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108th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 108-580
======================================================================
HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2004
_______
July 1, 2004.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Boehlert, from the Committee on Science, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 4218]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.
4218) to amend the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991,
having considered the same, report favorably thereon without
amendment and recommend that the bill do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Purpose of the Bill.............................................2
II. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................2
III. Summary of Hearings.............................................3
IV. Committee Actions...............................................3
V. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................4
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section)..............4
VII. Committee Views.................................................8
VIII. Cost Estimate..................................................10
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................10
X. Compliance With Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)...........11
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............12
XII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........12
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................12
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................12
XV. Congressional Accountability Act...............................12
XVI. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........12
XVII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........12
XVIII.Committee Recommendations......................................23
XIX. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................25
I. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of the bill is to revitalize interagency
coordination and planning for the interagency program
established by the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 and
to focus greater attention and resources on federal high-
performance computing programs. The program includes activities
at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of
Energy (DOE) Office of Science, the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
II. Background and Need for the Legislation
State of high-performance computing in the world today
High-performance computers (also called supercomputers or
high-end computers) are an essential component of U.S.
scientific, industrial, and military competitiveness. However,
the fastest and most efficient supercomputer in the world
today--the ``Earth Simulator''--is in Japan, not the U.S.
The success of Japan's Earth Simulator has caused a great
deal of soul-searching in the high-performance computing
community in the U.S. The Earth Simulator reflects a serious,
sustained investment by the Japanese government in research,
development, and construction of a customized computer designed
to be the best in the world at tackling specific scientific and
engineering tasks, including climate modeling and earthquake
simulation. While Japan pursued this course, the U.S. chose to
favor the use of commercially available components for
constructing high-performance computers. An advantage of this
approach was that it made high-performance computers more cost-
effective to develop by leveraging development costs against a
larger market. A disadvantage was that certain kinds of
research questions are difficult to pursue on the kinds of
computers that can be built with commercial components.
The role of the U.S. Government in high-performance computing
Despite the recent technical success of the Japanese, most
experts still rate the U.S. as highly competitive in high-
performance computing. The depth and strength of U.S.
capability stems in part from the sustained research and
development program carried out by federal science agencies
under an interagency program codified by the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991. That Act is widely credited with
reinvigorating U.S. high-performance computing capabilities
after a period of relative decline during the late 1980s.
The Federal government promotes high-performance computing
in several different ways. First, it funds research and
development at universities, government laboratories and
companies to help develop new computer hardware and software;
second, it funds the purchase of high-performance computers for
universities and government laboratories; and third, it
provides access to high-performance computers for a wide
variety of researchers by allowing them to use government-
supported computers at universities and government
laboratories.
According to the National Coordination Office of the
National Information Technology Research and Development
Program (NITRD), 11 agencies or offices participate in the
high-end computing elements of the NITRD program. The total
NITRD budget for all 11 agencies in Fiscal Year 2003 (FY03) for
high-performance computing was $862.6 million. The largest
research and development programs were at NSF, $287.7 million,
and the DOE Office of Science, $135.7 million. Other major
agency activities (with funding ranging between $60 and $115
million) were at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, NASA, and DOE's
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). These budget
estimates do not include the procurement costs for high-
performance computers purchased by agencies such as NNSA and
NOAA for computational science related to their missions. In
addition to high-end computing, the NITRD program includes
other program component areas, such as large scale networking.
III. Summary of Hearings
On May 13, 2004, the Committee on Science held a hearing to
examine the current state of federal high-performance computing
research and development activities. Dr. John Marburger,
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP),
endorsed H.R. 4218 on behalf of the Administration. Dr.
Marburger also released the report of OSTP's High-End Computing
Revitalization Task Force, Federal Plan for High-End Computing,
during his appearance before the Committee.
The other witnesses also voiced their support for the
legislation. The Committee heard testimony from Dr. Irving
Wladawsky-Berger, Vice President for Technology and Strategy,
IBM Corporation; Dr. Daniel Reed, Director of the Renaissance
Computing Institute at the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, and Dr. Rick Stevens, Director of the Mathematics
and Computer Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory.
Witnesses addressed the need for an ongoing, coordinated
interagency planning process to guide federal investment in
high-performance computing procurements, research, and
development. The witnesses noted the importance of the federal
role in high-performance computing to ensure U.S. leadership in
the field, and to ensure that U.S. academic and industrial
researchers have access to leadership class machines.
IV. Committee Actions
On April 27, 2004, Representative Judy Biggert and
Representative Lincoln Davis introduced H.R. 4218, the High-
Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, a bill to
update the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 and to
strengthen the U.S. position in high-performance computing.
The Full Committee on Science met on Wednesday, June 16,
2004, to consider the bill.
Mr. Sherman offered an amendment to require
studies of the societal, ethical, and legal implications of
creating artificial intelligence. A unanimous consent request
to withdraw the amendment was agreed to.
Mr. Gordon moved that the Committee favorably report the
bill, H.R. 4218, to the House with the recommendation that the
bill do pass, and that the staff be instructed to make
technical and conforming changes to the bill and prepare the
legislative report and that the Chairman take all necessary
steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration.
With a quorum present, the motion was agreed to by a voice
vote.
V. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
Defines ``high-performance computing'' as advanced
computing, communications, and information technologies,
including supercomputer systems, high-capacity and high-speed
networks, special purpose and experimental systems,
applications and systems software, and the management of large
data sets.
Updates the authorized activities of the
interagency High-Performance Computing Research and Development
Program. Requires the program to provide for long-term basic
and applied research on high-performance computing; sustained
access by the research community in the United States to high-
performance computing systems; computational science and
engineering research on mathematical modeling and algorithms
for applications in all fields of science and engineering; and
educating and training of additional undergraduate and graduate
students in fields relevant to high-performance computing.
Updates and strengthens the coordination
responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP). Requires the Director to establish
the goals and priorities for Federal high-performance computing
research, development, networking, and other activities and to
develop and maintain a research, development, and deployment
roadmap for the provision of high-performance computing systems
for use by the research community in the United States.
Requires the President's Information Technology
Advisory Committee (PITAC) to conduct periodic evaluations of
the funding, management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program, and to report to Congress on the
findings.
Authorizes specific responsibilities for the
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy Office of
Science, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Environmental
Protection Agency under the High-Performance Computing Research
and Development Program. Requires NSF and the DOE Office of
Science to provide U.S. researchers with access to world-class
high-performance computing systems.
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section)
Sec. 1. Short title
``High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004.''
Sec. 2. Definitions
Amends section 4 of the High-Performance Computing Act of
1991 (HPC Act) to further elaborate on, or amend, the
definition of terms used in the Act:
``Grand Challenge'' means a fundamental problem in
science or engineering, with broad economic and scientific
impact, whose solution will require the application of high-
performance computing resources and multidisciplinary teams of
researchers;
``High-performance computing'' means advanced
computing, communications, and information technologies,
including supercomputer systems, high-capacity and high-speed
networks, special purpose and experimental systems,
applications and systems software, and the management of large
data sets;
``Program'' means the High-Performance Computing
Research and Development Program described in section 101;
``Program Component Areas'' means the major
subject areas under which are grouped related individual
projects and activities carried out under the Program.
Strikes the definition of ``Network'' because it refers to
the National Research and Education Network, which no longer
exists as such.
Sec. 3. High-Performance Computing Research and Development Program
Amends section 101 of the HPC Act, which describes the
organization and responsibilities of the interagency research
and development program originally referred to as the National
High-Performance Computing Program--and renamed the High-
Performance Computing Research and Development Program in this
Act. Requires the program to:
Provide for long-term basic and applied research
on high-performance computing;
Provide for research and development on, and
demonstration of, technologies to advance the capacity and
capabilities of high-performance computing and networking
systems;
Provide for sustained access by the research
community in the United States to high-performance computing
systems that are among the most advanced in the world in terms
of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
including provision for technical support for users of such
systems;
Provide for efforts to increase software
availability, productivity, capability, security, portability,
and reliability;
Provide for high-performance networks, including
experimental testbed networks, to enable research and
development on, and demonstration of, advanced applications
enabled by such networks;
Provide for computational science and engineering
research on mathematical modeling and algorithms for
applications in all fields of science and engineering;
Provide for the technical support of, and research
and development on, high-performance computing systems and
software required to address Grand Challenges;
Provide for educating and training additional
undergraduate and graduate students in software engineering,
computer science, computer and network security, applied
mathematics, library and information science, and computational
science;
Provide for improving the security of computing
and networking systems, including research required to
establish security standards and practices for these systems.
