Teague, Director,
National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Dr. Davis Baird,
Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy, University of
South Carolina; Dr. Jun Jiao, Co-Director, Center for
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology; Dr. Kent A. Murphy, Founder and
Chief Executive Officer, Luna Innovations; and Mr. James R. Von
Ehr II, Chief Executive Officer, Zyvex Corporation.
On June 19, 2003, the Committee met in open executive session
and, by a voice vote, ordered S. 189 to be reported with a
substitute amendment offered by Senators Wyden, Allen, McCain,
and Hollings.
Estimated Costs
In accordance with paragraph 11(a) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate and section 403 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee provides the
following cost estimate, prepared by the Congressional Budget
Office:
S. 189--21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development
Summary: S. 189 would authorize appropriations for fiscal
years 2004 through 2008 for the National Nanotechnology
Program, comprised of various nanotechnology initiatives at
nine agencies: the National Science Foundation (NSF),
Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, National Institutes of Heath, National
Institute of Standards and Technology, Environmental Protection
Agency, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security,
and the Department of Agriculture. These programs, which
involve technologies that manipulate matter at the atomic
level, would be overseen by both external and intergovernmental
committees. The bill also would direct the Office of Science
and Technology Policy (OSTP) to coordinate and manage the
National Nanotechnology Program.
Assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts, CBO
estimates that implementing this bill would cost $226 million
in 2004 and a total of $3.4 billion over the 2004-2008 period.
CBO estimates that enacting this bill would have no effect on
direct spending or revenues.
S. 189 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 S. 189 is shown in the following table. The
costs of this legislation fall within budget functions 250
(general science, space, and technology), 300 (natural
resources and the environment), 350 (agriculture), 376
(commerce and housing credit), 550 (health), and 750
(administration of justice).
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By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------------
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
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SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Spending under current law:
Estimated authorization level \1\..................... 566 350 0 0 0 0
Estimated outlays..................................... 438 353 234 91 27 7
Proposed changes:
Estimated authorization level......................... 0 446 876 965 1,022 1,082
Estimated outlays..................................... 0 226 520 771 915 1,000
Spending under S. 189:
Estimated authorization level......................... 566 796 876 965 1,022 1,082
Estimated outlays..................................... 438 579 754 862 942 1,007
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\1\ The 2003 level reflects agencies' estimates of the amount appropriated for nanotechnology programs that
year. The 2004 level is the amount authorized to be appropriated for NSF's nanotechnology program under
current law.
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that the
amounts authorized will be appropriated each year and that
outlays will occur at rates similar to those of existing
research and development programs. S. 189 would specify funding
levels for each of the agencies for a total of $796 million in
2004 and a total of $4.7 billion for the 2004-2008 period. (The
$350 million specified for NSF's program for 2004 is not
included in the table as a proposed change because that amount
has already been authorized under current law.) The amounts
specified in the bill would not cover costs associated with the
external advisory functions and studies, but such costs would
not be significant.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 189
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Previous CBO estimate: On May 5, 2003, CBO transmitted a
cost estimate for H.R. 766, the Nanotechnology Research and
Development Act of 2003, as ordered reported by the House
Committee on Science on May 1, 2003. The estimated cost of
implementing S. 189 is higher than for H.R. 766 because the
Senate bill would authorize appropriations for more agencies
(nine instead of five) and for a longer period of time (through
2008 instead of 2006).
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Kathleen Gramp and
Jenny Lin. Impact on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Greg
Waring. Impact on the Private Sector: Jean Talarico.
Estimate approved by: Paul R. Cullinan, Chief for Human
Resources Cost Estimate Unit, Budget Analysis Division.
In accordance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee provides the
following evaluation of the regulatory impact of the
legislation, as reported:
NUMBER OF PERSONS COVERED
The Committee believes that the bill would not subject any
individuals or businesses affected by the legislation to any
additional regulation.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
This legislation authorizes significant funding for research
and development in nanoscale science and technology. However,
it is not expected to have an adverse impact on the nation.
PRIVACY
This legislation would not have a negative impact on the
personal privacy of individuals.
PAPERWORK
This legislation would not increase the paperwork requirement
for private individuals or businesses.
