99–006

107TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 107–422

PLANT GENOME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

APRIL 30, 2002.—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. 2051]

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]

The Committee on Science, to whom was referred the bill (H.R.

2051) to provide for the establishment of regional plant genome

and gene expression research and development centers, having considered the same, report favorably thereon with amendments and

recommend that the bill as amended do pass.

CONTENTS

Page

I. Amendment ................................................................................................. 2

II. Purpose of the Bill ...................................................................................... 3

III. Background and Need for the Legislation ................................................ 3

IV. Summary of Hearings ................................................................................. 5

V. Committee Actions ...................................................................................... 6

VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill .................................................. 6

VII. Section-By-Section Analysis (By Title and Section) ................................. 7

VIII. Committee Views ........................................................................................ 8

IX. Cost Estimate .............................................................................................. 10

X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 11

XI. Compliance with Public Law 104–4 (Unfunded Mandates) .................... 12

XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations ........................... 13

XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives ...................... 13

XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement .......................................................... 13

XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 13

XVI. Congressional Accountability Act .............................................................. 13

XVII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law ........................ 13

XVIII. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, As Reported ....................... 13

XIX. Committee Recommendations .................................................................... 13

XX. Proceedings of Subcommittee Markup ...................................................... 14

XXI. Proceedings of Full Committee Markup .................................................... 28

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I. AMENDMENT

The amendments are as follows:

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act—

(1) the term ‘‘Director’’ means the Director of the National Science Foundation;

(2) the term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has the meaning given such

term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001); and

(3) the term ‘‘nonprofit organization’’ means a nonprofit research institute or

a nonprofit association with experience and capability in plant biotechnology research as determined by the Director.

SEC. 2. MATCHING FUNDS.

The Director may establish matching fund requirements for grantees to receive

grants under this Act.

SEC. 3. PLANT GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH CENTERS.

(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall award grants to consortia of institutions of

higher education or nonprofit organizations (or both) to establish regional plant genome and gene expression research centers. Grants shall be awarded under this section on a merit-reviewed, competitive basis. When making awards, the Director

shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that the program created by this section examines as many different agricultural environments as possible.

(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the centers established pursuant to subsection (a)

shall be to conduct research in plant genomics and plant gene expression. A center’s

activities may include—

(1) basic plant genomics research and genomics applications, including those

related to cultivation of crops in extreme environments and to cultivation of

crops with reduced reliance on fertilizer;

(2) basic research that will contribute to the development or use of innovative

plant-derived products;

(3) basic research on alternative uses for plants and plant materials, including the use of plants as renewable feedstock for alternative energy production

and nonpetroleum-based industrial chemicals and precursors; and

(4) basic research and dissemination of information on the ecological and

other consequences of genetically engineered plants.

SEC. 4. PARTNERSHIPS FOR PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD.

(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) The Director shall award grants to institutions of higher

education, nonprofit organizations, or consortia of such entities to establish research

partnerships for supporting the development of plant biotechnology targeted to the

needs of the developing world. The Director, by means of outreach, shall encourage

inclusion of Historically Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or tribal colleges or universities in consortia that enter into such partnerships.

(2) In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an institution of

higher education or eligible nonprofit organization (or consortium thereof) shall

enter into a partnership with one or more research institutions in one or more developing nations and may also include for-profit companies involved in plant biotechnology.

(3) Grants under this section shall be awarded on a merit-reviewed competitive

basis.

(b) PURPOSE.—Grants awarded under this section shall be used for support of research in plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the developing world. Such

activities may include—

(1) basic genomic research on crops grown in the developing world;

(2) basic research in plant biotechnology that will advance and expedite the

development of improved cultivars, including those that are pest-resistant,

produce increased yield, reduce the need for fertilizers, or increase tolerance to

stress;

(3) basic research that could lead to the development of technologies to

produce pharmaceutical compounds such as vaccines and medications in plants

that can be grown in the developing world; and

(4) research on the impact of plant biotechnology on the social, political, economic, and environmental conditions in countries in the developing world.

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SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Science Foundation

$9,000,000 for fiscal year 2002, $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2003, and $13,500,000

for fiscal year 2004 to carry out this Act.

Amend the title so as to read:

A bill to authorize the National Science Foundation to establish regional centers

for the purpose of plant genome and gene expression research and development and

international research partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in

the developing world.

II. PURPOSE of the BILL

The purpose of the bill is to authorize the National Science Foundation to establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome

and gene expression research and development and to provide

grants to establish international research partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in the developing world.

III. BACKGROUND and NEED for the LEGISLATION

Basic research on plant biotechnology.—The National Science

Foundation (NSF) has been at the forefront of research aimed at

better understanding the molecular, genetic, and biochemical nature of plants. Developments based on this research have driven

progress in the field of agricultural biotechnology—and thus are of

tremendous interest to the agricultural community. NSF-funded research in this area, however, is in keeping with the agency’s mission of basic research and therefore has focused primarily on efforts

to better understand the fundamental biology of plants.

One area of particular focus for NSF has been study of the plant

Arabidopsis thaliana, which is a relative of plants such as broccoli

and cauliflower. Arabidopsis has been used by scientists as a model

organism for plant biology studies for many years, and an effort to

sequence the entire Arabidopsis genome—analogous in many ways

to the Human Genome Project—was completed in December 2000.

That effort, part of NSF’s Plant Genome Research Program, involved the work of a consortium of scientists from six different

countries. NSF led the effort for the United States with support

from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department

of Energy (DOE).

While having the complete DNA sequence of an organism is an

important step in understanding how that organism functions, just

knowing the sequence of all of an organism’s genes is not enough

to gain a full understanding of the organism. Central to scientists’

efforts to better understand plants is a clearer understanding of

what individual genes in the organism actually do—information

that cannot be derived from DNA sequences alone. NSF recently

launched a research program to determine the functions of all

25,000 Arabidopsis genes—the ‘‘2010 Project’’, which began in FY

2001. Better understanding the specific roles of various plant genes

and how they contribute to the overall function of the plant provides the foundation for all aspects of plant biotechnology.

The promise of a program such as NSF’s 2010 Project is in its

ability to harness fundamental knowledge to solve additional research questions and, eventually, to help solve problems related to

plant production and utilization. While understanding the biology

of Arabidopsis will provide insight into the basic genetics and physVerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:37 May 04, 2002 Jkt 099006 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR422.XXX pfrm11 PsN: HR422
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iology of all plants, additional research is required to better understand the unique features of more complex plants including commercially-valuable crop plants such as corn and wheat. H.R. 2051

would expand NSF’s support of genomics research to include new

agriculturally important species and applications of the knowledge

derived from studies of genomics.

Food for the Developing World.—The ‘‘Green Revolution’’ of the

1960’s is credited with saving a billion lives through the implementation of novel agricultural technologies—selective breeding and

hybridization techniques, the introduction of inorganic fertilizers,

and utilization of controlled irrigation procedures—in parts of the

developing world. The Green Revolution, however, was not a permanent solution to feeding the ever-increasing world population. In

his acceptance speech for the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. Norman

Borlaug cautioned that the Green Revolution had only ‘‘won a temporary success in man’s war against hunger’’, given the globe’s burgeoning population. While the world’s population has grown significantly over the past four decades, natural resources and cropland

have not. In addition, subsistence farming has led to mineral depletion, erosion, and increased salinity or acidity of much of that land.