Requires the Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy (OSTP) to:
Establish the goals and priorities for Federal
high-performance computing research, development, networking,
and other activities;
Establish Program Component Areas that implement
the goals established for the Program and identify the Grand
Challenges that the Program should address;
Provide for interagency coordination of Federal
high-performance computing research, development, networking,
and other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program;
Develop and maintain a research, development, and
deployment roadmap for the provision of high-performance
computing systems for use by the research community in the
United States.
Leaves substantially unchanged the provisions of the HPC
Act requiring the Director of OSTP to:
Provide an annual report to Congress, along with
the annual budget request, describing the implementation of the
Program, including current and proposed funding levels and
programmatic changes, if any, from the previous year;
Consult with academic, State, and other
appropriate groups conducting research on and using high-
performance computing.
Requires the Director of OSTP to include in his annual
report to Congress:
A detailed description of the Program Component
Areas, including a description of any changes in the definition
of activities under the Program Component Areas from the
previous year, and the reasons for such changes, and a
description of Grand Challenges supported under the Program;
An analysis of the extent to which the Program
incorporates the recommendations of the Advisory Committee
established by the HPC Act--currently referred to as the
President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC).
Requires PITAC to conduct periodic evaluations of the
funding, management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program, and to report to Congress once every
two fiscal years, with the first report due within one year of
enactment.
Repeals section 102 of HPC Act, the ``National Research and
Education Network,'' which required the development of a
network to link research and educational institutions,
government, and industry. This network was developed but has
since been supplanted by the Internet.
Repeals section 103 of the HPC Act, ``Next Generation
Internet,'' as this program is no longer in existence.
Sec. 4. Agency activities
Amends section 201 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the National Science Foundation (NSF) under
the Program. Requires NSF to:
Support research and development to generate
fundamental scientific and technical knowledge with the
potential of advancing high-performance computing and
networking systems and their applications;
Provide computing and networking infrastructure
support to the research community in the United States,
including the provision of high-performance computing systems
that are among the most advanced in the world in terms of
performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
including support for advanced software and applications
development, for all science and engineering disciplines;
Support basic research and education in all
aspects of high-performance computing and networking.
Amends section 202 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) under the Program. Requires NASA to
conduct basic and applied research in high-performance
networking, with emphasis on:
Computational fluid dynamics, computational
thermal dynamics, and computational aerodynamics;
Scientific data dissemination and tools to enable
data to be fully analyzed and combined from multiple sources
and sensors;
Remote exploration and experimentation;
Tools for collaboration in system design,
analysis, and testing.
Amends section 203 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Department of Energy (DOE) under the
Program. Requires DOE to:
Conduct and support basic and applied research in
high-performance computing and networking to support
fundamental research in science and engineering disciplines
related to energy applications;
Provide computing and networking infrastructure
support, including the provision of high-performance computing
systems that are among the most advanced in the world in terms
of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
and including support for advanced software and applications
development, for science and engineering disciplines related to
energy applications.
Amends section 204 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Department of Commerce, including the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under
the Program.
Requires NIST to:
Conduct basic and applied metrology research
needed to support high-performance computing and networking
systems;
Develop benchmark tests and standards for high-
performance computing and networking systems and software;
Develop and propose voluntary standards and
guidelines, and develop measurement techniques and test
methods, for the interoperability of high-performance computing
systems in networks and for common user interfaces to high-
performance computing and networking systems;
Work with industry and others to develop, and
facilitate the implementation of, high-performance computing
applications to solve science and engineering problems that are
relevant to industry.
Requires NOAA to conduct basic and applied research in
high-performance computing applications, with emphasis on:
Improving weather forecasting and climate
prediction;
Collection, analysis, and dissemination of
environmental information;
Development of more accurate models of the ocean-
atmosphere system.
Amends section 205 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
under the Program. Requires EPA to conduct basic and applied
research directed toward the advancement and dissemination of
computational techniques and software tools with an emphasis on
modeling to:
Develop robust decision-support tools;
Predict pollutant transport and their effects on
humans and on ecosystems;
Better understand atmospheric dynamics and
chemistry.
VII. Committee Views
Interagency planning and coordination
The High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 codified an
interagency planning process that remains in place today.
However, the chief product of this process in recent years has
been an annual retrospective review of activities undertaken by
agencies, rather than a prospective planning document. The
Committee expects all of the participating agencies to engage
in a forward-looking planning and coordination process led by
OSTP to coordinate high-performance computing activities across
the federal government. The agencies, led by OSTP, should
submit a coordinated budget for federal high-performance
computing activities to the Office of Management and Budget.
Furthermore, the agencies, led by OSTP, should develop and
periodically refine a research, development, and deployment
roadmap for high-performance computing systems. In addition, in
formulating plans for the Program, the Committee expects the
participating agencies to take into consideration the findings
and recommendations of the President's Information Technology
Advisory Committee, which is required to conduct recurring
reviews of the planning, implementation, and contents of the
Program.
Assuring U.S. researchers sustained access to high-performance
computing infrastructure
The Committee believes that the High-Performance Computing
Research and Development Program, in general, and NSF and DOE's
Office of Science, in particular, must provide U.S. researchers
with sustained access to high-performance computers that are
among the most advanced in the world in terms of performance in
solving scientific and engineering problems. This is necessary
in order for the U.S. to maintain its position as a world
leader in scientific and engineering fields and in technology
innovation. By ``among the most advanced in the world,'' the
Committee means general purpose scientific computing systems
that would rank among the top few systems in existence in
performance (1) on widely accepted standardized tests, such as
the LINPACK Benchmark used to generate the Top 500 list; and
(2) on actual production codes for solving the most demanding
problems in science and engineering disciplines. The Committee
intends that such computing systems be equivalent to
``Leadership Systems'' as described in the May 10, 2004 report
of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Federal Plan
for High-End Computing.
The Committee is supportive of recent initiatives to make
DOE's Office of Science high-performance computing resources
more broadly available to researchers not otherwise supported
by DOE and to allocate those resources on a competitive, merit-
reviewed basis. The Committee encourages DOE to increase the
quantity of supercomputing resources allocated to U.S.
researchers in this fashion and to provide information to the
research community on the long-term availability of these
resources.
The Committee is supportive of continued NSF funding of
software, algorithms, networking and data storage techniques,
and education and outreach activities associated with high-
performance computing. However, the Committee emphasizes that
significant attention and funding must also be devoted to
procurement of high-performance computing hardware for high-
performance computing user facilities, including the NSF
supercomputer centers.
Overall, the Committee believes that for the federal
government to effectively meet the scientific community's high-
performance computing needs, NSF and DOE's Office of Science
each must support Leadership Systems which should be available
for use by researchers from academia, industry, and government
laboratories. By use of the phrase ``sustained access'' the
Committee expects NSF and DOE to develop and maintain plans and
budgets to assure ongoing improvements in the capability of
high-performance computing user facilities, such as the NSF
supercomputer centers and DOE's Office of Science high-end
(high-performance) computing user facilities, so that the
computing infrastructure made available through these
facilities remains among the most advanced in the world.
But the most advanced high-performance computing hardware,
on its own, will not be enough to enable researchers to conduct
the most advanced science. The Committee believes that the
development of software, applications, networking, and data
storage and management techniques, including support for the
applied mathematics required to develop advanced software and
algorithms, will be essential to enable researchers to make
effective use of the high-performance computing resources made
available under this Act.
National Information Technology Research and Development Program
(NITRD)
The NITRD program includes six program component areas:
High End Computing, Large Scale Networking, Software Design and
Productivity, Human Computer Interaction and Information
Management, High Confidence Software and Systems, and Social,
Economic, and Workforce Implications of Information Technology.
