A portion of that work only, and it may be a small portion, is either patentable or protected under copyright laws. The rest of it is going to be freely available. It may be that this legislation is going to cause considerable problem with that massive collection of research data. I hope that that is not the case, but I do not think anyone can tell you at this point whether it or is not. Progress in science requires full and open availability of scientific data.
New knowledge is built on previous findings and unfettered access and use of factual information.
This bill will impede research by restricting the ability of scientists to draw on data, facts and even mathematical formulas from previous scientific work for the production of new and innovative work. It is for this reason, Madam Speaker, that I ask that the bill be defeated on suspension, and, hopefully, brought back after further study. H.R. 2652 addresses one aspect of the complex subject of adjusting intellectual property protection laws to meet the demands of the digital age. Unfortunately it is a flawed and controversial attempt, which should not have come to the Floor on the Suspension Calendar. Progress in science requires full and open availability of scientific data.