While technological developments have resulted in improved crop

yields, many people in the developing world still go hungry every

day.

Biotechnology has already shown promise for producing plants

that are more tolerant to drought or high soil salt levels, can resist

insect, fungal, and viral infections, and improve the nutritional

content of food. Also, since some staple crops of the African diet,

such as the cassava tuber, have little or no nutritive value, enhancing the nutritional content of food could be a key weapon in the

fight against malnutrition and disease. For example, the ‘‘golden

rice’’ project, which involved the incorporation of genes able to lead

to the production of vitamin A in rice, created a nutritionally-enhanced plant that could potentially reduce the effects—such as

blindness—of endemic vitamin A deficiency in the developing

world. Other nutritionally-enhanced food products, such as those

with increased levels of cancer-fighting compounds, for example,

could also potentially be produced. Beyond plant-based production

of pharmaceuticals, researchers are also using biotechnology to develop foods that are a direct source of edible vaccines. These vaccines are genetically incorporated into food plants, need no refrigeration, and require no sterilization equipment or needles for delivery. Such a vaccine delivery system could overcome many of the

health care and transportation infrastructure limitations in many

parts of the developing world.

Federal funding for genomic research on developing world crops,

or so called ‘‘orphan crops’’, will play a important role in the development of agricultural biotechnology in the developing world. Private companies have contributed a great deal to the advancement

of agricultural biotechnology, but their focus has been on commodities that are grown in temperate climates, such as corn and soybeans. Little research has been done on orphan crops because private companies have very little incentive to invest in products that

will not bring a financial return. While not a solution in itself in

combating many of the problems of the developing world, public

funding for genomic and biotechnology research on developing

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world crops will serve as a catalyst in helping the technology reach

its potential in fighting hunger, malnutrition and disease.

Research on risks associated with agricultural biotechnology.— Balancing these promising technological developments, however,

are concerns that the introduction of new compounds to a given

plant could upset the biochemical balance of the plant in a way

that renders the plant harmful for human consumption. Additional

research, including that aimed at better understanding the underlying biology of plants and the effects of introducing new biochemical pathways, will continue to develop our ability to assess

any risks to the environment or to human health that these new

varieties may pose.

Other potential risks to the environment exist as well. Transmission of unwanted genetic traits from modified crop plants to

nearby plant relatives, adverse impacts on insect populations that

feed on modified plants, more rapid acquisition of resistance to pesticides by insect pests, and other ecological concerns will require

additional assessment.

Beyond technological concerns, socioeconomic issues associated

with the development and use of these new technologies in developing countries exist as well. For example, these countries typically

do not have national regulatory bodies that review genetically altered crops to determine whether their introduction is appropriate.

The programs authorized by H.R. 2051 will enable researchers to

build on our current knowledge base and accelerate the development of this promising technology while continuing to address concerns related to its safety.

IV. SUMMARY OF HEARINGS

During the 106th Congress, the Subcommittee on Basic Research

of the Committee on Science held a series of hearings and briefings

aimed at understanding agricultural biotechnology and its implications. The Subcommittee received testimony and information from

leading scientists and other interested parties from around the

world, on all sides of the issue. Hearings examined the wide range

of benefits, potential risks, and the regulatory framework that

oversees the development of new plant biotechnology products as

they progress from the laboratory to the marketplace.

In the 107th Congress, the Subcommittee on Research of the

Committee on Science held a June 6, 2001 hearing on NSF’s Fiscal

Year 2002 Research and Related Activities Budget Request. In addition to the budget overview, the Subcommittee received testimony on the process by which NSF establishes programmatic and

budget priorities as exemplified by the Plant Genome Research

Program and Project 2010.

On September 25, 2001, the Research Subcommittee held a hearing on H.R. 2051 and H.R. 2912. The Subcommittee heard from

witnesses with expertise on the scientific, technical, political, and

economic issues related to plant biotechnology and the application

of transgenic crops in the developed and the developing world. The

witnesses discussed current advances and concerns, as well as future needs, in plant genomics and related research. They also discussed the role that the National Science Foundation should play

in plant biotechnology research and provided views and recommendations on H.R. 2051 and H.R. 2912. The witnesses emphaVerDate 11-MAY-2000 02:37 May 04, 2002 Jkt 099006 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\HR422.XXX pfrm11 PsN: HR422
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sized the potential for biotechnology to raise living standards in

third world countries through the development of drought tolerant,

insect resistant, and higher yielding crop varieties, and to fight disease through the development of edible vaccines and medicines for

afflictions such as enteric diseases.

V. COMMITTEE ACTION

On June 5, 2001, Science Subcommittee on Research Chairman

Nick Smith introduced H.R. 2051, a bill to provide for the establishment of regional plant genome and gene expression research

and development centers.

The Subcommittee on Research met on December 12, 2001, to

consider the bill. Subcommittee Chairman Smith and the ranking

member, Eddie Bernice Johnson, offered an en bloc amendment. In

addition to making technical corrections to the bill, the amendment

incorporated the major provisions of H.R. 2912, a bill to establish

plant biotechnology partnerships with the developing world, introduced by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. The amendment also (1)

dropped the requirement that NSF could not contribute more than

50 percent of the funds needed to establish plant genome and gene

expression centers; and (2) combined the authorization amounts of

H.R. 2051 and H.R. 2912 into one authorization amount for carrying out the provisions of the bill. The amendment was adopted

by voice vote. With a quorum present, Ms. Johnson moved that the

Subcommittee favorably report the bill, H.R. 2051, as amended, to

the Full Committee on Science with the recommendation that it be

in order for the amendment, in the nature of a substitute adopted

by the Subcommittee, to be considered as an original bill for the

purpose of amendment at Full Committee, and that the staff be instructed to make technical and conforming changes to the bill as

amended. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote.

On March 20, 2002, the Full Committee met to consider the bill,

H.R. 2051, as reported by the Subcommittee on Research. With a

quorum present, Ms. Johnson moved that the Committee report the

bill, H.R. 2051, as amended, to the House, that the staff prepare

the legislative report and make technical and conforming changes,

and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill

before the House for consideration. The motion was agreed to by

voice vote.

VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

H.R. 2051 authorizes NSF to award grants to institutions of

higher education to establish regional plant genome and gene expression research centers. Research activities at the Centers may

include basic research into (1) basic plant genomics or genomics applications; (2) the development or use of innovative plant derived

products; (30 alternative uses for plants and plant materials; and

(4) the ecological and other effects of genetically engineered plants.

The Act also authorizes NSF to award grants to institutions of

higher education to establish research partnerships for supporting

plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the developing world.

The plant biotechnology partnerships will be used to support basic

research activities that may include basic research on (1) genomes

of crops grown in the developing world; (2) the development of

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pharmaceutical compounds such as plant vaccines and medications;

and (4) the impact of plant biotechnology on the social, political,

economic, and environmental conditions in countries in the developing world.