While the focus of this Act is on high-performance computing,
the Committee recognizes that all program component areas are
essential parts of the federal information technology research
and development effort and expects the planning and
coordination process for the NITRD program to result in an
appropriate balance of resources among the program component
areas. The Committee expects the annual report for the program
to provide the rationale for the allocation of funding among
the program component areas. The Committee expects that the
allocations for the high end computing program component area
will be sufficient to carry out this Act.
VIII. Cost Estimate
A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
the Committee on Science prior to the filing of this report and
is included in Section IX of this report pursuant to House Rule
XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
H.R. 4218 does not contain new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. H.R.
4218 does not authorize additional discretionary spending, as
described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the
bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.
IX. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, July 1, 2004.
Hon. Sherwood L. Boehlert,
Chairman, Committee on Science,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 4218, the High-
Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Kathleen
Gramp.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth M. Robinson
(For Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Director).
Enclosure.
H.R. 4218--High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004
Summary: H.R. 4218 would amend existing statutory
guidelines for interagency research and development (R&D)
related to high-performance computing. Approximately $1.6
billion was appropriated for 2004 nondefense R&D on high-
performance computing at six agencies: the National Science
Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), National
Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Department of Commerce, and Environmental
Protection Agency. This bill would realign program objectives
with current R&D priorities, repeal authorizations for
activities that are technologically outdated and emphasize
newer issues, such as providing researchers sustained access to
the most advanced computing systems in the world. In addition,
the bill would direct the program's Advisory Committee to
evaluate program funding, management, and effectiveness on a
periodic basis.
CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4218 would cost a
total of $200 million over the 2005-2009 period, assuming
appropriation of necessary funds for the new directives in the
bill. CBO estimates enacting H.R. 4218 would have no effect on
direct spending or revenues.
H.R. 4218 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, and tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 4218 is shown in the following table.
For this estimate, CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted
near the end of 2004 and that outlays will follow historical
patterns for R&D infrastructure programs. The cost of this
legislation primarily falls within budget function 250 (general
science, space, and technology).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
--------------------------------------------
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Estiamted Authorization Level...................................... 35 35 35 85 85
Estimated Outlays.................................................. 11 23 35 58 73
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: CBO expects that agencies would need to
increase spending to meet the bill's new goal of providing
researchers with sustained access to ``high-performance
computing systems that are among the most advanced in the world
in terms of performance in solving scientific and engineering
problems.'' For this estimate, CBO assumes that this provision
would authorize appropriations to provide sustained access to
leadership-class facilities. Under the bill, two agencies--NSF
and DOE--would be required to provide such systems for
researchers.
According to a May 2004 federal task force report on high-
end computing, leadership-class facilities are high-end
computers that will enable breakthroughs in challenging
scientific and engineering computational problems. There are no
such systems currently available for U.S. civilian researchers,
but CBO expects that DOE will build one leadership-class
facility under existing law based on the department's current
plans.
According to DOE and NSF, such systems are typically
acquired over a three-year period and would need to be replaced
every three or four years. Hence, it is likely that NSF and DOE
would need continuous funding for facility acquisition to
provide researchers with sustained access to the most advanced
computers. Based on information from these agencies, CBO
expects that the cost of individual facilities could range from
$60 million to $150 million (or an average of about $100
million), depending on the capabilities of the facilities and
the software and infrastructure needed to support them.
Experience with existing systems suggests that operations and
maintenance costs for each facility would cost about $15
million a year. For this estimate, CBO assumes that NSF would
build one facility over the 2005-2007 period and that both NSF
and DOE would begin acquiring replacement facilities in 2008.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 4218
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, and
tribal governments.
Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Kathleen Gramp. Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Greg Waring. Impact on
the Private Sector: Jean Talarico.
Estimated approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
X. Compliance With Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)
H.R. 4218 contains no unfunded mandates.
XI. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The Committee on Science's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
XII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House rule XIII, the goals of
H.R. 4218 are to update the activities of the interagency High-
Performance Computing Research and Development Program; to
authorize specific program areas at NSF, DOE, NASA, NIST, NOAA,
and EPA; and to expand the responsibilities of OSTP and PITAC
in order to enhance the planning, management, and coordination
of the Program.
XIII. Constitutional Authority Statement
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 4218.
XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
The functions of the advisory committee required by H.R.
4218 could be performed by one or more agencies or by enlarging
the mandate of another existing advisory committee.
XV. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 4218 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVI. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XVII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING ACT OF 1991
* * * * * * *
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act, the term--
(1) * * *
(2) ``Grand Challenge'' means a fundamental problem
in science or engineering, with broad economic and
scientific impact, whose solution will require the
application of high-performance computing resources and
multidisciplinary teams of researchers;
(3) ``high-performance computing'' means advanced
computing, communications, and information
technologies, including [scientific workstations,]
supercomputer systems [(including vector supercomputers
and large scale parallel systems)], high-capacity and
high-speed networks, special purpose and experimental
systems, [and] applications and systems software, and
the management of large data sets;
(4) ``Internet'' means the international computer
network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable
[packet switched] data networks;
[(5) ``Network'' means a computer network referred to
as the National Research and Education Network
established under section 102; and
[(6) ``Program'' means the National High-Performance
Computing Program described in section 101.]
(5) ``Program'' means the High-Performance Computing
Research and Development Program described in section
101; and
(6) ``Program Component Areas'' means the major
subject areas under which are grouped related
individual projects and activities carried out under
the Program.
TITLE I--HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING [AND THE NATIONAL RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION NETWORK] RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
SEC. 101. [NATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING] HIGH-PERFORMANCE
COMPUTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) [National High-Performance Computing] High-performance
Computing Research and Development Program.--[(1) The
President shall implement a National High-Performance Computing
Program, which shall--
[(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal
high-performance computing research, development,
networking, and other activities; and
[(B) provide for interagency coordination of Federal
high-performance computing research, development,
networking, and other activities undertaken pursuant to
the Program.
[(2) The Program shall--
[(A) provide for the development of technologies to
advance the capacity and capabilities of the Internet;
[(B) provide for high performance testbed networks to
enable the research, development, and demonstration of
advanced networking technologies and to develop and
demonstrate advanced applications made possible by the
existence of such testbed networks;
[(C) promote connectivity among computer networks of
Federal agencies and departments;
[(D) provide for efforts to increase software
availability, productivity, capability, portability,
and reliability;
[(E) provide for improved dissemination of Federal
agency data and electronic information;
[(F) provide for acceleration of the development of
high-performance computing systems, subsystems, and
associated software;
[(G) provide for the technical support and research
and development of high-performance computing software
and hardware needed to address Grand Challenges;
[(H) provide for educating and training additional
undergraduate and graduate students in software
engineering, computer science, library and information
science, and computational science; and
[(I) provide--
[(i) for the security requirements, policies,
and standards necessary to protect Federal
research computer networks and information
resources accessible through Federal research
computer networks, including research required
to establish security standards for high-
performance computing systems and networks; and
[(ii) that agencies and departments
identified in the annual report submitted under
paragraph (3)(A) shall define and implement a
security plan consistent with the Program and
with applicable law.] (1) The President shall
implement a High-Performance Computing Research
and Development Program, which shall--
(A) provide for long-term basic and applied
research on high-performance computing;
(B) provide for research and development on,
and demonstration of, technologies to advance
the capacity and capabilities of high-
performance computing and networking systems;
(C) provide for sustained access by the
research community in the United States to
high-performance computing systems that are
among the most advanced in the world in terms
of performance in solving scientific and
engineering problems, including provision for
technical support for users of such systems;
(D) provide for efforts to increase software
availability, productivity, capability,
security, portability, and reliability;
(E) provide for high-performance networks,
including experimental testbed networks, to
enable research and development on, and
demonstration of, advanced applications enabled
by such networks;
(F) provide for computational science and
engineering research on mathematical modeling
and algorithms for applications in all fields
of science and engineering;
(G) provide for the technical support of, and
research and development on, high-performance
computing systems and software required to
address Grand Challenges;
(H) provide for educating and training
additional undergraduate and graduate students
in software engineering, computer science,
computer and network security, applied
mathematics, library and information science,
and computational science; and
(I) provide for improving the security of
computing and networking systems, including
Federal systems, including research required to
establish security standards and practices for
these systems.
