| 11.18.03. 21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act Passes U.S. Senate: Awaits
Action By House On November 18, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S. 189) passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent. This bill creates a coordinated, structured and comprehensive national nanotechnology research and development program by establishing President Bush’s National Nanotechnology Initiative in law, and authorizing $3.7 billion dollars for the program over the next four years. The bill, introduced by Senators George Allen (VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), with 17 cosponsors, requires the creation of interdisciplinary research centers, the development of nanotechnology education and training efforts, research into the societal and ethical consequences of this emerging field, and efforts to transfer nanotechnology developments into the marketplace through coordinated partnerships between federal and state agencies. Finally, the bill includes a series of coordination offices, advisory committees and regular program reviews to ensure that the program is managed effectively. The House is expected to act quickly to pass this bill, and forward it to President Bush for signature. The original House bill, the Nanotechnology Research and Development Act of 2003 (H.R. 766), was introduced by Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), and passed the House by an overwhelming majority. |