This legislation would require the following reports--
(1) an annual report by the NSTC to the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on
the program budget for the current fiscal year for each
participating agency by December 31 of such year;
(2) an annual report due at the time of the
President's budget request by the NSTC to the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on
the proposed program budget for each participating
agency for the next fiscal year, the progress made
toward achieving the goals and priorities established
for the program, an analysis of the extent to which the
program has incorporated the recommendations of the
Advisory Panel and American Nanotechnology Preparedness
Center, and an assessment of how the agencies are using
Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business
Technology Transfer Research;
(3) a report, not less frequently than once every two
years, by the Advisory Panel to the President, the
House of Representatives Committee on Science, and the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation on its assessments and recommendations
for ways to improve the program;
(4) a triennial review conducted by the National
Research Council evaluating the program's technical
success, management and coordination, and funding
levels; and
(5) an annual report by the Director of the NSF
describing the activities of the American
Nanotechnology Preparedness Center.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short Title
Section 1 would cite the title as the ``21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act''.
Section 2. National Nanotechnology Program
Subsection (a) would authorize the President to implement a
National Nanotechnology Program. The Program would use the
appropriate agencies, councils, and NNCO to establish goals,
priorities, grand challenges, and metrics for evaluation for
Federal nanotechnology research, development, and other
activities. It also would fund and coordinate basic nanoscience
and nanoengineering research among Federal agencies, academic
laboratories, and the private sector.
Subsection (b) states that the Program's goals would include:
the development of a fundamental understanding of matter that
enables control and manipulation at the nanoscale; the
assurance of continued United States global leadership in
nanotechnology; the advancement of United States productivity
and industrial competitiveness through stable, consistent, and
coordinated investments in long-term nanotechnology research;
the development of a network of shared facilities and centers
among nanotechnology researchers; the acceleration of the
deployment and application of nanotechnology to the private
sector; the establishment of a program to provide education and
training; and the assurance that legal, ethical, environmental
and other concerns will be considered.
Subsection (c) would authorize the NSTC, or an appropriate
subgroup that it designates or establishes, to oversee the
planning, management, and coordination of the Program.
Specifically, the NSTC, or its designated subgroup, would
establish a set of broad applications of nanotechnology and
development, or grand challenges, to be met by the results and
activities of the program and provide for interagency
coordination of the Program, including with the activities of
the Department of Defense's Defense Nanotechnology Research and
Development Program.
Subsection (c) also would authorize the NSTC or its
designated subgroup, to develop, within 12 months after the
date of enactment of this Act and to update every 4 years
thereafter, a strategic plan to meet the goals and priorities
of the Program and guide the activities and anticipated
outcomes of the participating agencies. The strategic plan
would include a description of how the Program will move
results out of the laboratory and into application for the
benefit of society, support for long-term funding for
multidisciplinary research and development in technology, and
dedication of funding for interagency nanotechnology projects.
Additionally, this subsection would authorize the NSTC to
coordinate the budget requests of each of the agencies involved
in the Program with the Office of Management and Budget to
ensure a balanced nanotechnology research portfolio; exchange
information with academic, industry, State and local
governments (including State and regional nanotechnology
programs), and other appropriate groups conducting
nanotechnology research; develop a plan to utilize Federal
programs, such as the Small Business Innovation Research
Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Research
Program; identify research areas that are not being adequately
addressed by the agencies' research programs; and encourage
progress on Program goals through the utilization of existing
manufacturing facilities and industrial infrastructures, such
as, but not limited to, the employment of underutilized
manufacturing facilities in areas of high unemployment as
production engineering and research test beds.
The NSTC also would be authorized to provide for the
establishment of interdisciplinary nanotechnology research
centers on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis. These centers
would be established in geographically diverse centers
including at least one center in a State participating in the
NSF's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(EPSCoR). The Committee encourages the participation of
minority serving institutions at these centers. In addition,
the Committee recognizes that societal and ethical issues
related to nanotechnology research need to be considered
throughout the research cycle. The Committee would encourage
the interdisciplinary nanotechnology centers and the American
Nanotechnology Preparedness Center to collaborate on basic
research to study the societal and ethical effects of their
scientific research. This research may be conducted with the
participation of other centers, universities, companies, and
organizations.