[(3)] (2) The Director shall--
(A) establish the goals and priorities for Federal
high-performance computing research, development,
networking, and other activities;
(B) establish Program Component Areas that implement
the goals established under subparagraph (A), and
identify the Grand Challenges that the Program should
address;
(C) provide for interagency coordination of Federal
high-performance computing research, development,
networking, and other activities undertaken pursuant to
the Program;
[(A)] (D) submit to the Congress an annual report,
along with the President's annual budget request,
describing the implementation of the Program;
(E) develop and maintain a research, development, and
deployment roadmap for the provision of high-
performance computing systems under paragraph (1)(C);
and
[(B) provide for interagency coordination of the
Program; and]
[(C)] (F) consult with academic, State, industry, and
other appropriate groups conducting research on and
using high-performance computing.
[(4)] (3) The annual report submitted under paragraph
[(3)(A)] (2)(D) shall--
[(A) include a detailed description of the goals and
priorities established by the President for the
Program;]
(A) provide a detailed description of the Program
Component Areas, including a description of any changes
in the definition of or activities under the Program
Component Areas from the preceding report, and the
reasons for such changes, and a description of Grand
Challenges supported under the Program;
* * * * * * *
(C) describe the levels of Federal funding for the
fiscal year during which such report is submitted, and
the levels proposed for the fiscal year with respect to
which the budget submission applies, for [specific
activities, including education, research, hardware and
software development, and support for the establishment
of the Network] each Program Component Area;
(D) describe the levels of Federal funding for each
agency and department participating in the Program and
for each Program Component Area for the fiscal year
during which such report is submitted, and the levels
proposed for the fiscal year with respect to which the
budget submission applies; and
[(E) include the report of the Secretary of Energy
required by section 203(d); and]
[(F)] (E) include an analysis of the progress made
toward achieving the goals and priorities established
for the Program and the extent to which the Program
incorporates the recommendations of the advisory
committee established under subsection (b).
(b) Advisory Committee.--(1) The President shall establish an
advisory committee on high-performance computing consisting of
non-Federal members, including representatives of the research,
education, and library communities, network providers, and
industry, who are specially qualified to provide the Director
with advice and information on high-performance computing. The
recommendations of the advisory committee shall be considered
in reviewing and revising the Program. The advisory committee
shall provide the Director with an independent assessment of--
[(1)] (A) progress made in implementing the Program;
[(2)] (B) the need to revise the Program;
[(3)] (C) the balance between the components of the
Program, including funding levels for the Program
Component Areas;
[(4)] (D) whether the research and development
undertaken pursuant to the Program is helping to
maintain United States leadership in [computing] high-
performance computing and networking technology; and
[(5)] (E) other issues identified by the Director.
(2) In addition to the duties outlined in paragraph (1), the
advisory committee shall conduct periodic evaluations of the
funding, management, coordination, implementation, and
activities of the Program, and shall report not less frequently
than once every two fiscal years to the Committee on Science of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate on its findings and
recommendations. The first report shall be due within one year
after the date of enactment of this paragraph.
(c) Office of Management and Budget.--(1) Each Federal agency
and department participating in the Program shall, as part of
its annual request for appropriations to the Office of
Management and Budget, submit a report to the Office of
Management and Budget which--
(A) identifies each element of its high-performance
computing activities which contributes directly to the
[Program or] Program Component Areas or benefits from
the Program; and
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 102. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION NETWORK.
[(a) Establishment.--As part of the Program, the National
Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the Department
of Energy, the Department of Commerce, the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, and other agencies participating in
the Program shall support the establishment of the National
Research and Education Network, portions of which shall, to the
extent technically feasible, be capable of transmitting data at
one gigabit per second or greater by 1996. The Network shall
provide for the linkage of research institutions and
educational institutions, government, and industry in every
State.
[(b) Access.--Federal agencies and departments shall work
with private network service providers, State and local
agencies, libraries, educational institutions and
organizations, and others, as appropriate, in order to ensure
that the researchers, educators, and students have access, as
appropriate, to the Network. The Network is to provide users
with appropriate access to high-performance computing systems,
electronic information resources, other research facilities,
and libraries. The Network shall provide access, to the extent
practicable, to electronic information resources maintained by
libraries, research facilities, publishers, and affiliated
organizations.
[(c) Network Characteristics.--The Network shall--
[(1) be developed and deployed with the computer,
telecommunications, and information industries;
[(2) be designed, developed, and operated in
collaboration with potential users in government,
industry, and research institutions and educational
institutions;
[(3) be designed, developed, and operated in a manner
which fosters and maintains competition and private
sector investment in high-speed data networking within
the telecommunications industry;
[(4) be designed, developed, and operated in a manner
which promotes research and development leading to
development of commercial data communications and
telecommunications standards, whose development will
encourage the establishment of privately operated high-
speed commercial networks;
[(5) be designed and operated so as to ensure the
continued application of laws that provide network and
information resources security measures, including
those that protect copyright and other intellectual
property rights, and those that control access to data
bases and protect national security;
[(6) have accounting mechanisms which allow users or
groups of users to be charged for their usage of
copyrighted materials available over the Network and,
where appropriate and technically feasible, for their
usage of the Network;
[(7) ensure the interoperability of Federal and non-
Federal computer networks, to the extent appropriate,
in a way that allows autonomy for each component
network;
[(8) be developed by purchasing standard commercial
transmission and network services from vendors whenever
feasible, and by contracting for customized services
when not feasible, in order to minimize Federal
investment in network hardware;
[(9) support research and development of networking
software and hardware; and
[(10) serve as a test bed for further research and
development of high-capacity and high-speed computing
networks and demonstrate how advanced computers, high-
capacity and high-speed computing networks, and data
bases can improve the national information
infrastructure.
[(d) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Responsibility.--As part of the Program, the Department of
Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,
shall support research and development of advanced fiber optics
technology, switches, and protocols needed to develop the
Network.
[(e) Information Services.--The Director shall assist the
President in coordinating the activities of appropriate
agencies and departments to promote the development of
information services that could be provided over the Network.
These services may include the provision of directories of the
users and services on computer networks, data bases of
unclassified Federal scientific data, training of users of data
bases and computer networks, access to commercial information
services for users of the Network, and technology to support
computer-based collaboration that allows researchers and
educators around the Nation to share information and
instrumentation.
[(f) Use of Grant Funds.--All Federal agencies and
departments are authorized to allow recipients of Federal
research grants to use grant moneys to pay for computer
networking expenses.
[(g) Report to Congress.--Within one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall report to the
Congress on--
[(1) effective mechanisms for providing operating
funds for the maintenance and use of the Network,
including user fees, industry support, and continued
Federal investment;
[(2) the future operation and evolution of the
Network;
[(3) how commercial information service providers
could be charged for access to the Network, and how
Network users could be charged for such commercial
information services;
[(4) the technological feasibility of allowing
commercial information service providers to use the
Network and other federally funded research networks;
[(5) how to protect the copyrights of material
distributed over the Network; and
[(6) appropriate policies to ensure the security of
resources available on the Network and to protect the
privacy of users of networks.
[SEC. 103. NEXT GENERATION INTERNET.
