The legislation included $2 million to continue research under the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative at the University of Oregon. This 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 would add to the over $13 million DeFazio has secured to date, for the Brain, Biology and Machine Initiative.

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

Also included in the legislation was $1.7 million for the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) Safer Nanomaterials and Nanomanufacturing Initiative, $2.5 million for the ONAMI Miniature Tactical Energy Systems Development Initiative, and $2.5 million for the ONAMI Nanoelectronics and Nanometrology Initiative. The entire Oregon delegation worked closely together to secure this vital funding.

ONAMI is a collaboration between 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 includes research in nanometrology and testing of nanodevices and circuits that enable the implementation of nanoscale materials into useful electronic applications such as high density memories on silicon integrated circuits.

What’s next? The Senate and the House of Representatives each passed a version of the Defense Appropriations bill earlier this year. A conference committee worked out the differences between the two bills and drafted a final bill, which passed the House today. The legislation must pass the Senate one more time before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law.