Both programs are authorized at $9 million for FY 2002, $13.5

million for FY 2003, and $13.5 million for FY 2004.

VII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Sec. 1. Definitions

Defines ‘‘Director’’, as the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Uses the definition for ‘institution of higher education’ found in the Higher Education Act of 1965. Defines ‘‘nonprofit organization’’ as a nonprofit research institute or a nonprofit

association with experience and capability in plant biotechnology

research as determined by the Director.

Sec. 2. Matching funds

Allows NSF to establish a matching funds requirement for grantees to receive grants.

Sec. 3. Plant genome and gene expression research centers

Establishes a merit-based, competitive program at NSF to provide grants to consortia of institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations, or both to develop regional plant genome and

gene expression research centers. These centers would conduct research in plant genomics and plant gene expression. Research activities could include: (1) Basic plant genomics research and applications related to the development and testing of new varieties of

enhanced crops, including those grown in extreme environments

and those grown with reduced reliance on fertilizer; (2) basic research related to the development of innovative, plant-derived

products; (3) basic research on alternative uses of plants or plant

material including the use of plants are renewable feedstock for energy production; and (4) basic research and dissemination of information on the ecological and other consequences of genetically engineered plants.

Sec. 4. Partnerships for plant biotechnology in the developing world

Establishes a merit-based, competitive program at NSF to provide grants to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, or consortia thereof, to develop research partnerships supporting plant biotechnology targeted to the needs of the developing

world. Consortia may also include for-profit companies. The Director is encourage, by means of outreach, the inclusion of Historically

Black Colleges or Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, or

Tribal Colleges in the consortia. In order to receive grants, the

grantee must have entered into a partnership with one or more research institutions in a developing nation. Research undertaken by

the partnerships could include (1) basic genomic research on crops

grown in the developing world; (2) basic research in plant biotechnology that improves plant tolerance, increases yield, or reduces the need for fertilizers; (3) basic research that could lead to

the development of technologies to produce vaccine and pharmaceutical products in plants grown in the developing world; and (4)

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research on the social, political, economic, and environmental impact of plant biotechnology in the developing world.

Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations

Authorizes $9 million for FY 2002, $13.5 million for FY 2003,

and $13.5 million for FY 2004 to carry out the Act.

VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

The Committee on Science believes that advancements in plant

biotechnology hold great promise as a tool to alleviate poverty and

hunger, improve general health and well-being, protect the environment, and address a wide variety of problems both in the United

States and around the world. However, the Committee also recognizes that, as a relatively new technology, many questions remain

concerning the safety of genetically modified organisms. This Act is

designed to utilize NSF’s ability to harness the fundamental knowledge needed to address these challenges and concerns.

Building on NSF’s proven capacity to engage the academic research community, the Act authorizes NSF to fund new centers for

plant genomics and gene expression research and develop new

plant biotechnology research partnerships with the developing

world. Both programs will take advantage of NSF’s standard competitive peer-review process.

PLANT GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION CENTERS

NSF currently supports 23 Plant Genome Virtual Centers that

allow researchers from multiple disciplines and from different institutions to work together to access data and study complex questions related to plant genomics. Virtual centers bring together researchers with diverse expertise, including traditional plant breeding research, molecular biology, information technology, and agronomy, among many others. It is the Committee’s intention that the

plant genome and gene expression centers will expand upon the

same multidisciplinary, interactive approach exemplified by the

Plant Genome Virtual Centers.

The Committee wishes to stress that the term ‘‘plant genomics

and gene expression research’’ is meant to be interpreted broadly,

and may encompass basic research in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, plant reproduction and pathology,

bioinformatics, and many others, provided that the research is directly aimed at advancing plant biotechnology.

Regarding specific research activities to be conducted at the centers:

Section 3(b)(1): It is the Committee’s intention that research activities relating to the development of crops with reduced reliance

on fertilizers may include research into enhancing the nitrogen-fixing ability of legumes and developing commercial varieties of nonlegumes that are able to fix nitrogen. The primary input required

for nitrogen fertilizer production is natural gas; in fact, fertilizer

manufacturing consumes about 6 percent of all U.S. natural gas

production. The Committee believes that potential exists for plant

biotechnology developments in this area to reduce agricultural

input costs while also reducing energy dependence.

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Section 3(b)(2): Early plant biotechnology development efforts

were primarily focused on improving the production quantity and

quality of plant-derived foods, and involved generation of pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant plants, for example. Today, in addition to plant varieties with enhance nutritional properties or other

desirable characteristics, a growing sub-field of the science is focusing on innovative uses for plant products. For example, plants can

be engineered to produce compounds such as enzymes used in food

processing, vaccines and antibodies for the pharmaceutical industry, and compounds used to produce biodegradable plastics. The

Committee encourages plant genome and gene expression centers

to conduct fundamental research that may address questions related to these types of applications.

Section 3(b)(3): In future decades, worldwide energy demand will

continue to increase significantly, primarily due to population

growth and increases in per capita energy consumption that accompany higher living standards throughout the world. Alternative renewable energy sources hold promise to help meet this increased

demand. For example, renewable feedstocks have received significant attention as an alternative to current hydrocarbon-based energy sources. While the technological process currently exists to

manufacture feedstock-based fuel, biotechnology advancements in

feedstock production, pretreatment, fermentation, and distillation

could help to make this process more economically feasible. The

Committee encourages plant genome and gene expression centers

to conduct fundamental research into these areas, and expects that

NSF would coordinate this biotechnology research with other government agencies, such as the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and

Energy, that are also engaged in this type of research.

Section 3(b)(4): The Committee understands that plant biotechnology, since its inception, has been the subject of significant

debate. It is clear that there are real and extensive risks and uncertainties associated with this technology. For instance, concerns

exist that the introduction of new compounds to a given plant could

upset the biochemical balance of the plant in a way that renders

the plant harmful for human consumption. Others have expressed

concern that genetically engineered ‘‘plant pesticides,’’ such as

those carrying the Bt gene, which causes plants to release a toxin

that defends it from insects and other pests, could be harmful to

human health and/or the environment. Other uncertainties remain

regarding the safety of biotechnology, including questions related to

the long-term environmental and human health effects of consuming biotech foods, and the potential that new allergens may be

introduced into the food chain.

The Committee believes that research on the ecological and other

consequences of genetically engineered plants is an important component of the overall research effort, and encourages NSF to fund

research on these important issues as part of the work of the centers authorized by this Act. The Committee also believes that the

centers should, through outreach and other means of informal education, strive to communicate scientific information on these risks

to the public.

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PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE DEVELOPING WORLD

More people die worldwide each year from famine and diseases

related to malnutrition than from all other diseases combined. In

March of 2002, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund reported that 8 million babies, more than

half in the first month of life, die each year. Malnutrition is responsible for sixty percent of these deaths. In other words, 9 babies perish due to hunger each minute. Clearly, successfully combating

hunger and malnutrition has significant potential to raise standards of living and increase life expectancy in developing countries.