[(a) Establishment.--The National Science Foundation, the
Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology may support the Next
Generation Internet program. The objectives of the Next
Generation Internet program shall be to--
[(1) support research, development, and demonstration
of advanced networking technologies to increase the
capabilities and improve the performance of the
Internet;
[(2) develop an advanced testbed network connecting a
significant number of research sites, including
universities, Federal research institutions, and other
appropriate research partner institutions, to support
networking research and to demonstrate new networking
technologies; and
[(3) develop and demonstrate advanced Internet
applications that meet important national goals or
agency mission needs, and that are supported by the
activities described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
[(b) Duties of Advisory Committee.--The President's
Information Technology Advisory Committee (established pursuant
to section 101(b) by Executive Order No. 13035 of February 11,
1997 (62 F.R. 7131), as amended by Executive Order No. 13092 of
July 24, 1998), in addition to its functions under section
101(b), shall--
[(1) assess the extent to which the Next Generation
Internet program--
[(A) carries out the purposes of this Act;
and
[(B) addresses concerns relating to, among
other matters--
[(i) geographic penalties (as defined
in section 7(1) of the Next Generation
Internet Research Act of 1998);
[(ii) the adequacy of access to the
Internet by Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, Hispanic Serving
Institutions, and small colleges and
universities (whose enrollment is less
than 5,000) and the degree of
participation of those institutions in
activities described in subsection (a);
and
[(iii) technology transfer to and
from the private sector;
[(2) review the extent to which the role of each
Federal agency and department involved in implementing
the Next Generation Internet program is clear and
complementary to, and non-duplicative of, the roles of
other participating agencies and departments;
[(3) assess the extent to which Federal support of
fundamental research in computing is sufficient to
maintain the Nation's critical leadership in this
field; and
[(4) make recommendations relating to its findings
under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
[(c) Reports.--The Advisory Committee shall review
implementation of the Next Generation Internet program and
shall report, not less frequently than annually, to the
President, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, the Committee on Appropriations, and the
Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Committee on
Science, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on
Armed Services of the House of Representatives on its findings
and recommendations for the preceding fiscal year. The first
such report shall be submitted 6 months after the date of the
enactment of the Next Generation Internet Research Act of 1998
and the last report shall be submitted by September 30, 2000.
[(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated for the purposes of this section--
[(1) for the Department of Energy, $22,000,000 for
fiscal year 1999 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2000;
[(2) for the National Science Foundation, $25,000,000
for fiscal year 1999 and $25,000,000 for fiscal year
2000, as authorized in the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1998;
[(3) for the National Institutes of Health,
$5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and $7,500,000 for
fiscal year 2000;
[(4) for the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and
$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000; and
[(5) for the National Institute of Standards and
Technology, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999 and
$7,500,000 for fiscal year 2000.
Such funds may not be used for routine upgrades to existing
federally funded communication networks.]
TITLE II--AGENCY ACTIVITIES
SEC. 201. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES.
[(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I--
[(1) the National Science Foundation shall provide
computing and networking infrastructure support for all
science and engineering disciplines, and support basic
research and human resource development in all aspects
of high-performance computing and advanced high-speed
computer networking;
[(2) to the extent that colleges, universities, and
libraries cannot connect to the Network with the
assistance of the private sector, the National Science
Foundation shall have primary responsibility for
assisting colleges, universities, and libraries to
connect to the Network;
[(3) the National Science Foundation shall serve as
the primary source of information on access to and use
of the Network; and
[(4) the National Science Foundation shall upgrade
the National Science Foundation funded network, assist
regional networks to upgrade their capabilities, and
provide other Federal departments and agencies the
opportunity to connect to the National Science
Foundation funded network.]
(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the National Science Foundation shall--
(1) support research and development to generate
fundamental scientific and technical knowledge with the
potential of advancing high-performance computing and
networking systems and their applications;
(2) provide computing and networking infrastructure
support to the research community in the United States,
including the provision of high-performance computing
systems that are among the most advanced in the world
in terms of performance in solving scientific and
engineering problems, and including support for
advanced software and applications development, for all
science and engineering disciplines; and
(3) support basic research and education in all
aspects of high-performance computing and networking.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 202. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES.
[(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall conduct basic and applied research in
high-performance computing, particularly in the field of
computational science, with emphasis on aerospace sciences,
earth and space sciences, and remote exploration and
experimentation.]
(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall conduct basic and applied research in
high-performance computing and networking, with emphasis on--
(1) computational fluid dynamics, computational
thermal dynamics, and computational aerodynamics;
(2) scientific data dissemination and tools to enable
data to be fully analyzed and combined from multiple
sources and sensors;
(3) remote exploration and experimentation; and
(4) tools for collaboration in system design,
analysis, and testing.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 203. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES.
[(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the Secretary of Energy shall--
[(1) perform research and development on, and systems
evaluations of, high-performance computing and
communications systems;
[(2) conduct computational research with emphasis on
energy applications;
[(3) support basic research, education, and human
resources in computational science; and
[(4) provide for networking infrastructure support
for energy-related mission activities.
[(b) Collaborative Consortia.--In accordance with the
Program, the Secretary of Energy shall establish High-
Performance Computing Research and Development Collaborative
Consortia by soliciting and selecting proposals. Each
Collaborative Consortium shall--
[(1) conduct research directed at scientific and
technical problems whose solutions require the
application of high-performance computing and
communications resources;
[(2) promote the testing and uses of new types of
high-performance computing and related software and
equipment;
[(3) serve as a vehicle for participating vendors of
high-performance computing systems to test new ideas
and technology in a sophisticated computing
environment; and
[(4) be led by a Department of Energy national
laboratory, and include participants from Federal
agencies and departments, researchers, private
industry, educational institutions, and others as the
Secretary of Energy may deem appropriate.
[(c) Technology Transfer.--The results of research and
development carried out under this section shall be transferred
to the private sector and others in accordance with applicable
law.
[(d) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, and thereafter as part of the
report required under section 101(a)(3)(A), the Secretary of
Energy shall report on activities taken to carry out this Act.]
(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the Secretary of Energy shall--
(1) conduct and support basic and applied research in
high-performance computing and networking to support
fundamental research in science and engineering
disciplines related to energy applications; and
(2) provide computing and networking infrastructure
support, including the provision of high-performance
computing systems that are among the most advanced in
the world in terms of performance in solving scientific
and engineering problems, and including support for
advanced software and applications development, for
science and engineering disciplines related to energy
applications.
[(e)] (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
SEC. 204. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTIVITIES.
[(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I--
[(1) the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall--
[(A) conduct basic and applied measurement
research needed to support various high-
performance computing systems and networks;
[(B) develop and propose standards and
guidelines, and develop measurement techniques
and test methods, for the interoperability of
high-performance computing systems in networks
and for common user interfaces to systems; and
[(C) be responsible for developing benchmark
tests and standards for high-performance
computing systems and software; and
[(2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall conduct basic and applied research
in weather prediction and ocean sciences, particularly
in development of new forecast models, in computational
fluid dynamics, and in the incorporation of evolving
computer architectures and networks into the systems
that carry out agency missions.]
(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I--
(1) the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall--
(A) conduct basic and applied metrology
research needed to support high-performance
computing and networking systems;
(B) develop benchmark tests and standards for
high-performance computing and networking
systems and software;
(C) develop and propose voluntary standards
and guidelines, and develop measurement
techniques and test methods, for the
interoperability of high-performance computing
systems in networks and for common user
interfaces to high-performance computing and
networking systems; and
(D) work with industry and others to develop,
and facilitate the implementation of, high-
performance computing applications to solve
science and engineering problems that are
relevant to industry; and
(2) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration shall conduct basic and applied research
on high-performance computing applications, with
emphasis on--
(A) improving weather forecasting and climate
prediction;
(B) collection, analysis, and dissemination
of environmental information; and
(C) development of more accurate models of
the ocean-atmosphere system.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 205. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.
[(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the Environmental Protection Agency shall
conduct basic and applied research directed toward the
advancement and dissemination of computational techniques and
software tools which form the core of ecosystem, atmospheric
chemistry, and atmospheric dynamics models.]
(a) General Responsibilities.--As part of the Program
described in title I, the Environmental Protection Agency shall
conduct basic and applied research directed toward advancement
and dissemination of computational techniques and software
tools for high-performance computing systems with an emphasis
on modeling to--
(1) develop robust decision support tools;
(2) predict pollutant transport and the effects of
pollutants on humans and on ecosystems; and
(3) better understand atmospheric dynamics and
chemistry.
* * * * * * *
XVIII. Committee Recommendations
On June 16, 2004, a quorum being present, the Committee on
Science favorably reported H.R. 4218, The High-Performance
Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, by a voice vote, and
recommended its enactment.
XIX. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 4218, HIGH-
PERFORMANCE COMPUTING REVITALIZATION ACT OF 2004
----------
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2004
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:10 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Sherwood L.
Boehlert [Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Boehlert. The Committee on Science will be in
order. Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science meets today
to consider the following measures: H.R. 3890, To Reauthorize
the Steel and Aluminum Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988; H.R. 3598, Manufacturing
Technology Competitiveness Act of 2004; H.R. 4218, High-
Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004; and H.R.
