Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of State to establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy, which shall provide for: (1) global, regional, or country-specific research competitions to address global challenges and collaborative research, including programs to employ scientists in research for peaceful purposes; (2) science and engineering institutional capacity building; (3) nonproliferation research and training; and (4) online access to worldwide science journals.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Advisory Panel on International Scientific Cooperation to facilitate Program implementation.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Embassy Science Fellows Program to: (1) pay for the costs of federal scientists to serve in the Department of State, and (2) enhance scientists' role in U.S. diplomatic efforts.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Jefferson Science Fellows Program to: (1) provide an opportunity for tenured research-active scientists and engineers from the U.S academic community to serve in the Department of State for one year, and (2) enhance the availability at the Department of up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and international relations.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish the Scientific Envoys Program under which the Secretary shall appoint scientists and engineers to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to: (1) represent the U.S. commitment to promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement of science and technology; and (2) facilitate partnerships with eligible countries.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor should be further integrated into Department activities, and (2) relevant federal agencies should work to improve the visa process to ensure that the United States remains a central destination for scientific conferences and programs.
[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6303 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6303
To establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness,
and Diplomacy, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 2, 2012
Mr. Carnahan (for himself, Mr. Moran, Mr. Holt, and Mr. Lipinski)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish the Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness,
and Diplomacy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Global Science Program for Security,
Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) International scientific collaboration promotes the
national security and economic competitiveness of the United
States. It is therefore a key foreign policy priority of
Congress to support such collaboration.
(2) During the Cold War, scientific collaboration bolstered
relationships with United States allies and provided helpful
engagement with adversaries.
(3) International scientific collaboration today helps the
United States find technical solutions to key global
challenges, promotes economic development at home and abroad,
improves bilateral relationships, leverages the capabilities of
foreign scientists and engineers, creates technology that
improves quality of life, promotes United States values,
catalyzes domestic and international job creation, creates
international markets for United States goods and services, and
enhances the reputation of the United States in the world.
(4) Forging international networks with the best
individuals and institutions abroad is essential to advancing
long-term United States economic interests. Enhancing
international technology-based entrepreneurship cultivates
greater prosperity for the United States by bringing the most
promising international technologies to the attention of the
United States business community, empowers entrepreneurs abroad
to apply technology that solves local and global problems, and
addresses economic conditions that give rise to global
political and economic instability.
(5) Simultaneously, it is of the highest priority for
United States national security to ensure that scientists who
have been engaged in weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related
research and engineering are encouraged and supported, in
partnership with foreign governments, to engage in productive
civil initiatives. This collaboration and other international
scientific partnerships can be applied directly to solving
pressing problems of global security, including global
pandemics and climate change.
(6) Ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in
countries vulnerable to terrorist influence requires promoting
effective economic development and building the capacity of
foreign partners to address conditions that give rise to
terrorism. International scientific collaboration provides a
means to advance these objectives.
(7) In an era where international skepticism about United
States foreign policy abounds, civil society--including
scientists and engineers--plays a critical role in advancing
the foreign policy interests of the United States via
engagement with their counterparts abroad. Among foreign
scientists and engineers, the United States remains the most
attractive destination in the world for graduate education,
starting a technology-based business, and career-long
collaboration.
(8) Engaging women in the scientific enterprise is
beneficial to the well-being of women and girls, as well as to
global stability and prosperity. Improving access to education
and science opportunities for women and girls advances their
economic viability, along with that of their families and
broader communities. Moreover, the scientific field thrives on
exchanges of a broad range of ideas. Including female voices,
and those of all minorities, in scientific dialogue leads to
more significant discoveries and creative solutions to local
and global challenges.
(9) There are a range of activities, such as collaborative
research and exchange programs, best suited to non-government
organizations, where independence from the United States
Government provides greater flexibility, agility, and, in some
cases, credibility, with foreign scientists.
(10) United States scientists, engineers, and innovators
are an underutilized asset in efforts to advance United States
diplomatic objectives; facilitating contact between such
individuals and foreign populations of interest will advance
overall United States foreign policy objectives.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible country.--The term ``eligible country''
means--
(A) a country classified by the World Bank as
either lower-middle-income or low-income economies;
(B) a country located in the Middle East;
(C) a country with a majority population of
Muslims;
(D) a country located in sub-Saharan Africa;
(E) a country visited by a scientific envoy under
section 11; or
(F) any other country as determined by the
Secretary of State.
(2) Organization.--The term ``organization'' means an
educational institution, corporation, partnership, firm, or
entity exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and described in section
501(c)(3) of such Code.
