Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2007 - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following [...]

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Latest Action: 05/06/2008 - Hearing Held by Subcommittee on Research and Science Education Prior to Inroduction and Referral (March 8, 2007).

Bill Text
To authorize science scholarships for educating mathematics and science teachers, and for other purposes. 4/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Title I: Science Scholarships - 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act - (Sec. 103) Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF), in carrying out the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program (formerly, the Robert Noyce Scholarship program), to increase the number of elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers having both exemplary subject knowledge and pedagogical skills by up to 10,000 per year. (Sec. 104) Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (the Act) to revise requirements for the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, which provides scholarships, stipends, and teacher training to science, mathematics, and engineering students and professionals in exchange for service as elementary or secondary [...]

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Latest Action: 04/25/2007 - Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Bill Text
To authorize programs for support of the early career development of science and engineering researchers, and for support of graduate fellowships, and for other purposes. 4/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Sowing the Seeds Through Science and Engineering Research Act - (Sec. 2) Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to carry out a program of awarding grants to scientists and engineers at the early stage of their careers at institutions of higher education in the United States and at certain research organizations to conduct research in fields relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Permits the existing Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program to be designated as the mechanism for awarding such grants. Requires: (1) the duration of such awards to be five years; and (2) the amount of such an award per year to be at least $80,000. Instructs such Director: [...]

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Latest Action: 01/17/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S678-679)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/17/2007--Introduced. Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes within the National Science Foundation (NSF) an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the NSF Director to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include members from minority serving institutions.Makes the following institutions [...]

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Latest Action: 05/01/2007 - DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 316.

Bill Text
Recognizing the accomplishments of Roger D. Kornberg, Andrew Fire, Craig Mello, John C. Mather, and George F. Smoot for being awarded Nobel Prizes in the fields of chemistry, physiology or medicine, and physics.

5/1/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Congratulates Roger D. Kornberg, Andrew Fire, Craig Mello, John C. Mather, and George F. Smoot for being awarded Nobel Prizes in science.

Recognizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for their support of the physics Nobel Prize winners.

Latest Action: 03/02/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S2562)

Bill Text
A bill to enhance scientific research and competitiveness through the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, and for other purposes. 3/2/2007--Introduced. EPSCoR Research and Competitiveness Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2012 to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Requires the Director of the NSF: (1) in the administration of the NSF's research infrastructure improvement grant program, to authorize states participating in the grant program to include partnership with out-of-state research institutions if the amount of funding transferred to another state does not exceed 5% of the amount of the grant in any fiscal year; and (2) from the amounts appropriated pursuant to this Act, to make available specified amounts for FY2008-FY2012 to such grant program. Requires the Director to obligate and spend not less than 20% of the amount available for EPSCoR [...]

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Latest Action: 04/11/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity.

Bill Text
To increase the use and research of sustainable building design technology, and for other purposes. 3/1/2007--Introduced. High Performance Buildings Act of 2007 - Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 to require that state and local housing strategies include a description of the jurisdiction's strategies to encourage sustainable development for affordable housing. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to make grants to nonprofit organizations to use for specified purposes to improve or carry out energy efficiency, resource conservation and reuse, and effective use of existing infrastructure in affordable housing and economic development activities in low-income communities. Establishes within the National Science Foundation a Sustainable Building Institute to undertake or support through providing grants, loans, or other assistance: (1) research regarding the relationships among indoor environmental quality,[...]

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Latest Action: 05/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6862)

Bill Text
A bill to promote innovation and basic research in advanced information and communications technologies that will enhance or facilitate the availability and affordability of advanced communications services to all Americans. 5/24/2007--Introduced. Advanced Information and Communications Technology Research Act - Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a plan to increase sharing of spectrum between federal and nonfederal government users and establish a implementation pilot program. Requires the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Telecommunications Standards and Technology Acceleration Research Program to support and promote innovation in the United States through high-risk, high-reward telecommunications research. Requires the director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a program of basic research [...]

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Latest Action: 01/08/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Inouye under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/19/2007 with amendments. With written report No. 110-257.

Bill Text
A bill to establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes. 1/8/2008--Reported to Senate amended.    (There is 1 other summary) Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act - Establishes in the Department of Commerce an Office of Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology to: (1) award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements (assistance) to eligible institutions to provide educational instruction in digital and wireless network technologies; and (2) strengthen the national digital and wireless infrastructure by increasing national investment in telecommunications and technology infrastructure at eligible institutions. Requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish an advisory council on the best approaches for involving eligible institutions in supported activities and for reviewing and evaluating submitted proposals. Requires the council to include [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the National Science Foundation (NSF) the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to establish and coordinate the national research and development program on weather mitigation described in this Act. Requires the Executive Director of the Board to submit a plan for the establishment and coordination of the Program. Requires the Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation. Authorizes the Board to establish a grant program [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 06/23/2008 - Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Mikulski. With written report No. 110-397.