4516, Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization
Act of 2004. I ask unanimous consent for the authority to
recess the Committee at any point during consideration of these
matters. And without objection, it is so ordered.
We will now proceed with opening statements, and I will
lead off.
I am going to keep my remarks very brief, because we have a
long markup ahead of us. I would simply point out that once
again we have come up with a good set of bipartisan bills that
prepare our nation for the future. We have Ms. Hart's metals
bill, which will help our nation save energy, helping the steel
and aluminum industries remain competitive by helping our
nation become less dependent on foreign sources of energy, all
worthy goals. We have Ms. Biggert's computing bill--bills,
which will revitalize our high-performance computing efforts,
enabling our scientists and computing industry to excel as they
face new challenges from abroad. And we have Dr. Ehlers'
manufacturing bill, which will help our smaller manufacturers
stay up-to-date and competitive. All of these bills reflect
significant contributions from the Minority and have lead
Minority co-sponsors, whom I am sure Mr. Gordon will
acknowledge.
Our debate today will be prolonged, but it won't be on
fundamental goals or principles. It will be about whether to do
even more in the manufacturing bill. I think we need to get
this measure through before we take on additional issues. We
will have lively discussion on that, but we are united on
trying to do everything possible for our manufacturers.
With that, let the games begin.
Mr. Gordon.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Boehlert follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman Sherwood Boehlert
I'm going to keep my remarks very brief because we have a long
markup ahead of us.
I would simply point out that once again we've come with a good set
of bipartisan bills that prepare our nation for the future. We have Ms.
Hart's metals bill, which will help our nation save energy, helping the
steel and aluminum industry remain competitive while helping our nation
become less dependent on foreign sources of energy. We have Ms.
Biggert's computing bills, which will revitalize our high-performance
computing efforts, enabling our scientists and computing industry to
excel as they face new challenges from abroad. And we have Mr. Ehlers
manufacturing bill, which will help our smaller manufacturers stay up-
to-date and competitive.
All these bills reflect significant contributions from the Minority
and have lead Minority co-sponsors, whom I'm sure Mr. Gordon will
acknowledge.
Our debate today will be prolonged, but it won't be on fundamental
goals or first principles. It will be about whether to do even more in
the manufacturing bill. I think we need to get this measure through
before we take on additional issues. We'll have lively discussion on
that, but we are united on trying to do everything possible for our
manufacturers.
With that, let the games begin.
Mr. Gordon.
Mr. Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me say that we are
pleased at the bipartisan cooperation we have experienced in
the development of three of the bills considered today: H.R.
3890, To Reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation
and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988; H.R. 4516, the
Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of
2004; and H.R. 4218, the High-Performance Computing
Revitalization Act of 2004.
With regard to H.R. 4218 and H.R. 4516, we believe the
Committee is making a major contribution to reinvigorating
high-end computing at a time when traditional U.S. lead is
under vigorous challenge. We are depending on this program to
increase ability to understand huge data sets across a wide
spectrum of programs ranging from advanced manufacturing to
weather prediction.
The steel industry is one of several industrial sectors
that are heavy users of energy and benefit from cooperative
research with the Federal Government. We support not only
continuing the Department of Energy's program with the steel
industry as set out in H.R. 3890, but also strengthening the
entire Industries of the Future Program.
Unfortunately, though, however, the same level of
cooperation did not occur on H.R. 3598 in developing our
manufacturing policy. This is particularly disturbing in light
of the battering this sector has endured over the last three
years. We have no problem with the tentative first steps taken
in H.R. 3598, but we do not think it is an adequate response to
the problems that have cost the jobs of two million Americans.
I will have further comments on this bill when it is called up
for consideration.
Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gordon follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Bart Gordon
We are pleased at the bipartisan cooperation we have experienced in
the development of three bills to be considered today: H.R. 3890, To
Reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology
Competitiveness Act of 1988; H.R. 4516, The Department of Energy High-
End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004; and H.R. 4218, The High-
Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004.
With regard to H.R. 4218 and H.R. 4516, we believe the Committee is
making a major contribution to reinvigorating high-end computing at a
time when the traditional U.S. lead is under vigorous challenge. We are
depending on this program to increase our ability to understand huge
data sets across a wide spectrum of problems ranging from advanced
manufacturing to weather prediction. The steel industry is one of
several industrial sectors that are heavy users of energy that benefit
from cooperative research with the Federal Government. We support, not
only continuing the Department of Energy's program with the steel
industry as set out in H.R. 3890, but also strengthening the entire
Industries of the Future Program.
Unfortunately, the same level of cooperation did not occur on the
H.R. 3598, The Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2004, in developing
our manufacturing policy. This is particularly disturbing in light of
the battering this sector has endured over the past three years. We
have no problem with the tentative first steps taken in H.R. 3598, but
we do not think it is an adequate response to the problems that have
cost the jobs of two million Americans. I will have further comments on
this bill when it is called up for consideration.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much, Mr. Gordon.
Without objection, all Members may place opening statements
in the record at this point.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson
Thank you, Chairman for calling this markup on High-Performance
Computing.
There has been much discussion on whether the United States is
losing ground to foreign competitors in the production and use of
supercomputers and whether federal agencies' proposed paths for
advancing our supercomputing capabilities are adequate to maintain or
regain the U.S. lead.
As we all know, a high-performance computer, also called a
supercomputer, is a broad term for one of the fastest computers
currently available. Such computers are typically used for number
crunching including scientific simulations, (animated) graphics,
analysis of geological data (e.g., in petrochemical prospecting),
structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics, physics, chemistry,
electronic design, nuclear energy research, and meteorology.
Supercomputers are state-of-the-art, extremely powerful computers
capable of manipulating massive amounts of data in a relatively short
time. They are very expensive and are employed for specialized
scientific and engineering applications that must handle very large
databases or do a great amount of computation, among them meteorology,
animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research
and weapon simulation, and petroleum exploration.
High-performance computers are gaining popularity in all corners of
corporate America. They are used to analyze vehicle crash test by auto
manufacturers, evaluate human diseases and develop treatments by the
pharmaceutical industry and test aircraft engines by the aero-space
engineers.
It quite evident that supercomputing will become more important to
America's commerce in the future. I look forward to working with this
committee on its advancement. Mr. Chair, I yield back my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Davis follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Lincoln Davis
Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for calling up H.R. 4218, the
High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, which
Congresswoman Biggert and I introduced. I also want to thank Ms.
Biggert for working with me to help develop this legislation.
H.R. 4218 amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991, which
established a major federal research and development program in
computing and networking that now involves seven agencies and is funded
at about $2 billion per year. The bill seeks to reverse what I would
characterize as a weakening of the planning mechanisms for the R&D
program established by the 1991 Act.
High-performance computing and communications technology is key to
the Nation's economic competitiveness and security, and it is important
to prioritize and effectively coordinate activities among the
performing agencies. The bill requires formal biennial reviews of the
interagency program by the President's Information Technology Advisory
Committee in order to provide outside advice for sharpening program
priorities and improving program implementation.
H.R. 4218 also attempts to focus more effort by the interagency
program on high-end computing. The key requirement is for the Office of
Science and Technology Policy to develop and maintain a roadmap for
developing and deploying high-end systems necessary to ensure that the
U.S. research community has sustained access to the most capable
computing systems. In addition, NSF is explicitly required to provide
for access by researchers to such computing systems. These requirements
are designed to ensure the research community has access to the most
powerful computing systems.
Mr. Chairman, the interagency research program launched by the 1991
Act has been largely a success. It has helped provide the computing and
networking infrastructure required to support leading edge research and
to drive information technology forward for the benefit of society at
large.
H.R. 4218 will serve to strengthen the research program and
deserves the approval of the Committee. I ask my colleagues for their
support in reporting the bill favorably to the House.
The next bill on the roster is H.R. 4218, High-Performance
Computing Revitalization Act of 2004. We will now proceed with
opening remarks. Since I have already discussed the bill in my
opening statement, I will now recognize Mr. Gordon for five
minutes to present his opening remarks.
