The legislation provides funding for the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI), including $2 million for safer nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing development, $1 million for the miniature tactical energy systems development, and $2.5 million for continuing research in nanoelectronics and nanometrology. All three of these projects received federal funding in fiscal year 2006.

ONAMI is a collaboration among government, industry and higher education, and is located on the campuses of Oregon’s major research universities: Oregon State University, Portland State University and the University of Oregon. It builds upon already established work in nanoscale research and microtechnology-based energy, chemical and biological systems. ONAMI’s Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative will develop materials and manufacturing methods that simultaneously meet the military's need for high performance materials, protect human health and minimize harm to the environment. ONAMI's Miniature Tactical Energy Systems Development Initiative has a wide range of military applications, including development of portable power systems for use by military personnel in the field for water purification and battery power. ONAMI's Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative conducts research into nanoscale electronic applications.

Also included in the legislation was $2.5 million to continue research under the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative at the University of Oregon. The program addresses fundamental questions about how humans think, learn and create, including questions about the range of brain processes that give rise to human cognition and the biological foundations of neurological disorders. Advances in cognitive neuroscience are helping to optimize the training and performance of military personnel, including the ability to function in stressful and complex environments. The funding in this bill will add to the over $13 million DeFazio has secured to date for the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative.

"The University of Oregon has long been known as a renowned research institution," DeFazio said. "The Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative continues in that distinguished tradition."

The Northwest Manufacturing Initiative received $2.5 million in the bill. The purpose of this initiative is to make the Northwest region's diverse, value-added manufacturing sector a stronger contributor to the nation's defense and national security. The funding will be administered by the Oregon Economic Development Department and will be used to help improve the manufacturing capacity of small and medium-sized companies.

Also funded was the Metals Affordability Initiative (MAI) for $2.7 million. MAI programs help reduce cost, increase industry and government collaboration, leverage technical resources and financial investment, and expedite development of new defense technologies.

The legislation must now be approved by the Senate.