WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA) last night introduced legislation that would authorize a national nanotechnology research initiative. Nanotechnology is the top interagency priority in the Administration’s fiscal 2004 proposed budget for non-medical, civilian scientific and technological research and development.
“Nanotechnology may be the ‘smallest’ field of science – the manipulating of individual atoms. But I’ve come to understand that in science and technology, few things could actually be ‘bigger’ than nanotechnology – in terms of its potential to revolutionize scientific and engineering research, improve human health and bolster our economy,” said Chairman Boehlert. “This bill will ensure that the federal government is investing significantly, and most importantly wisely, in this growing field.”
H.R. 766, the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2002, authorizes $2.1 billion over three years for nanotechnology research and development programs at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, NASA, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill provides a formal structure for coordination of research across the agencies, emphasizes interdisciplinary research, addresses societal concerns raised by nanotechnology, and requires outside reviews of the program.
“This $2.1 billion investment for nanotechnology research and development will go a long way in developing a new economic engine for this country,” said Rep. Honda. “Nanotechnology will have a dramatic impact on society, and it is critical that the U.S. has structures in place that allow us to assess and understand technical issues, as well as the social, ethical, philosophical, and legal issues that will arise. I am proud to be working with Rep. Boehlert on this legislation. Our bi-partisan effort is a testament of the strong support for nanotechnology in Congress.”
Cosponsors of the legislation include: Science Committee Ranking Democrat Ralph M. Hall (D-TX), Environment Technology and Standards (ETS) Subcommittee Chair Vernon Ehlers (R-MI), Research Subcommittee Chair Nick Smith (R-MI), Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Ranking Democrat Bart Gordon (D-TN), Energy Subcommittee Chair Judy Biggert (R-IL), Research Subcommittee Ranking Democrat Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Committee Vice-Chair Gil Gutknecht (R-MN), and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY).
Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and George Allen (R-VA) have already introduced a Senate nanotechnology bill. Boehlert said, “We’re already been having conversations with both the Senate and the White House about nanotechnology, and I’m hopeful we can get a bill enacted this year. We will try to move the bill through the Science Committee before the April recess.”
The text of the bill and a section-by-section can be found at the Science Committee website at www.house.gov/science. For additional information on the federal government’s nanotechnology research initiatives, log on to www.nano.gov.
