21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act

21ST CENTURY NANOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce a substitute text for S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. I thank Commerce Committee Chairman McCain, Ranking Member HOLLINGS, and my colleagues Senators ALLEN, CLINTON and LIEBERMAN for their tremendous bipartisan assistance and cooperation. With this bill, we pave the way for greater discoveries and applications in an area that will soon become a major economic driver for this country.

The 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act will provide a smart, accelerated, and organized approach to nanotechnology research, development, and education. This legislation will marshal America's nanotechnology efforts that are spread out across the State and Federal levels into one driving force. This bill will develop much needed strategic interagency cooperation and coordination through a National Nanotechnology Program. A National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel will advise the President on nanotechnology matters and the American Nanotechnology Preparedness Center will evaluate important workforce and ethical issues to ensure that societal and citizen concerns about nanotechnology are addressed now-at the outset of this science-and will support, not hinder, the development of this important science.

As I have said before, nanotechnology has the potential to change America on a scale equal to, if not greater than, the computer revolution. Nanoparticles and nanodevices will become the building blocks of our health care, agriculture, manufacturing, environmental cleanup, and even national security. By getting behind nanotechnology now with organized, goal-oriented support, the Federal Government will play a pivotal role in keeping the United States at the forefront of this discipline.

It is estimated that nanotechnology will become a trillion-dollar industry over the next 10 years. With the Nation's unemployment still high and real economic recovery still out of reach, nanotechnology holds the promise of new trade and jobs needed to jump start the economy. As the nanotechnology industry grows, the ranks of skilled workers needed to discover and apply its capabilities must grow too. In the nanotechnology revolution, areas of high unemployment could become magnets for domestic production, engineering and research for nanotechnology applications. I am determined that the United States will mine the opportunities of nanotechnology and this legislation will ensure that the United States takes full advantage of the opportunities nanotechnology presents.

Our Nation's current National Nanotechnology Initiative is a step in the right direction. This nation has already committed substantial funds to nanotechnology research and development in the coming years. But funding is not enough. There must be careful planning to make sure that money is used for sound science over the long-term. That is the reason for the substitute amendment to S. 189 I introduce today. The strategic planning it prescribes will ensure that scientists get the support they need to realize nanotechnology's greatest potential.

With this bill, Congress is challenging the government to accept new responsibilities in promoting and developing nanotechnology. Again, I thank the House Science Committee and House Science Chairman Boehlert for their cooperation and I thank the other cosponsors, Senators ALEXANDER, WARNER, MIKULSKI, LANDRIEU, LEVIN, BAYH, CANTWELL, CORZINE, HUTCHISON, KERRY, LAUTENBERG, BAUCUS, and ROCKEFELLER, for their valuable assistance. I am also pleased to report that this amendment has the support of nanotechnology industry members, such as the Nano Business Alliance. This amended version is the work of bipartisan and bi-cameral cooperation and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this to the President's desk.

INCLUSION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I rise to clarify the legislative intent of S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. In reviewing the section of the substitute text dealing with the purpose and definitions of fundamental research in nanotechnology that our bill references, I believe that they are not intended to limit research and development to the physical sciences and are intended to include a wide variety of research, including the biotechnology-nanotechnology interface. Senator Stevens, is that your reading of this legislation?

Mr. STEVENS. I agree with the Senator from Oregon. It is our intention to include research into the biotechnology-nanotechnology interface. We did not mention specific areas or research because we did not intend to be overly restrictive.

Mr. WYDEN. I would just like to take a moment to clarify some of the types of nanotechnology applications that are possible through the research involving biotechnology at the nano-level, which are encompassed by this legislation These examples include applications ranging from industrial manufacturing to advances in medicine to breakthroughs in defense against bioterrorism.

For instance, biotechnology is spurring the development of proteins that will be capable of manufacturing biological structures on the nano-scale. This technology will allow the development of nano-electronics such as micro-transistors and silicon chips. In the area of photonics there is potential for developing new micro-optical switches and optical micro-processing platforms.

Researchers recently discovered a first of its kind carbon-silicon compound in freshwater diatoms. This discovery promises to open the door to understanding the molecular process of biosilicification, or the ways plants and animals build natural structures. This understanding may lead to applications ranging from low cost synthesis of advanced biomaterials to new treatments for osteoporosis.

These are only a few examples of advances made through the interface between biotechnology and nanotechnology. I just want to confirm this legislation should help facilitate the synergy between the biological sciences and material sciences.

Mr. STEVENS. These examples are exactly the type of research that we have intended to cover in this legislation. Beyond industrial applications there are many health care applications of nano-biotechnology.

I am particularly excited about the potential for nanotechnology in the area of systems biology and molecular imaging. Systems biology analyzes all of the elements in a system, rather than an individual cell, gene or protein. By applying nanotechnology to systems biology and using molecular imaging, it will be possible to achieve ultra-rapid diagnostic results by analyzing on a molecular level the signatures of thousands of genes and proteins. Moreover, the systems approach in combination with nanotechnology will speed up and greatly reduce the cost of discovering new drugs. This will lead to the advancement of predictive medicine generating revolutions in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

Given nanotechnology's tremendous potential in health care, I want to encourage the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to be proactive participants in the nanotechnology revolution. Although a specific authorization of appropriations for NIH is not included in this bill at the request of our House colleagues, it is expected that NIH will be an active participant in the National Nanotechnology Program.

Mr. WYDEN. I thank the distinguished Senator from Alaska for clarification of this matter and I wholeheartedly agree with him regarding the potential benefits of nanotechnology in the field of health care.