Through the development of new crops that produce increased

yields, reduce the need for fertilizer inputs, and help plants withstand stress conditions such as drought and high salinity levels,

plant biotechnology holds great promise as a tool to improve life in

these countries. Understanding this, the committee intends that

the Plant Biotechnology Partnerships for the Developing World program will provide the fundamental research needed to build on the

current plant biotechnology knowledge base to address specific agricultural problems in the developing world.

In addition to the need for this technology, researchers in developing countries need technical assistance to fully understand the

benefits and risks and be able to implement plant biotechnology.

The Committee envisions that the partnership program will meet

this need, supporting scientists at U.S. institutions working in concert with scientists from developing nations. Many developing nations have established agricultural research centers that focus on

developing world crops and will make significant contributions to

plant biotechnology research done in the U.S., while continuing to

develop their own scientific capacity.

The Committee is aware that minority-serving institutions of

higher education also have developed substantial research capabilities in the area of plant biotechnology. The Committee expects the

Director to take active steps, including through workshops and

symposia, to inform Historically Black Colleges and Universities,

Hispanic-serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities

about the opportunities for research awards under the program established by this legislation and to encourage the inclusion of such

institutions in the research partnerships under section 4.

IX. COST ESTIMATE

Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(2) of the House of Representatives requires

each committee report accompanying each bill or joint resolution of

a public character to contain: (1) an estimate, made by such committed, of the costs which would be incurred in carrying out such

bill or joint resolution in the fiscal year (or for the authorized duration of any program authorized by such bill or joint resolution, if

less then five years); (2) a comparison of the estimate of costs described in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph made by such committee with an estimate of such costs made by any government

agency and submitted to such committee; and (3) when practicable,

a comparison of the total estimated funding level for the relevant

program (or programs) with the appropriate levels under current

law. However, House Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(3)(B) provides that this

requirement does not apply when a cost estimate and comparison

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prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office under

section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted prior to the filing of the report and included in the

report pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3). 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 X of this

report pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(2) of the House of Representatives requires

each committee report that accompanies a measure providing new

budget authority (other than continuing appropriations), new

spending authority, or new credit authority, or changes in revenues

or tax expenditures to contain a cost estimate, as required by section 308(a)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and, when

practicable with respect to estimates of new budget authority, a

comparison of the total estimated funding level for the relevant

program (or programs) to the appropriate levels under current law.

H.R. 2051 does not contain any new budget authority, credit authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming that

the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 2051

does authorize additional discretionary spending, as described in

the Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.

X. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

U.S. CONGRESS,

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE,

Washington, DC, April 4, 2002.

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. 2051, a bill to authorize

the National Science Foundation to establish regional centers for

the purpose of plant genome and gene expression research and development and international research partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology in the developing world.

If you wish further details on this estimate , we will be pleased

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Kathleen Gramp.

Sincerely,

BARRY B. ANDERSON

(For Dan L. Crippen, Director).

Enclosure.

H.R. 2051—A bill to authorize the National Science Foundation to

establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome and

gene expression research and development and international research partnerships for the advancement of plant biotechnology

in the developing world

SUMMARY: H.R. 2051 would expand the scope of the National

Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) existing research on plant genetics

and biotechnology by authorizing appropriations for research on

special issues and for partnerships with institutions in developing

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nations. The bill would authorize $9 million for 2002 and $13.5 million for each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004 for these new initiatives.

These funds would be awarded competitively and would focus on

such issues as crop cultivation in extreme climates, innovative

plant products, feedstocks for alternative energy production, the ecological effects of genetically engineered plants, and biotechnology

in developing countries.

CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2051 would cost a total

of $34 million over the 2002–2007 period, assuming appropriation

of the authorized amounts. The bill would not affect direct spending or receipts, so pay-as-you-go procedures would not apply.

H.R. 2051 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.

Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of H.R. 2051 is shown in the following table. For this

estimate, CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted by spring and

that the funding authorized for 2002 will be provided in a supplemental appropriation act. Outlays are projected based on spending

trends for similar NSF programs. The costs of this legislation fall

within budget function 250 (general science, space, and technology).

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars—

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION

Plant Genome Spending Under Current Law:

Budget Authority 1 ............................................................... 115 0 0 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ............................................................... 93 76 24 7 3 1

Proposed Changes:

Authorization Level .............................................................. 9 14 14 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ............................................................... (2) 6 14 10 3 1

Spending Under H.R. 2051:

Authorization Level 1 ............................................................ 124 14 14 0 0 0

Estimated Outlays ............................................................... 93 82 38 17 6 2

1 The 2002 level is the amount estimated to be appropriated for plant genome research for 2002.

2 Less than $500,000.

Pay-as-you-go considerations: None.

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 2051 contains

no integovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in

UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. The bill would benefit public universities by authorizing $36

million in grants, between fiscal year 2002 and 2004, to establish

research centers and to cultivate partnerships. Any costs incurred

by public universities to participate in this program would be voluntary.

Estimate prepared by: Federal Costs: Kathleen Gramp; Impact

on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Elyse Goldman; and Impact on the Private Sector: Jean Talarico.

Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

XI. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4

H.R. 2051 contains no unfunded mandates.

13

XII. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(1) of the House of Representatives requires

each committee report to include oversight findings and recommendations required pursuant to clause 2(b)(1) of rule X. The

Committee on Science’s oversight findings and recommendations

are reflected in the body of this report.

XIII. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND

OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause (3)(c)(4) of House Rule XIII, the goal and objective of the bill is to authorize the National Science Foundation

to establish regional centers for the purpose of plant genome and

gene expression research and development and to provide grants to

establish international research partnerships for the advancement

of plant biotechnology in the developing world.

XIV. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Rule XIII, clause 3(d)(1) of the House of Representatives requires

each report of a committee on a bill or joint resolution of a public

character to include a statement citing the specific powers granted

to the Congress in the Constitution to enact the law proposed by

the bill or joint resolution. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution

of the United States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R.

2051.

XV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

H.R. 2051 does not establish nor authorize the establishment of

any advisory committee.

XVI. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The Committee finds that H.R. 2051 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).

XVII. STATEMENT ON PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL

LAW

This bill in not intended to preempt any state, local, or tribal

law.

XVIII. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

This legislation does not amend any existing Federal statute.

XIX. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

On March 20, 2002, a quorum being present, the Committee on

Science favorably reported H.R. 2051, by a voice vote, and recommends its enactment.

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XX. PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP HELD BY

THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH ON

H.R. 2051, A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL PLANT GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH

AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2001

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, Washington, DC.

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:30 p.m., in Room

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Nick Smith

[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding.

Chairman SMITH. And now we are official. I would ask that my

full statement be included in the record. And without objection, the

full statement will be included in the record.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith of Michigan follows:]

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN NICK SMITH

The legislation before the Subcommittee today will help to strengthen plant biotechnology research efforts at the National Science Foundation. The use of biotechnology to produce new varieties of plants—for food or other uses—has been of

great interest to this Subcommittee in the past. In the past two years, we have held

numerous hearings aimed at understanding this rapidly expanding area of science.

We received testimony and information from scientists and other interested parties

from around the world, on all sides of the issue, and learned a great deal about the

incredible potential of plant biotechnology to make our world a better place to live.