Mr. Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to commend
Congresswoman Biggert and Congressman Lincoln Davis for their
leadership on the High-Performance Computing policy, and for
the work on developing H.R. 4218. And I would like to now yield
the balance of my time to my neighbor, Congressman Davis.
Mr. Davis. Mr. Gordon, thank you, and Mr. Chairman, I want
to thank you for calling up House Resolution 4218, the High-
Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, which
Congresswoman Biggert and I have introduced. I would also like
to thank Mrs. Biggert for her work in helping to develop this
legislation. House Resolution 4218 amends the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991, which established a major federal
research and development program in computing and networking,
that now involves seven agencies, and is funded at about $2
billion per year.
This bill seeks to reverse what I would characterize as a
weakening of the planning mechanisms for the R&D program
established by the 1991 Act. High-performance computing and
communications technology is key to the Nation's economic
competitiveness and security. It is important to prioritize an
effectively coordinated activity among the performing agencies.
The bill requires formal, biannual reviews of the
interagency program by the President's Information Technology
Advisory Committee in order to provide outstanding advice for
sharpening program priorities, and improving program
implementation. This resolution also attempts to focus more
effort by the interagency program on high-end computing.
The key requirements is for the Office of Science and
Technology Policy to develop and maintain a roadmap for
developing and deploying high-end systems necessary to ensure
that the U.S. research community has sustained access to the
most capable computing systems. In addition, NSF is explicitly
required to provide for access by researchers to such computing
systems.
These requirements are designed to ensure the research
community has access to the most powerful computing systems.
Mr. Chairman, the interagency research program launched by the
1991 Act has largely been a success. It has helped provide the
computing and network infrastructure required to support
leading edge research, and to drive information technology
forward for the benefit of society at large.
This resolution will serve to strengthen the research
program, and deserves the approval of this committee. I ask my
colleagues for their support in reporting the bill favorably to
the House. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the rest of my
time.
Chairman Boehlert. Mrs. Biggert is recognized.
Mrs. Biggert. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I appreciate the
opportunity to say a few words about the bill. I would like to
start by thanking the bill's chief co-sponsor, Congressman
Lincoln Davis, and also by thanking the other co-sponsors of
this important legislation, including you, Mr. Chairman, Mr.
Johnson, Mr. Ehlers, and Ms. Woolsey, and thank you all for
your support.
Let me just say that there--the bill does four things.
First, it requires that federal agencies provide the U.S.
research community access to the most advanced, high-
performance computing systems, and technical support for their
users. Second, the bill requires federal agencies to support
all aspects of high-performance computing for scientific and
engineering applications, and third, the bill directs an
interagency planning process to develop and maintain a
research, development, and deployment roadmap for the provision
of high-performance computing resources for the U.S. research
community, and finally, the bill clarifies the mission of each
of the federal agencies that have a role in developing or using
high-performance computing.
I believe that this bill will guide federal agencies in
providing needed support to high-performance computing and its
user community. Our nation's scientific enterprise and our
economy will be stronger for it. And I yield back.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much. Without all--
without objection, all Members may place opening statements in
the record at this point. I ask unanimous consent that the bill
is considered as read and open to amendment at any point, and
that the Members proceed with the amendments in the order of
the roster. Without objection, so ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is amendment number 1,
amendment offered by the gentleman from California, Mr.
Sherman. Are you ready to proceed?
Mr. Sherman. Yes, I am. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
This is an issue I have addressed this Committee----
Chairman Boehlert. The Clerk will report.
Ms. Tessieri. Amendment to H.R. 4218 offered by Mr.
Sherman.
[Note: See the Appendix for the Amendment offered by Mr.
Sherman.]
Chairman Boehlert. The gentleman is recognized.
Mr. Sherman. Thank you. We have heard testimony in this
committee that we are within roughly 25 years of artificial
intelligence matching or exceeding human cognitive abilities.
We cannot ignore that fact and plunge forward with
computers as if they are simply tools, without reflecting that
we are within a generation of, perhaps, another cognitive life
form, or at least intelligence on this planet. Two bills will
come before this committee dealing with supercomputing. A third
agency of government is also dealing with that issue, DARPA,
which is not under the jurisdiction of this committee. Their
mission statement, on their webpage, which I will ask
permission to enter into the record, states that it is their
mission to develop a computer which will learn from its
experience, be aware of themselves, and able to reflect on
their own behavior. It is DARPA, not I, that uses human
pronouns to describe that which DARPA is trying to create. Yet,
they don't mention, certainly if you are working for the
Defense Department and able to reflect on your own behavior,
shouldn't you at least get veteran's benefits? I wonder.
Now, we deal with two other agencies. We have been told, in
this very room, that we don't know whether we are creating Data
from The Next Generation, or HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey.
But we are moving in that direction. I at first thought that I
would propose an amendment saying that we are not going to
authorize research designed to create this human level
cognitive ability. I have decided to water down my amendment in
the hope that it might be accepted, and that is to simply
require a study or series of studies before we go down this
road.
I have--I point out that on the nanotechnology bill, that
is exactly what this committee did. And so, what my amendment
would do--and we might need to clarify in the report language,
and I would work with the Chair, with the Ranking Member, on
the report language--is state that before you go forward with
research designed to meet or exceed human cognitive ability,
and we would define that in report language, we need to see
studies as to the ethical and legal implications of the
creation of artificial intelligence.
The United States, of course, as it competes with the rest
of the world, we want the strongest computers, the fastest
computers, and we would like to think that we are only making a
tool. That may be the case, but we cannot go forward along this
line without at least looking at the issues that come before
us.
Now, I know this sounds like science fiction. In fact, I
alluded to two works of science, one involving Data, the other
HAL. But as one panel testified before us, if you are
describing the future, and it sounds like science fiction, then
it is possible that description of the future is false. But if
you are describing the future and it doesn't sound like science
fiction, you know that description of the future is false. The
future is--tomorrow is today's science fiction. We just don't
know which of the science fiction movies models the future.
We should not rush headlong into the creation of a second
cognitive intelligence on this planet without at least studying
the implications. At that point, I will yield back, and hope
that this amendment can be accepted.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you very much. I appreciate the
gentleman's intent, and I must admit being intrigued by your
statement, but this amendment is so broadly written that it
could bring computer science to a halt.
What do the terms in the amendment mean? Does a computer
that can beat a human at chess qualify? Does a computer that
can calculate and model far beyond human capabilities qualify?
I don't know what we are banning here. This threatens a ban on
research, even though there is no known threat, and the ban is
ill-defined. That is a dangerous road to go down. I urge my
colleagues to oppose the amendment.
Now, let me tell you what has happened. We have a general
agreement. We have been through many hours of spirited debate,
productive debate, and some of the Members have just had to go
elsewhere, and I am not going to drag everybody back here to
vote on this amendment.
I hope the gentleman would accept sort of a show of hands
in support, opposition, and be guided by the sentiments of the
majority here. Would you be willing to do that, Mr. Sherman?
Mr. Sherman. I may not require a recorded vote on this
amendment, Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Boehlert. Thank you.
Mr. Sherman. But if you will yield.
Chairman Boehlert. I would certainly yield.
Mr. Sherman. My original amendment could have been viewed
as a threat to research, since it indicated we didn't authorize
certain research. My goal now is, as we did with the
nanotechnology bill, to require that the agencies that are
funding this research also fund studies of the legal and
ethical implications. So, there is no bar to further research.
And just as we did not bar the development of nanotechnology,
but rather, required a look at the societal implications.
If there is a need to redraft my amendment, I would be
happy to work with you after these hearings, with an
understanding that we are going to require a look at these
societal, ethical, and legal implications of this creation of
supercomputing.
Chairman Boehlert. Well, thank you very much for one,
indicating that you probably were unlikely to call for a roll
call vote. That shows you are considerate of other Members,
both sides, time and effort. Two, I think everything we should
do should consider societal impact, ethical impact. So I will
be glad to work with you directly, have staff talk this thing
through, and see if we can't accomplish some of your original
intent to focus on the issue, without being proscriptive and
preventing any research going forward absent such a study.
Is that fair enough?