Subsection (d) would authorize the President to establish a
NNCO with full-time staff. The NNCO would provide technical and
administrative support to the NSTC and the NNAP; serve as
thepoint of contact on Federal nanotechnology activities for government
organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, State
nanotechnology programs, interested citizen groups, and others; conduct
public outreach, including dissemination of findings and
recommendations of the Advisory Panel; and establish an office to
promote access to and early application of the technologies,
innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to Federal
agencies and United States industries, including start-up companies. In
conducting public outreach, the Committee encourages the NNCO to
consider the use of citizen panels and other forums to improve the
interaction and information dissemination between experts and the
general public.
Subsection (e) would require an annual report by the NSTC to
the House of Representatives Committee on Science and the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on
the Program budget for the current fiscal year for each
participating agency by December 31 of such year. In addition,
it would require an annual report due at the time of the
President's budget request by the NSTC to the House of
Representatives Committee on Science and the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on the proposed
program budget for each participating agency for the next
fiscal year, the progress made toward achieving the goals and
priorities established for the program, an analysis of the
extent to which the program has incorporated the
recommendations of the NNAP and the American Nanotechnology
Preparedness Center, and an assessment of how the agencies are
using Small Business Innovative Research and Small Business
Technology Transfer Research.
Section 3. Advisory Panel
Subsection (a) would direct the President to establish or
designate a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel.
Subsection (b) would set criteria for the members of the
NNAP. The NNAP would consist primarily of individuals who are
non-Federal members and shall include representatives of
academia and industry that are qualified to provide advice and
information on nanotechnology research, development,
demonstrations, education, technology transfer, commercial
application, or societal and ethical concerns. The President
would be authorized to seek and give consideration to
recommendations from Congress, industry, the scientific
community (including the NAS), scientific professional
societies, academia, the defense community, State and local
governments, regional nanotechnology programs, and other
appropriate organizations.
Subsection (c) would direct the NNAP to advise the President
and NSTC on matters relating to the Program, including trends
and developments in nanotechnology science and engineering;
progress in implementing and the need to revise the Program;
the balance among the components of the Program; whether the
Program component areas, priorities, and technical goals
developed by the NSTC are maintaining United States leadership
in nanotechnology; the management, coordination, implementation
and activities of the Program; and whether societal, ethical,
environmental, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed
by the Program. The Committee recommends that, to the extent
possible, the Panel engage relevant associations, institutes,
and organizations in order to fulfill its duties as described.
Subsection (d) would require the NNAP to report, not less
frequently than once every 2 fiscal years, to the President,
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,
and the House of Representatives Committee on Science on its
assessments and recommendations for ways to improve the
program. The first report would be submitted within 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act.
Subsection (e) would allow travel expenses for non-Federal
members of the NNAP that are attending meetings or otherwise
serving at the request of the head of the Panel away from their
homes or regular places of business to be reimbursed.
Section 4. Triennial External Review of Nanotechnology Research and
Development Program
Subsection (a) would authorize the Director of the NSF to
enter into an arrangement with the National Research Council
(NRC) of the NAS to conduct a triennial evaluation of the
Program and report on its findings. This evaluation would
include a review of the technical successes and management of
the program and agency funding levels; recommendations for new
goals, research areas, investment levels, policy, budget and
program changes, and metrics; a review of the NNCO's efforts to
promote access to and application of technologies; and an
analysis of the United States international competitive
position.
Subsection (b) would require the Director of the NSF to
transmit upon receipt the NRC report to the Panel, the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the
House of Representatives Committee on Science. The first NRC
report would be transmitted no later than June 10, 2005, with
subsequent evaluations transmitted every 3 years thereafter.
Section 5. Authorization of Appropriations
The NSF would be authorized to carry out the Act at the
following levels: $350,000,000 for FY 2004; $385,000,000 for FY
2005; $424,000,000 for FY 2006; $449,000,000 for FY 2007; and
$476,000,000 for FY 2008. Of the authorized amounts,
$50,000,000 would be authorized for each fiscal year for grants
of up to $5,000,000 each for interdisciplinary nanotechnology
research centers. This legislation also would authorize
$5,000,000 from the authorized amounts for each fiscal year for
the university-based American Nanotechnology Preparedness
Center. The legislation also would authorize $5,000,000 from
the authorized amounts for each fiscal year for the National
Nanotechnology Coordination Office, and an additional
$5,000,000 from the authorized amounts for each fiscal year for
the Center for Nanomaterials Manufacturing.