At our most recent hearing on this issue in September, we heard specific comments from the scientific community on the legislation before us today. Witnesses

shared their thoughts on how this proposed legislation could advance basic plant

science research and fill funding gaps in the current genomics research portfolio. We

also learned of the successful efforts of the NSF Plant Genome Research Program

to completely sequence all 25,000 genes of Arabidopsis, a small mustard plant. This

sequencing will one day serve as a tremendous resource to all areas of plant biology

research, but will require continued efforts to identify and understand how these

25,000 genes are expressed.

A better understanding of gene expression will eventually allow researchers to develop an array of new beneficial plant varieties that will only be limited by the resourcefulness and imagination of our scientists. Some of these improvements that

may be just around the corner include new drought tolerant and salt tolerant crop

plants, plants that can resist insect, fungal, and viral infections, plants with improved nutritional content, and plants that can reduce our reliance on fertilizers and

pesticides. Other new varieties may also serve as alternative energy sources, and

provide inexpensive industrial precursors, or supply needed ‘‘edible vaccines.’’

My bill, H.R. 2051, will help us to make these promising advancements a reality.

It authorizes the establishment of Plant Genome Expression Centers—centers for

basic research that will extend plant genomics research and accelerate the development of new beneficial plant varieties. The centers will be funded through a meritbased, competitive process, and will bring together some of the best researchers in

the field to participate and work together.

We will proceed today by first considering a Manager’s amendment that combines

Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson’s plant biotechnology legislation focusing on the developing world, H.R. 2912, with my bill establishing Plant Genome Expression Centers.

Several technical changes are included in the manager’s amendment to clean up the

15

language, but they do not alter the function or purpose of either bill. Additionally,

the funding authorized in each bill is combined into one sum so that the NSF will

have more flexibility to devote resources to these commitments as needed. This results in authorized appropriations of $9 million for fiscal year 2002, $13.5 million

for fiscal year 2003, and $13.5 million for fiscal year 2004.

These two bills share a common goal of strengthening plant biotechnology research at the National Science Foundation, and I think they complement each other

well as a single piece of legislation. I am confident the benefits realized through

these Plant Genome Expression Centers and Plant Biotechnology Partnerships in

the developing world will allow us to harness fundamental knowledge and solve

many difficult challenges. Again, this is a bipartisan effort we can be proud of and

I’m pleased to extending my support the bills as combined.

Chairman SMITH. This legislation that the Ranking Member and

I, Republicans, and Democrats, have worked on, I think moves us

ahead in the area of biotechnology to probably increase the possibility, or the probability, that more of the world is going to support

our biotech and genetic modification through the new technology.

We have been concentrating on the development of products to

reduce the price to farmers a little bit, and it might result in a

minimal reduction in price to consumers. But the greater challenge

is to produce products that help people, that try to minimize environmental damage to help better protect the environment, and, certainly, the opportunities to feed a hungry world by producing the

kind of products that can grow in those alkaline soils or grow

under those climatic conditions, where the developing nations

haven’t been able to grow the kind of sufficient supply of food that

they need.

Also, in this legislation, it—we move into the area of energy, both

with the development of biofuels, through biotechnology, and also,

an area that I have been particularly interested in, the fixation of

nitrogen in soils. Of course, legumes, with their nodules, are able

to fix nitrogen in the soil, and that becomes a substitute to chemical fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer, that utilizes in the area of 10—

of 5 to 10 percent of the total production of natural gas in this

country.

So that there is a lot that we can do with this technology. It is

only limited by the creativity of our scientists exploring it and the

willingness of Congress to move ahead with encouraging this kind

of research. And with that, I would turn to our Ranking Member,

Ms. Johnson, for comments.

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I will start

reading mine because we don’t have a quorum. There is not much

we can do.

Chairman SMITH. Read slowly.

Ms. JOHNSON. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing

this important legislation before the Subcommittee today. And I

greatly appreciate your working with me in a bipartisan manner to

incorporate H.R. 2912, the plant biotechnology bill I introduced into

the substitute amendment that will be offered to H.R. 2051, your

plant genome centers bill. I know we share a strong interest in seeing the promise of plant biotechnology realized in both the United

States and the developing world, and I believe this legislation will

make a valuable contribution to achieving that goal.

Each day, 800 million people are malnourished and go hungry,

the majority of whom live in the developing world. Every 2.2 seconds, malnutrition claims another victim, half of whom are children. Within the next 25 years, the world population is projected

16

to grow by 2 to 8.2 billion. Unless food production is dramatically

increased in the regions where it is most needed, persistent hunger

will become more prevalent and malnutrition will claim even more

victims than it does today.

In many regions of the developing world, the farming practices

used today are the same as, or similar to, those practical—those

practiced for centuries. Unfortunately, these practices often lead to

low crop yields and soil destruction. Many farmers desperately

need access to the best management practices. In addition, better

seeds, fertilizer, and biotechnology would increase yields and, thus,

help to reduce the epidemic of malnutrition now facing too many

regions of the world. I believe that plant biotechnology has a potential to help the developing world, increase food security, and move

towards self-sufficiency.

That is why I introduced H.R. 2912. This bill authorizes the NSF

to establish a grant program of partnerships between the United

States research organization and those in the developing countries

for research on plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural

needs of the developing world. I believe that by working side by

side with scientists from poor countries, crop varieties resistant to

insects and viruses, crops that can be grown in drought, droughtstricken lands, with only minimal water, and crops that have improved nutritional content can be developed.

At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this Subcommittee

back in September, several witnesses gave examples showing

where plant biotechnology is already having a positive impact in

the developing world. Insect-resistant potatoes are reducing crop

losses from potato tuber moth infections in Egypt. In Kenya, virusresistant sweet potatoes have decreased crop loss by 25 percent.

And in India, where 18 percent of the children suffer from some

level of vitamin A deficiency, the development of golden mustard,

which is high in vitamin A, has the potential to reduce suffering.

Investment in basic research in plant biotechnology targeted to

the agricultural needs of the developing world will lead to a better

understanding of many types of crops and strengthen the capacity

to develop and produce new, enhanced—of ours.

NSF has already made important contributions to advance the

knowledge base for plant biotechnology. I see this compromised bill

as a way to build on that base and to see that plant biotechnology

to address agricultural issues and problems worldwide.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you—and the only one—for working with

me to develop this bipartisan legislation. I look forward to assisting

you in any way I can to move this bill to the Full Committee and

to the Floor. I commend the legislation to my colleagues and ask

for their support. Thank you very much.

[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]

PREPARED STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this important legislation before

the Subcommittee today. I greatly appreciate your working with me in a bipartisan

manner to incorporate H.R. 2912, the plant biotechnology bill I introduced, into the

substitute amendment that will be offered to H.R. 2051, your plant genome centers

bill. I know we share a strong interest in seeing the promise of plant biotechnology

realized in both the U.S. and the developing world, and I believe this legislation will

make a valuable contribution to achieving that goal.

Each day, 800 million people are malnourished and go hungry, the majority of

whom live in the developing world. Every 2.2 seconds, malnutrition claims another

17

victim, half of whom are children. Within the next 25 years, the world population

is projected to grow by 2 billion to 8.2 billion. Unless food production is dramatically

increased in the regions where it is most needed, persistent hunger will become

more prevalent and malnutrition will claim even more victims than it does today.

