PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 108-153.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 16, 2003
21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act - Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Research Program. Requires such Program, through appropriate Federal agencies, councils, and the National Coordination Office, to: (1) establish goals, priorities, grand challenges (fundamental problems in science and engineering that will require the application of nanotechnology), and metrics for evaluating Federal nanotechnology research, development, and other activities; (2) invest in Federal research and development (R&D) programs in nanotechnology and related sciences to achieve those goals; and (3) provide for coordination of Federal nanotechnology activities.Requires the Program, through its participating agencies, to develop, fund, and manage Federal research programs concerning: (1) long-term basic nanoscience and engineering research; (2) essential grand challenges and interdisciplinary research and education teams; (3) interdisciplinary nanotechnology research centers; (4) research infrastructure and equipment; (5) the Center for Ethical, Societal, Educational, Legal, and Workforce Issues Related to Nanotechnology to be established by the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); (6) technology transition; and (7) research areas identified by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) which are not being adequately addressed by the agencies' current research programs.Directs NSTC to: (1) oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program; (2) establish an Information Services and Applications Council; and (3) submit an annual report to Congress on the Program..Directs the President to establish a National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel and a National Nanotechnology Coordination Office.Provides for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a triennial evaluation of the Program.Requires the NSF Director to: (1) collect and disseminate studies on the societal, ethical, educational, and workforce implications of nanotechnology; and (2) collect data on the size of the anticipated nanotechnology workforce needed and assess the adequacy of the trained talent pool to fill such needs.
People & committees
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR] · D–OR
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 108-153.
Became Public Law No: 108-153.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H11680-11682)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H11680-11682)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 189.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H11680-11685)
Mr. Boehlert moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S15100-15102)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S15100-15102)
The committee substitute as amended agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S15090-15102; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S15090-15096)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 280.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-147.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator McCain with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-147.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 108-789.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1080-1081)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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