Mr. Sherman. That is fair enough, and I think our work on
the nanotechnology bill achieved that goal, and had
overwhelming support on the----
Chairman Boehlert. Well, we called for studies.
Mr. Sherman. Right.
Chairman Boehlert. But absent the studies, we didn't halt
anything.
Mr. Sherman. Exactly.
Chairman Boehlert. Okay.
Mr. Sherman. And I think we can achieve something that you
are describing, rather than what could--we can do a better job
of drafting.
Chairman Boehlert. Got it.
Mr. Sherman. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Boehlert. In the spirit of comity, then, do you
ask unanimous consent that your amendment be withdrawn?
Mr. Sherman. I do indeed.
Chairman Boehlert. Well, thank you very much. The
gentleman's amendment is withdrawn. Without objection, so
ordered. Are there--where are we? Are there any further
amendments? Then hearing none, the question is on the bill,
H.R. 4218, High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of
2004. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. Those opposed, no.
In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes have it. I will now
recognize Mr. Gordon to offer a motion.
Mr. Gordon. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee
favorably report H.R. 4218 to the House with the recommendation
that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that staff be
instructed to prepare the legislative report, and make
necessary technical and conforming changes, and that the
Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the
House for consideration.
Chairman Boehlert. The question is on the motion to report
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, no. In the opinion of the Chair,
the ayes have it, and the bill is favorably reported. Without
objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. I
move that Members have two subsequent calendar days in which to
submit supplemental, minority, or additional views on the
measure. I move, pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules
of the House of Representatives that the Committee authorize
the Chairman to offer such motions as may be necessary in the
House to adopt and pass H.R. 4218, and go to conference with
the Senate on H.R. 4218, or a similar Senate bill. Without
objection, so ordered.
This concludes our Committee markup, and I want to thank
those who indulged all of us for so many hours. I want to thank
the staff on a bipartisan basis for their outstanding input,
that makes these success stories possible.
This Committee is adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 2:15 p.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
----------
H.R. 4218, High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004;
Section-by-Section Analysis of H.R. 4218; Amendment Roster
Section-by-Section Analysis of H.R. 4218, High-Performance Computing
Revitalization Act of 2004
Sec. 1. Short Title
``High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004.''
Sec. 2. Definitions
Amends section 4 of the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 (HPC
Act) to further elaborate on, or amend, the definition of terms used in
the Act:
``Grand Challenge'' means a fundamental problem in
science or engineering, with broad economic and scientific
impact, whose solution will require the application of high-
performance computing resources and multidisciplinary teams of
researchers
``high-performance computing'' means advanced
computing, communications, and information technologies,
including supercomputer systems, high-capacity and high-speed
networks, special purpose and experimental systems,
applications and systems software, and the management of large
data sets
``Program'' means the High-Performance Computing
Research and Development Program described in section 101
``Program Component Areas'' means the major subject
areas under which are grouped related individual projects and
activities carried out under the Program.
Strikes the definition of ``Network'' that refers to the National
Research and Education Network, which no longer exists as such.
Sec. 3. High-Performance Computing Research and Development Program
Amends section 101 of the HPC Act, which describes the organization
and responsibilities of the interagency research and development (R&D)
program originally referred to as the National High-Performance
Computing Program--and renamed the High-Performance Computing Research
and Development Program in this Act. Requires the program to:
Provide for long-term basic and applied research on
high-performance computing
Provide for research and development on, and
demonstration of, technologies to advance the capacity and
capabilities of high-performance computing and networking
systems
Provide for sustained access by the research
community in the United States to high-performance computing
systems that are among the most advanced in the world in terms
of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
including provision for technical support for users of such
systems
Provide for efforts to increase software
availability, productivity, capability, security, portability,
and reliability
Provide for high-performance networks, including
experimental testbed networks, to enable research and
development on, and demonstration of, advanced applications
enabled by such networks
Provide for computational science and engineering
research on mathematical modeling and algorithms for
applications in all fields of science and engineering
Provide for the technical support of, and research
and development on, high-performance computing systems and
software required to address Grand Challenges
Provide for educating and training additional
undergraduate and graduate students in software engineering,
computer science, computer and network security, applied
mathematics, library and information science, and computational
science
Provide for improving the security of computing and
networking systems, including research required to establish
security standards and practices for these systems.
Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology
Policy (OSTP) to:
Establish the goals and priorities for federal high-
performance computing research, development, networking, and
other activities
Establish Program Component Areas that implement the
goals established for the Program and identify the Grand
Challenges that the Program should address
Provide for interagency coordination of federal high-
performance computing research, development, networking, and
other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program
Develop and maintain a research, development, and
deployment roadmap for the provision of high-performance
computing systems for use by the research community in the
United States.
Leaves substantially unchanged the provisions of the HPC Act
requiring the Director of OSTP to:
Provide an annual report to Congress, along with the
annual budget request, describing the implementation of the
Program, including current and proposed funding levels and
programmatic changes, if any, from the previous year
Consult with academic, State, and other appropriate
groups conducting research on and using high-performance
computing.
Requires the Director of OSTP to include in his annual report to
Congress:
A detailed description of the Program Component
Areas, including a description of any changes in the definition
of activities under the Program Component Areas from the
previous year, and the reasons for such changes, and a
description of Grand Challenges supported under the Program
An analysis of the extent to which the Program
incorporates the recommendations of the Advisory Committee
established by the HPC Act--currently referred to as the
President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC).
Requires PITAC to conduct periodic evaluations of the funding,
management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the
Program, and to report to Congress once every two fiscal years, with
the first report due within one year of enactment.
Repeals section 102 of HPC Act, the ``National Research and
Education Network,'' which requires the development of a network to
link research and educational institutions, government, and industry.
This network was developed but has since been supplanted by the
Internet.
Repeals section 103 of the HPC Act, ``Next Generation Internet,''
as this program is no longer in existence.
Sec. 4. Agency Activities
Amends section 201 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the
Program. Requires NSF to:
Support research and development to generate
fundamental scientific and technical knowledge with the
potential of advancing high-performance computing and
networking systems and their applications
Provide computing and networking infrastructure
support to the research community in the United States,
including the provision of high-performance computing systems
that are among the most advanced in the world in terms of
performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
including support for advanced software and applications
development, for all science and engineering disciplines
Support basic research and education in all aspects
of high-performance computing and networking.
Amends section 202 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) under the Program. Requires NASA to conduct basic and applied
research in high-performance networking, with emphasis on:
Computational fluid dynamics, computational thermal
dynamics, and computational aerodynamics
Scientific data dissemination and tools to enable
data to be fully analyzed and combined from multiple sources
and sensors
Remote exploration and experimentation
Tools for collaboration in system design, analysis,
and testing.
Amends section 203 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Program.
Requires DOE to:
Conduct and support basic and applied research in
high-performance computing and networking to support
fundamental research in science and engineering disciplines
related to energy applications
Provide computing and networking infrastructure
support, including the provision of high-performance computing
systems that are among the most advanced in the world in terms
of performance in solving scientific and engineering problems,
and including support for advanced software and applications
development, for science and engineering disciplines related to
energy applications.
Amends section 204 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Department of Commerce, including the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Program.
Requires NIST to:
Conduct basic and applied metrology research needed
to support high-performance computing and networking systems
Develop benchmark tests and standards for high-
performance computing and networking systems and software
Develop and propose voluntary standards and
guidelines, and develop measurement techniques and test
methods, for the inter-operability of high-performance
computing systems in networks and for common user interfaces to
high-performance computing and networking systems
Work with industry and others to develop, and
facilitate the implementation of, high-performance computing
applications to solve science and engineering problems that are
relevant to industry.
Requires NOAA to conduct basic and applied research in high-
performance computing applications, with emphasis on:
Improving weather forecasting and climate prediction
Collection, analysis, and dissemination of
environmental information
Development of more accurate models of the ocean-
atmosphere system.
Amends section 205 of the HPC Act, which describes the
responsibilities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the
Program. Requires EPA to conduct basic and applied research directed
toward the advancement and dissemination of computational techniques
and software tools with an emphasis on modeling to:
Develop robust decision support tools
Predict pollutant transport and their effects on
humans and on ecosystems
Better understand atmospheric dynamics and chemistry.