In many regions of the developing world, the farming practices used today are the

same as or similar to those practiced for centuries. Unfortunately, these practices

often lead to low crop yields and soil destruction. Many farmers desperately need

access to best management practices. In addition, better seeds, fertilizer, and biotechnology would increase yields and thus help to reduce the epidemic of malnutrition now facing too many regions of the world.

I believe that plant biotechnology has the potential to help the developing world

increase food security and move towards self-sufficiency. That is why I introduced

H.R. 2912. This bill authorizes NSF to establish a grant program for partnerships

between U.S. research organizations and those in developing countries for research

on plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world.

I believe that by working side-by-side with scientists from poor countries, crop varieties resistant to insects and viruses, crops that can be grown in drought stricken

lands with only minimal water, and crops that have improved nutritional content

can be developed.

At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this Subcommittee back in September, several witnesses gave examples showing where plant biotechnology is already having a positive impact in the developing world. Insect resistant potatoes are

reducing crop losses from Potato Tuber Moth infestations in Egypt; in Kenya, virus

resistant sweet potatoes have decreased crop loss by 25 percent; and in India, where

18 percent of the children suffer from some level of vitamin A deficiency, the development of ‘‘golden mustard,’’ which is high in vitamin A, has the potential to reduce

suffering. Investment in basic research on plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world will lead to a better understanding of many

types of crops and strengthen the capacity to develop and produce new and enhanced cultivars.

NSF has already made important contributions to advance the knowledge base for

plant biotechnology. I see this compromise bill as a way to build on that base and

to use plant biotechnology to address agricultural issues and problems worldwide.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for working with me to develop this bipartisan legislation. I look forward to assisting you in any way I can to move the bill through Committee and to the Floor.

I commend the legislation to my colleagues and ask for their support.

Chairman SMITH. The—without objection, the Chair will allow

any other Members’ comments to be entered into the record unless

Representative Rivers you would like to make a comment at this

time. Without objection, that is so ordered.

H.R. 2051

10:40 a.m.

We will now consider H.R. 2051, To Provide for the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression Research and

Development Centers. And the first reading of the bill. As soon as

you start, I am going to stop you. So——

The CLERK. H.R. 2051, a bill to Provide For the Establishment

of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression Research and Development Centers. Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of

Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, Section 1, Centers. The National Science Foundation is

authorized to make grants for the establishment of——

Chairman SMITH. Without objection, the bill will be considered

read.

[H.R. 2051 follows:]

18

19

20

21

Chairman SMITH. And we have an amendment to the bill. And

the Manager’s Amendment incorporates Ms. Johnson’s legislation

that has the—that is, plant biotechnology legislation—but her provisions focus on the developing world—H.R. 2912, with my bill establishing plant genome expression centers, H.R. 2051. And I think

it is a good addition to this overall effort to accomplish some great

goals that we might, with the National Science Foundation, and in

gene expression. I would like to yield to Ms. Johnson for any comments she may have on the amendment.

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And I want

to express my appreciation for you adding this amendment and I

would urge the members of the Committee to support it.

[Amendment to H.R. 2051, offered by Mr. Smith of Michigan and

Ms. Johnson]

22

23

24

25

26

27

Chairman SMITH. For the record, the results in authorized appro- priations will be $9 million for fiscal year 2002; $13.5 million for

2003; and $13.5 million for fiscal year 2004. And our legal counsel,

Barry—Barry is not here. So we will turn—— Unidentified SPEAKER. He is out there.

Chairman SMITH. I think we can just turn to you for authority

to move on and report the bill if Barry is not here. Barry, he was

about to let us go on without objection. And we could hold the roll

open for the required 1⁄3 quorum. What is your—what is your—

without objection, we will sort of stand at ease—that is, just short

of recess.

And I would ask Sharon Hays to maybe give us an outline of

what is coming up next year in this Subcommittee, if you can give

us some of your thoughts. Of course, we are going to have the NSF

authorization bill. The prospects for this legislation probably will

be marked up in Full Committee when we return in February. Is

that your understanding, Sharon?

Ms. HAYS. That is. We haven’t set any time——

Chairman SMITH. Any other legislation that—any other Committee sessions that you think should be considered by this Committee for next year? Have we—do we have an outline? If we don’t,

maybe we would request an outline from you and the democrat

staff people to give us a proposed outline of what we might look

forward to, to schedule and plan for next year.

Ms. RIVERS. Two sets of staff, the Democratic staff and then the

Democrat staff. Can you just tell me the difference between them?

Chairman SMITH. Well, the Democrat staff would be more partisan than the Democratic staff, I think. So if we can put that request in, Sharon. I am not sure where we are. I—my understanding is, is we are going to have the NSF authorization bill that

we are going to be working on pretty diligently with several hearings next year. And so simply request that staff maybe review the

possibilities and present them to the Ranking Member and myself.

Ms. HAYS. Mr. Chairman, we will be having a staff meeting in

early January where we will be doing exactly that kind of planning

for the next year. So we will get back to you shortly thereafter.

Chairman SMITH. Would like to formally introduce, for the Committee and for the record, Dan Byers, who is our new designee on

the Science Committee staff. And Dan is—has—was an AAAS Representative in my office two years ago, and last year became my

Legislative Assistant for agricultural affairs. And so, Dan, welcome

aboard. And we will wait another five minutes and then, if there

is no objection, we will proceed with unanimous consent that we

move these bills to Full Committee.

[Recess.]

Chairman SMITH. [continuing]. Mikes on? Thank you. All in favor

of the amendment say, aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. And

with—it says quick gavel. Without—ask for other amendments.

Hearing no other amendments, the question is on passage of the

bill—and the H.R. 2051, as amended. All those in favor will say

aye. All those opposed, say no. Again, a quick gavel. The ayes have

it. I now recognize Ms. Johnson for a motion.

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you. Mr. Chairman. I move that the Subcommittee favorably report the bill, H.R. 2051, as amended, to the

Full Committee with the recommendation that it has been in order

28

for—that it be in order for the bill, as amended, by the Subcommittee to be considered as an original bill for the purpose of

amendment under the five-minute rule at Full Committee. Further,

I ask unanimous consent that the staff be instructed to make all

necessary technical and conforming changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance with the recommendations of the Subcommittee.

Chairman SMITH. The Committee has heard the motion. Those in

favor will say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it and the

motion is agreed to. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is

laid upon the table and the Chairman will note the presence of

many Members of this Committee in attendance.

[Whereupon, at 10:54 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]

XXI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP

PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE

MARKUP ON H.R. 2051, TO PROVIDE FOR

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONAL PLANT

GENOME AND GENE EXPRESSION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2002

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, Washington, DC.

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:40 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.

First of all, I would like to advise all members that there is a signup sheet before each individual place, reflecting the views and estimates, and we would like you to read the Committee’s views and

estimates, and hopefully, you will be inspired to sign the sheet indicating your approval. With that, let us get moving.

