November 18, 2003
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator
Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) tonight won Senate approval of the 21st Century
Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S. 189), legislation
he wrote to fund and coordinate accelerated nanotechnology research
in the United States over the next four years. Nanotechnology
employs science on the atomic and molecular scales and is expected
to yield rapid advances in numerous areas including health care,
manufacturing, and agriculture. The legislation must now be passed
by the House; the president has indicated that he will sign the
legislation into law.
“Promoting the
new science of nanotechnology is one of the best ways Congress
can boost job creation, and revolutionize health care, manufacturing,
agriculture, and a number of other industries,” said Wyden. “This
legislation will guarantee that the United States will not miss,
but will mine the opportunities of nanotechnology.”
Nanotechnology
products are already on the mass market, most notably in the
form of stain-resistant clothing advertised by many manufacturers.
However, experts estimate that nanoparticles and nanodevices
will eventually have great impact on more serious levels, such
as the treatment of disease, the improvement and strengthening
of traditional materials such as steel, and the creation of smaller,
faster electronic devices.
The Wyden legislation 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. Over the next four years, the
bill authorizes $3.679 billion for research and development programs
at the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy,
NASA, National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Department Agriculture, among others.
The bill also requires a panel
of experts to advise the President on nanotechnology issues;
Wyden has strongly advocated the creation of a panel made up
solely of nanotechnology experts, although the existing President’s
Commission of Advisors on Science and Technology, or P-CAST,
may be used. A National Nanotechnology Coordination Office created
in the bill will provide administrative and technical support
for the President’s nanotechnology advisors and the research
program in general. To study the potential effects of nanotechnology,
a new American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center would also
be established.
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