Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today hailed the Commerce Committee's unanimous approval of his bipartisan legislation to promote nanotechnology research and development in the United States. Wyden, who chairs the Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space, introduced the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S. 2945) earlier this week along with Sens. George Allen (R-Va.), Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). The bill funds and coordinates accelerated nanotechnology research in the United States, to let scientists working on the atomic and molecular scales continue to make rapid advances in numerous areas including health care, manufacturing, and agriculture.

"Nanotechnology innovations will bring enormous benefits to America's economy and to nearly every aspect of life in the coming decades," said Wyden. "I'm pleased to see my colleagues support this serious effort to shore up our nation's efforts to lead the world in this field."

Nanotechnology is already entering consumer markets in the form of stain-resistant pants and self-washing windows coated with nanoscale particles, and stronger car parts infused with nanoparticles of clay. Experts estimate that nanoparticles and nanodevices will eventually aid in the treatment of disease, the manufacture of products such as steel, and the creation of smaller, faster electronic devices. Nanotechnology could become a trillion-dollar global industry in the next decade.

The bipartisan bill approved by the Commerce Committee creates a National Nanotechnology Research Program to support long-term nanoscale research and development, increase America's competitiveness in nanoscale technology, and promote effective education and training for the next generation of nanotechnology researchers and professionals. It also creates a Presidential National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel and National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, which would provide administrative and technical support for the Advisory Panel and the Council. To study the potential effects of nanotechnology, a new Center for Societal, Ethical, Educational, Legal and Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology would also be established.

The Commerce Committee expects to refer the legislation, with its Committee report, to the full Senate before the end of the current session.