The Committee on Science will be in order. Pursuant to notice,

the Committee on Science is meeting today to consider the following measures. H.R. 2051, A Bill to Provide for the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression Research and

Development Centers. Thank you, Mr. Smith. H.R. 3389, the National Sea Grant Program Act Amendments of 2002, and H.R.

3929, the Energy Pipeline Research Development and Demonstration Act.

I ask unanimous consent for the authority to recess the Committee at any point, and without objection it is so ordered. Mr. Hall

will be making his way here to present his opening remarks. Let

me do mine.

The three bills we have before us this morning deal with very

different topics and come from three different subcommittees, but

they do have a few key aspects in common. First, all three are bipartisan consensus bills. Once again, the Committee’s majority and

minority staffs have worked in tandem to draft the bills that advance proposals from members on both sides of the aisle. This

29

Committee continues to set an example of working together that

others would do well to follow. Also, all three bills are designed to

promote research and development, especially, long-term research

and development that will help address critical societal problems.

H.R. 2051 was designed to help strengthen American agriculture

and alleviate malnutrition in the developing world. H.R. 3389 will

help protect the nation’s coastal areas and fisheries and combat

invasive species. And H.R. 3929 will help prevent pollution and

pipeline explosions. These bills are not funding research for the

sake of research whether they deal with abstruse matters of no

concern to the rest of Congress or to the rest of the country. The

research advances that will result from these measures will help

improve the daily lives of people here and around the world. Let

me say just a little bit more about each of these bills and then they

will be described more fully by their sponsors as we mark up each

one.

H.R. 2051, offered by Chairman Nick Smith and Ranking Minority Member Eddie Bernice Johnson, will create two new programs

on plant biotechnology at the National Science Foundation. The bill

offers a balanced approach to biotech authorizing research not only

to develop new genetic engineering techniques and products, but

also, to examine the ecological and social consequences of bio-engineered plants.

H.R. 3389, offered by Chairman Vernon Ehlers and Ranking Minority Member Jim Barcia, will reauthorize and reform the Sea

Grant Program, while keeping it within the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. We will have to negotiate

a final version of the bill with the Resources Committee before it

can come to the Floor, and we plan to push in a strong and unified

fashion for our version of this bill. However, we will, as Dr. Ehlers

has committed, find a way to address the concerns Mr. Underwood

has raised about the way the Sea Grant Program deals with the

Pacific Islands.

Finally, we will take up H.R. 3929, offered by Ranking Minority

Member Ralph Hall and Lamar Smith, which will ensure that all

the federal agencies with expertise in pipeline safety are engaged

in research in that important area. We will work with the Energy

and Commerce, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees

to move our bill as part of a comprehensive pipeline safety measure.

So we have much to accomplish today and we will do it in the

bipartisan fashion that has become the Committee’s hallmark.

With that, the Chair recognizes Mr. Hall.

Mr. HALL. Mr. Chairman, as usual, you have covered the waterfront pretty well. I just want to say that I support these three bills.

We will have an amendment for the third bill, but on H.R. 2051,

I want to congratulate Nick Smith and Ranking Democratic Member Eddie Bernice Johnson for their efforts on it. And of course, on

the Sea Grant Program, your bill, I certainly support that and look

forward to working with you, and you have recognized Chairman

Ehlers and Representative Barcia. And on my bill, I will have an

amendment of 3929 that we will discuss when we have a little

more time. With that, thank you for doing a good job, and I yield

back the balance of my time.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]

30

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE RALPH M. HALL

Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to support H.R. 2051, which authorizes programs at

the National Science Foundation on plant biotechnology research.

I want to congratulate Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith and Ranking Democratic Member Eddie Bernice Johnson for their efforts to develop this important bill. They worked together in a remarkable spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship.

The bill will further strengthen NSF’s ongoing research to advance knowledge in

the field of plant biotechnology. Moreover, it will support research collaborations between U.S. scientists and scientists from abroad to help bring the benefits of this

emerging technology to the developing world.

I would like to yield now to the co-author of the bill, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for a further explanation of the legislation.

Chairman BOEHLERT. Thank you very much. And let me tell you,

it is the Chair’s intent to move with dispatch. These bills have been

looked at with the respective committee staffs. They are very able

and very professional staffs, so we don’t envision a long markup

here. We have a hearing immediately after with some very distinguished guests, and I know a number of our colleagues have conflicting commitments. So without objection, all members’ opening

statements will be placed in the record at this point.

31

32

H.R. 2051

10:47 a.m.

Chairman BOEHLERT. We will now consider H.R. 2051, A Bill to

Provide for the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene

Expression Research and Development Centers. I now recognize for

five minutes the Chair of the Subcommittee on Research, the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Smith, to briefly explain the bill.

Mr. SMITH. Mr. Chairman, I will briefly explain the bill and ask

that my complete statement be entered into the record without objection.

Chairman BOEHLERT. So ordered.

Mr. SMITH. And I thank you, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Hall, for

bringing this bill before Congress. During the Subcommittee markup on this issue, we heard specific comments from the scientific

community on the legislation that is before us today on the potential not only to feed a hungry world, but to better protect the environment and, actually, to allow plants, food plants, to grow in

areas of the Third World where we haven’t been able to grow those

food products before and, also, the potential to increase the health

aspects of certain food products.

Plant Genome Research Program is becoming a new era for our

technology in the United States, not only for health of individuals,

but for the health of the environment. I think a better understanding of gene expression will eventually allow researchers to develop, really, a new array of new beneficial plant varieties that will

be limited only by the resourcefulness and the imagination of our

scientists. And some of these improvements may be just around the

corner as rapidly as we are moving ahead on this technology. H.R.

2051 is going to help make these promising achievements a reality

in the near future. It authorizes the establishment of plant genome

expression centers, centers for basic research that will take us to

the next phase of plant genomic research and accelerate the development of beneficial new plant varieties.

Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Hall, and Committee Members, colleagues, one aspect of this bill is to reduce our demand for energy

as we expand our efforts to increase the availability of bio fuels, as

we increase the fixation of nitrogen in our soil. We now have legumes that can fix nitrogen. We use about six percent of the natural

gas to accommodate the production of nitrogen fertilizer in this

country. We are on the—we are almost at the point where we now

can reduce our need for that product. And with that, I yield back,

Mr. Chairman.

[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith follows:]

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE NICK SMITH

I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, for bringing before the Committee today my

bill, H.R. 2051, strengthening plant biotechnology research efforts at the National

Science Foundation. The use of biotechnology to produce new varieties of plants—

for food, medicine, or other uses—has been of great interest to the Research Subcommittee that I chair with Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson. Over the past

three years, our Subcommittee held numerous hearings aimed at understanding this

rapidly expanding area of science. We received testimony and information from scientists and other interested parties from around the world, on all sides of the issue,

and heard about the incredible potential of plant biotechnology to feed a hungry

world, protect our environment, reduce energy demand, and advance other critical

needs.