SEC. 4. GLOBAL SCIENCE PROGRAM FOR SECURITY, COMPETITIVENESS, AND
DIPLOMACY.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
establish a program to be known as the ``Global Science Program for
Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy'' (referred to in this section
and sections 5, 6, and 7 as the ``Program'') in accordance with this
section and sections 5 and 6.
(b) Activities Supported.--The Program is authorized to carry out,
through the provision of grants, the following activities:
(1) Collaborative research.--
(A) In general.--Establish global, regional, or
country-specific research competitions that will
undertake the following:
(i) Address global challenges such as ocean
acidification, nonproliferation, multiple drug
resistant diseases, water-borne diseases,
development of sustainable renewable energy
resources, sanitation, food shortage, and water
resources.
(ii) Engage former WMD scientists to assist
in their transition to peaceful, civilian
research.
(iii) Provide incentives for United States
businesses to undertake programs employing such
scientists for peaceful purposes.
(iv) Foster stronger partnerships and
relations between United States and foreign
universities in science and technology.
(B) Activities.--Such global research competitions
are authorized to include--
(i) grants for not more than five years of
collaborative research and development projects
between United States scientists and engineers
and scientists and engineers from eligible
countries; and
(ii) grants to enhance existing United
States-based research programs by adding an
international partner from an eligible country.
(2) Institutional capacity building.--
(A) Goals.--The goals of such grants shall be to--
(i) strengthen the research infrastructure
and science and engineering curricula of
institutes of higher learning in eligible
countries;
(ii) engage foreign students early in their
careers with United States scientists and
engineers in order to bring such students into
the global sphere of science and foster
critical thinking; and
(iii) encourage and expand exchanges
between students and faculty from eligible
countries and students and faculty from the
United States.
(B) Restrictions.--The following restrictions shall
apply to the Program:
(i) Funds may not be used for construction
of facilities.
(ii) No eligible country may receive more
than 35 percent of the funds authorized to be
appropriated for the Program for any fiscal
year.
(C) Activities.--Such grants may include--
(i) establishing research and education
centers at institutes of higher learning in
eligible countries to carry out the purposes of
this Act; and
(ii) providing equipment, training, and
professional skills development.
(3) Nonproliferation of wmd programs.--
(A) In general.--Conduct research and training
programs that--
(i) engage scientists and engineers who
might otherwise be exploited to participate in
illicit nuclear programs;
(ii) help prevent nuclear and WMD
proliferation;
(iii) encourage foreign scientists and
engineers, in collaboration with United States
partners, to develop technologies and methods
to combat WMD terrorism; or
(iv) provide training in safe laboratory
practices and conditions for civilian
researchers working with potentially dangerous
pathogens and chemicals to ensure that such
pathogens and chemicals do not fall into the
hands of terrorists or rogue states, that such
practices are fostering safe working conditions
for civilian researchers, and that the
potential is strictly minimized for accidental
release into local populations of such
pathogens and chemicals.
(B) Activities.--Such research and training
programs may include--
(i) collaborative research competitions
that would provide research grants to foreign
scientists and engineers with WMD experience or
who could be targeted to participate in a WMD
or nuclear weapons program, and United States
scientists and engineers;
(ii) research and training programs for
personnel of eligible countries who will be
implementing nuclear cooperation agreements
with the United States or otherwise
participating in nuclear programs; and
(iii) training programs in safe laboratory
practices and conditions for civilian
researchers working with potentially dangerous
pathogens and chemicals.
(4) Global virtual science library.--To make grants to
organizations that provide online access at little or no cost
for scientists and engineers in eligible countries to worldwide
science journals.
(c) Certain Requirements.--Grants awarded pursuant to subsection
(b) (except for grants awarded pursuant to paragraph (3) of such
subsection) shall be competitive, peer-reviewed, and merit-based.
(d) Additional Funding.--In applying for a grant, an organization
shall demonstrate how it will seek, to the maximum extent possible,
additional funding from partner organizations, foreign governments,
private businesses, and other entities, ideally to the level of a full
match.
SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT.
(a) Policy.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
promulgate guidelines for review of grant applications to the
Program.
(2) Requirements.--Guidelines promulgated under this
subsection shall address, at a minimum, the following:
(A) Criteria by which grants shall be selected,
including a description of diplomatic objectives of the
Program.
(B) Policies to ensure that grants are in
furtherance of United States diplomatic objectives.
(C) The countries and regions to participate in the
Program.