The bill also would authorize nanotechnology programs at the
DOE at the following levels: $265,000,000 for FY 2004;
$292,000,000 for FY 2005; $321,000,000 for FY 2006;
$340,000,000 for FY 2007; and $360,000,000 for FY 2008. Of
these amounts, $25,000,000 would be authorized for use for
merit-reviewed and competitively based grants to support
consortia that integrate newly developed nanotechnology and
microfluidic tools with systems biology, immunology, and
molecular imaging. The Committeerecommends that at least one
such consortium shall be provided with at least $10,000,000 for each
fiscal year.
The legislation also would authorize funding for the
following agencies at the following levels:
ANTICIPATED FUNDING AUTHORIZED BY THE 21ST CENTURY NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT
[In millions of dollars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agency 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
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NASA............................................................... 31 34.1 37.5 40 42.3
NIH................................................................ 70 77 85 90 95
NIST............................................................... 62 68.2 75 80 84
EPA................................................................ 5 5.5 6.05 6.413 6.8
Department of Justice.............................................. 1 1.1 1.21 1.283 1.36
Department of Homeland Security.................................... 2 2.2 2.42 2.57 2.72
Department of Agriculture.......................................... 10 11 12.1 12.83 13.6
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Section 6. American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center
Subsection (a) would authorize the Director of the NSF to
establish, using a merit-reviewed, competitively-based process,
an American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center to encourage,
conduct, coordinate, commission, collect, and disseminate
research on the educational, legal, workforce, societal, and
ethical issues related to nanotechnology. The American
Nanotechnology Preparedness Center directly addresses the
ethical and health concerns discussed in the background and
needs section of this report.
Subsection (b) would authorize the Director of the NSF to
work through the Center to conduct, coordinate, commission,
collect, and disseminate studies on the educational, legal,
workforce, societal, and ethical implications of
nanotechnology, including anticipated issues and problems.
Subsection (c) would require the Director of the NSF to
collect data on the anticipated size of the nanotechnology
workforce need by detailed occupation, industry, and firm
characteristics. The Director also would assess the adequacy of
the trained talent pool in the United States to fill such
workforce needs.
Subsection (d) would require the Director of the NSF to
incorporate the workforce data into a report on the Center's
activities to be submitted to the President, the NSTC, the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and
the House of Representatives Committee on Science. The Director
would be required to submit the report no later than 18 months
after the enactment of this bill.
Section 7. Commercialization Issues Related to Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology
Subsection (a) would authorize the Director of NIST to
establish a center within NIST's Manufacturing Engineering
Laboratory for issues relating to the commercialization of
nanoscience and nanotechnology. The program Director would
conduct basic research on issues relating to the development
and manufacture of nanotechnology, including metrology,
reliability and quality assurance, processes control, and
manufacturing best practices. In addition, the Director would
consult with the National Technical Information Service and the
NNCO to act as a clearinghouse for information related to
commercialization of nanoscience and nanotechnology research,
including information regarding activities by regional, State,
and local commercial nanotechnology initiatives; transition of
research, concepts, and technologies from Federal
nanotechnology research into commercial and military projects;
best practices by government, university, and private sector
laboratories transitioning technology to commercial use;
examples of ways to overcome barriers and challenges to
technology deployment; and use of existing manufacturing
infrastructure and workforce.
Subsection (b) would require the Director of NIST to utilize
the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, to the extent
possible, to reach small- and medium-sized manufacturing
companies.
Subsection (c) would authorize the Director of the NSF to
establish, on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis, a new Center
for Nanomaterials Manufacturing to encourage the development
and transfer of technologies for the manufacture of
nanomaterials. The activities of the Center for Nanomaterials
Manufacturing shall include, but not be limited to, the
development of manufacturing processes for nanostructured
materials such as: nanocomposites; response-driven coatings;
thin films; biomedical materials; and nanostructured materials,
with emphasis on such materials in aqueous environments.
Section 8. Definitions
This section would define key terms in the Act, including
``Advisory Panel'', ``Fundamental Research'',
``Nanotechnology'', ``Program'', ``Council'', and ``Grand
Challenge''.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, the Committee states that the bill as
reported would make no change to existing law.