33

At our most recent hearing on this issue last September, we heard specific comments from the scientific community on the legislation before us today. Witnesses

shared their thoughts on how this proposed legislation could advance basic plant

science research and fill funding gaps in the current genomics research portfolio. We

also learned of the successful efforts of the NSF Plant Genome Research Program

to completely sequence all 25,000 genes of Arabidopsis, a small mustard plant. This

sequencing is a tremendous resource to all areas of plant biology research, but will

require continued efforts to identify and understand how these 25,000 genes are expressed. A better understanding of gene expression will eventually allow researchers

to develop an array of new beneficial plant varieties that will be limited only by the

resourcefulness and imagination of our scientists. Some of these improvements may

be just around the corner, including: new drought tolerant and salt tolerant crop

plants, plants that can resist insect, fungal, and viral infections; plants with improved nutritional content; and plants that can reduce our reliance on fertilizers and

pesticides. Other new varieties may also serve as alternative energy sources, and

provide inexpensive industrial precursors, or supply needed ‘‘edible vaccines.’’

My bill, H.R. 2051, will help us to make these promising advancements a reality.

It authorizes the establishment of Plant Genome Expression Centers—centers for

basic research that will take us to the next phase in plant genomics research and

accelerate the development of beneficial new plant varieties. The centers will take

advantage of the National Science Foundation’s merit-based, competitive process,

and will bring together some of the best researchers in the field to participate and

work together.

H.R. 2051 also authorizes a program creating Plant Biotechnology Partnerships

for the Developing World. This program is based on the provisions of H.R. 2912, introduced by Ms. Johnson. The plant biotechnology partnerships will provide the fundamental research needed to build on the current plant biotechnology knowledge

base to address specific agricultural problems in the developing world. The Partnerships program will also provide researchers in developing countries with much needed technical assistance to better understand and implement plant biotechnology.

The benefits of biotechnology are great, and the scientific evidence confirming the

safety of plant biotech products developed within our strong regulatory framework

continues to mount. I believe that this Committee can play a critical role in the development of the technology by continuing to insist that the debate surrounding it

remain firmly grounded in science, and I thank the Chairman for his efforts in this

area. I urge members to support this legislation strengthening our research efforts

to foster new innovations in plant biotechnology. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman BOEHLERT. Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. Ms.

Johnson.

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me express my appreciation for you bringing this important legislation

before the Committee today, and I would like to ask unanimous

consent to place my entire statement in the record.

Chairman BOEHLERT. Without objection, so ordered.

Ms. JOHNSON. Last week, the World Health Organization and the

United Nations Children’s Fund released a very troubling report on

health conditions in the developing world. According to the report,

8 million babies, more than half, in the first month of life die each

year. Malnutrition is responsible for 60 percent of these deaths. So

in other words, every minute nine babies perish due to hunger.

Within the next 25 years, the world’s population is projected to

grow by 2 billion people, to 8.2 billion. To meet this challenge, developing countries need to dramatically improve their food security,

and this is what the original bill of 2912 intended, and I am delighted that Mr. Smith and I worked together, and it is incorporated into 2051.

And if there are no other questions, Mr. Chairman, I am ready

to make a motion.

[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]

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PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for bringing this important legislation before

the Committee today.

The bill before us, as reported by the Research Subcommittee, was developed in

a cooperative manner between Chairman Smith and myself. I want to thank Mr.

Smith for working with me in a bipartisan manner to incorporate H.R. 2912, the

plant biotechnology bill I introduced, into H.R. 2051, his plant genome centers bill.

Subcommittee Chairman Smith and I share a strong interest in seeing the promise of plant biotechnology realized in both the U.S. and the developing world, and

I believe this legislation will make a valuable contribution to achieving that goal.

Last week, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s

Fund released a very troubling report on health conditions in the developing world.

According to the report, eight million babies, more than half in the first month of

life, die each year. Malnutrition is responsible for 60 percent of these deaths. In

other words, every minute, 9 babies perish due to hunger. If you consider other age

groups, the statistics are even worse. Within the next 25 years, the world’s population is projected to grow by 2 billion to 8.2 billion people. To meet this challenge,

developing countries need to dramatically increase food production in the regions

where it is most needed in addition to improving food distribution networks. If this

is not done, persistent hunger will become more prevalent and malnutrition will

claim even more victims than it does today.

Bilateral and multilateral assistance institutions are working with developing

countries to improve agricultural practices throughout the world. In addition to better management techniques, soil conservation, better seeds and fertilizer, biotechnology has a very important role to play in increasing crop yields and thus reducing the epidemic of malnutrition now facing too many regions of the world. The

beauty of biotechnology is that the entire technology can be transferred in a single

seed.

Because I believe that plant biotechnology has the potential to help the developing

world increase food security and move towards self-sufficiency, I introduced H.R.

2912. This bill authorizes NSF to establish a grant program for partnerships between U.S. research organizations and those in developing countries for research on

plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world. Federal funding for crops that can be grown in the developing world is essential because

private companies have little financial incentive to invest in so-called ‘‘orphan’’

crops. The partnership aspect of this legislation is particularly important because

in addition to creating new crop varieties to combat hunger and malnutrition, it

helps develop the scientific capacity of developing countries. Many of these countries

already have established agricultural research institutions and will be able to make

valuable contributions to plant research along with U.S. scientists.

At the hearing on plant biotechnology held by this Subcommittee back in September, several witnesses gave examples on how plant biotechnology is already having a positive impact in the developing world. Insect resistant potatoes are reducing

crop losses from Potato Tuber Moth infestations in Egypt; in Kenya, virus resistant

sweet potatoes have decreased crop losses by 25 percent; and in India, where 18 percent of the children suffer from some level of vitamin A deficiency, which can lead

to blindness, the development of ‘‘golden mustard,’’ which is high in vitamin A, has

the potential to reduce suffering. Investment in basic research on plant biotechnology targeted to the agricultural needs of the developing world will lead to

a better understanding of many types of crops and strengthen the capacity to develop and produce new and enhanced cultivars.

NSF has already made important contributions to advance the knowledge base for

plant biotechnology. I see this compromise bill as a way to build on that base and

to use plant biotechnology to address agricultural issues and problems worldwide.

Mr. Chairman, I thank you and Ranking Democratic Member Mr. Hall, my colleague from Texas, for bringing this bipartisan bill before the Committee.

I commend the legislation to my colleagues and ask for their support.

Chairman BOEHLERT. Let me first ask unanimous consent that

the bill as amended by the Subcommittee on Research and Development on December 12, 2001 be considered as original text for the

purpose of amendment and the bill be considered as read and open

to amendment at any point. Without objection, so ordered.

[H.R. 2051 follows:]

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Chairman BOEHLERT. Are there any amendments? Hearing none,

the question is on the bill, H.R. 2051, A Bill to Provide for the Establishment of Regional Plant Genome and Gene Expression Research and Development Centers. All those in favor will say aye.

All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. I now recognize Ms. Johnson for a motion.

Ms. JOHNSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Committee favorably report H.R. 2051 as amended to the House with

the recommendation that the bill as amended do pass. Furthermore, I move that the 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 now the motion to report

the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes appear to have it and the bill is favorably reported. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid

upon the table. I move that the members have two subsequent calendar days in which to submit supplemental minority or additional

views on the measure. Without objection, so ordered. 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 go to conference with

the Senate on H.R. 2051 or a similar Senate bill. Without objection,

so ordered.

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