(b) Implementation.--
(1) Secretary of state.--The Secretary of State is
authorized to--
(A) subject to the guidelines promulgated pursuant
to subsection (a) and based on the recommendations
forwarded to the Secretary of State by the Director of
the National Science Foundation pursuant to paragraph
(2)(C), make final determinations on the award of
grants;
(B) administer grants on behalf of the Program to
foreign organizations collaborating with organizations
domiciled in the United States in accordance with the
terms of this Act;
(C) coordinate with the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy and the Director of the
National Science Foundation to administer and implement
the Program, in accordance with the guidelines
promulgated pursuant to subsection (a); and
(D) develop, review, make final determinations,
award, and administer grants for Program activities to
carry out section 4(b)(3), which may be implemented
through existing resources, mechanisms, and awards of
the Department of State's Global Threat Reduction
Program.
(2) Director of national science foundation.--The Director
of the National Science Foundation, in accordance with the
memorandum of understanding required under subsection (c), is
authorized to perform the following activities for the Program
(except for activities to carry out section 4(b)(3)):
(A) Develop and issue solicitations for projects
described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of section
4(b), or coordinate with other Federal science agencies
to develop and issue such solicitations, as
appropriate.
(B) Establish peer review panels comprised of
individuals with demonstrated experience in relevant
fields to--
(i) review, based on scientific merit,
proposals for grants; and
(ii) provide recommendations regarding
evaluation of such proposals.
(C) Make recommendations to the Secretary of State
for grants based on the peer review recommendations.
(D) Administer grants on behalf of the Program to
organizations domiciled in the United States that are
collaborating with foreign organizations in accordance
with the terms of this Act.
(c) Agreement Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall enter into a
memorandum of understanding with the Director of the National Science
Foundation to coordinate activities carried out pursuant to this Act.
(d) Acceptance of Funds From Outside Sources.--The Program may
accept funds from outside sources, including foreign governments,
nongovernmental organizations, and private business entities.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to
make any grant recipient an agent or establishment of the United States
Government.
(f) Annual Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than November 30 of each year,
the President shall transmit to Congress a report relating to
the Program for the preceding fiscal year.
(2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include the following information:
(A) A report on operations, activities, and
accomplishments under the Program, including, if
appropriate, a classified annex.
(B) All expenditures of funds from the Program.
(C) A report on metrics used to gauge success of
the Program.
(g) Assistance Otherwise Prohibited by Law.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State may not use the
authorities provided in this Act to provide any type of
assistance, make any grants, or carry out any activities
described in section 4 that are otherwise prohibited by any
provision of law.
(2) Activities relating to china.--Any activity undertaken
pursuant to this section with the Government of China or a
nongovernmental entity in China may not involve a transfer of
items on the United States Munitions List (established by the
President under section 38(a)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act
(22 U.S.C. 2778(a)(1)) or Commerce Control List (maintained
under part 774 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations).
SEC. 6. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated such sums
as may be necessary to carry out sections 4 and 5.
(b) Additional Authorities.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization for appropriations under subsection (a)--
(1) may be referred to as the ``Global Science Program for
Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy''; and
(2) may remain available until expended.
(c) Transfer Authority.--The Secretary of State may transfer funds
authorized to be appropriated pursuant to this section to other Federal
agencies, including the National Science Foundation, for the purposes
of administering the Program. The Director of the National Science
Foundation (NSF) may transfer funds transferred to the NSF, as
appropriate, to other Federal science agencies for the purpose of
implementing the Program.
(d) Prohibition.--None of the funds authorized to be appropriated
for the Program may be used for a Congressional earmark as defined in
clause 9(d) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 7. ADVISORY PANEL ON INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) an advisory panel will assist the Secretary of State in
maximizing the impact of the Program, including forging links
between the global science and business community and United
States scientists; and
(2) individuals with international business and science
expertise who are not employees of the United States Government
could bring invaluable perspectives to the Program.
(b) Panel Establishment.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of State may establish a
panel to be known as the ``Advisory Panel on International
Scientific Cooperation'' to facilitate implementation of the
Program.
(2) Responsibilities.--The Advisory Panel should provide
advice and guidance to the Secretary of State on the policy and
implementation of programs and projects of the Program.
(3) Membership.--If the Secretary of State establishes the
Advisory Panel, members of the Advisory Panel shall be drawn
from--
(A) individuals with experience and leadership in
the fields of science, international business, and
engineering; and
(B) individuals with experience and leadership in
nongovernmental entities, including universities, that
implement science research programs.