Bill Text
An original bill making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, science, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes. 6/23/2008--Reported to Senate without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2009 -Makes appropriations for FY2009 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2009 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2009 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2008 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Date of scheduled consideration. SR-253. 10:00 a.m.

Bill Text
To honor the goal of the International Year of Astronomy, and for other purposes.

6/20/2008--Introduced.

Honors the goal of the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) to celebrate astronomical discoveries.

Encourages the public to participate in IYA celebrations and activities, and discover more about the Universe and the science of astronomy.

Applauds the efforts of the employees, centers, and laboratories of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in promoting public understanding of the astronomical sciences during the IYA celebration.

Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4971-4972)

Bill Text
A bill to establish a National Innovation Council, to improve the coordination of innovation activities among industries in the United States, and for other purposes. 6/3/2008--Introduced. National Innovation and Job Creation Act of 2008 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President a National Innovation Council, to be responsible for formulating and advocating for the federal government's innovation policy. Requires the Council to collaborate with major statistical agencies, collect data concerning the impact on productivity of the Council's programs, and annually report to Congress on national innovation and productivity. Places the Council under the direction of a National Innovation Council Board.Transfers to the Council specified research and innovation programs of the National Institute of Standards of Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Labor.Establishes within the Council the CLUSTER Information Center to promote [...]

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Latest Action: 02/26/2008 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to provide for the implementation of a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program, and for other purposes. 2/26/2008--Introduced. Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2008 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate federal research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry. Defines "green chemistry" as chemistry and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances while producing high quality products through safe and efficient manufacturing processes. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to provide for the Regional Centers for the Transfer of Manufacturing Technology to [...]

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Latest Action: 06/03/2008 - Star Print ordered on on the bill as reported.

Bill Text
A bill to amend the Global Change Research Act of 1990, and for other purposes. 11/5/2007--Introduced. Global Change Research Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Global Change Research Act of 1990 to: (1) rename the Committee on Earth and Environmental Sciences as the Committee on Global Change Research; (2) revise requirements governing such Committee, including requiring the Committee to develop a strategic plan for the U.S. Global Change Research Program; (3) establish an Integrated Program Office for such Program in the Office of Science and Technology Policy; (4) authorize funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) for research grants on climate change; and (5) repeal a declaration that such Act does not preclude or delay federal planning or action to address the threats of stratospheric ozone depletion or global climate change.Requires the NSF Director and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to arrange with the [...]

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Latest Action: 08/24/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.

Bill Text
To ensure the development and responsible stewardship of nanotechnology. 7/31/2007--Introduced. Nanotechnology Advancement and New Opportunities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, if $100 million is made available from the private sector for the establishing a Nanomanufacturing Investment Partnership, to establish such a Partnership to provide funding for precommercial nanomanufacturing research and development projects. Allows the Partnership to provide funding through direct investments in specified mechanisms designed to advance nanomanufacturing. Requires return on investment of amounts resulting from the commercialization of developed technologies to the Partnership. Requires establishment of an advisory board to assist the Secretary in carrying out the Partnership. Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) to allow a tax credit for the purchase of qualified nanotechnology developer stock. Authorizes establishment within the Technology [...]

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Latest Action: 10/19/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Bill Text
To require the Securities and Exchange Commission to improve the disclosure of fees and expenses of open-end investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

7/30/2007--Introduced.

Mutual Fund Fee Reform Act - Directs the Securities and Exchange Commission to initiate rulemaking proceedings to revise the requirements of regulations applicable to open-end investment companies relating to the disclosure of 12b-1 fees to investors in such investment companies.

Latest Action: 11/08/2007 - On motion that the House instruct conferees Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 218 - 186 (Roll No. 1076).

Bill Text
Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. 10/16/2007--Passed Senate amended.    (There are 3 other summaries) Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for FY2008 for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, for science-related programs, and related agencies.Title I: Department of Commerce - Department of Commerce Appropriations Act, 2008 - Makes appropriations for the Department of Commerce for FY2008 for: (1) the International Trade Administration; (2) the Bureau of Industry and Security; (3) the Economic Development Administration; (4) the Minority Business Development Agency; (5) economic and statistical analysis programs; (6) the Bureau of the Census; (7) the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, including for grants [...]

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Latest Action: 07/17/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Bill Text
A bill to establish the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board, and for other purposes. 7/17/2007--Introduced. Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the National Science Foundation (NSF) the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to establish and coordinate the national research and development program on weather mitigation described in this Act. Requires the Executive Director of the Board to submit a plan for the establishment and coordination of the Program. Requires the Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation. Authorizes the Board to establish a grant program [...]

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