(4) Compensation.--No member of the Advisory Panel may
receive compensation for services performed as a member of the
Panel.
SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Office of the Science and Technology Advisor of the
Department of State should be further integrated into the
overall activities of the Department of State, including
greater involvement in the activities of regional bureaus; and
(2) science is a critical, underutilized resource for
United States diplomacy, and that the activities of bureaus
with oversight over science programs within the Department
should be integrated.
SEC. 9. EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) scientific fellows at the Department of State
critically augment the capacity of the Department and United
States embassies to address science and technology issues;
(2) Federal agencies are reluctant to pay the costs of
scientists detailed to serve in United States embassies; and
(3) expanding existing fellowship programs will meet the
Department's needs to enhance the role of science at United
States embassies.
(b) Authorization.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
establish a program to be known as the ``Embassy Science Fellows
Program'' to serve the following purposes:
(1) Pay for the costs of scientists employed at Federal
agencies to serve in the Department of State.
(2) Enhance the role scientists play in strengthening
United States diplomatic efforts.
(3) Ensure the placement of scientists at United States
embassies.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts made available
to the Diplomatic and Consular Programs account of the Department of
State, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State
such sums as may be necessary to implement the Program authorized to be
established in accordance with subsection (b).
(d) Acceptance of Funds From Additional Sources.--The Secretary of
State may accept funds from additional sources, including foundations,
nongovernmental organizations, private business entities, and other
Federal agencies to implement the Program authorized to be established
in accordance with subsection (b).
SEC. 10. JEFFERSON SCIENCE FELLOWS PROGRAM.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) tenured or similarly ranked academic scientists from
United States institutions of higher learning can provide
critical expertise and inform foreign policy matters at the
Department of State;
(2) United States academic institutions enjoy an enhanced
reputation in the international scientific community;
(3) the presence of United States scientists at the
Department of State and at diplomatic and consular missions
enhances the utility of science as tool for diplomatic
engagement; and
(4) the Jefferson Science Fellows Program authorized to be
established pursuant to this section will provide a successful
model for augmenting the scientific expertise at the Department
of State.
(b) Authorization.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
establish a program to be known as the ``Jefferson Science Fellows
Program'' to serve the following purposes:
(1) Provide an opportunity for tenured or similarly ranked
research-active scientists and engineers from the United States
academic community to serve in the Department of State for one
year.
(2) Maintain an ongoing interactive relationship between
United States academic institutions and the Department of State
by utilizing former Jefferson Fellows as expert consultants for
short-term projects for at least five years following their
fellowship tenure.
(3) Enhance the availability at the Department of State of
up-to-date scientific knowledge relevant to foreign policy and
international relations.
(4) Enhance the use of science as a tool for diplomacy at
the Department of State.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary to
implement the Jefferson Science Fellows Program authorized to
be established in accordance with subsection (b).
(2) Use of funds.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
use amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of
appropriations under paragraph (1) to make grants or enter into
cooperative agreements related to Department of State science
and technology fellowship programs, including for assistance in
recruiting fellows and the payment of stipends, travel, and
other appropriate expenses to fellows.
(3) Not compensation.--Stipends made available under this
section may not be considered compensation for purposes of
section 209 of title 18, United States Code.
(d) Acceptance of Funds From Outside Sources.--The Secretary of
State may accept funds from outside sources, including foundations,
nongovernmental organizations, and private business entities to
implement the Jefferson Science Fellows Program authorized to be
established in accordance with subsection (b).
SEC. 11. SCIENTIFIC ENVOYS PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary of State is authorized to
establish a program to be known as the ``Scientific Envoys Program''.
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall appoint scientists and
engineers, including Nobel Prize Laureates and renowned researchers and
professors, to serve as envoys on behalf of the United States to--
(1) represent the commitment of the United States to
promote, in collaboration with other countries, the advancement
of science and technology; and
(2) facilitate partnership with eligible countries.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary to
implement the Program authorized to be established in accordance with
subsection (a).
SEC. 12. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SCIENCE-RELATED CONFERENCES,
EXCHANGES, AND PROGRAMS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States is a preeminent location for science-
related conferences, exchanges, and programs.
(2) Such conferences contribute to State and local
economies and provide critical opportunities for United States
scientists to interact with foreign counterparts.
(3) Recently, the visa process to gain admission to the
United States for such events has become sufficiently onerous
to deter foreign visitors whom the United States should
welcome.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that relevant
Federal agencies should work to improve the overall visa process to
ensure that the United States remains a central destination for such
conferences, exchanges, and programs.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education.
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