National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1998
PL 105-207 (H.R.1273), enacted 07/29/1998

PUBLIC LAW 105-207—JULY 29, 1998 
112 STAT. 869 
Public Law 105-207 
105th Congress 
An Act 
To authorize appropriations for fiscal years 1998 and 1999 for the National Science 
Foundation, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the "National Science Foundation 
Authorization Act of 1998". 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) DIRECTOR.—^The term "Director" means the Director 
of the National Science Foundation established under section 
2 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 
1861). 
(2) FOUNDATION.—^The term "Foundation" means 
the 
National Science Foundation established under section 2 of 
the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). 
(3) BOARD.—^The term "Board" means the National Science 
Board established under section 2 of the National Science 
Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1861). 
(4) UNITED STATES.—^The term "United States" means the 
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth 
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any 
other territory or possession of the United States. 
(5) NATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITY.—^The term "national 
research facility" means a research facility funded by the 
Foundation which is available, subject to appropriate policies 
allocating access, for use by all scientists and engineers affili-
ated with research institutions located in the United States. 
TITLE I—NATIONAL SCIENCE 
FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION 
July 29, 1998 
[H.R. 1273] 
National Science 
Foundation 
Authorization 
Act of 1998. 
42 u s e 1861 
note. 
42 u s e 1862k 
note. 
SEC. 101. FINDINGS; CORE STRATEGIES. 
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the following: 
(1) The United States depends upon its scientific and 
technological capabilities to preserve the military and economic 
security of the United States. 
(2) America's leadership in the global marketplace is 
dependent upon a strong commitment to education, basic 
research, and development. 
42 u s e 1862k. 
112 STAT. 870 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-^ULY 29, 1998 
(3) A nation that is not technologically literate cannot 
compete in the emerging global economy. 
(4) A coordinated commitment to mathematics and science 
instruction at all levels of education is a necessary component 
of successful efforts to produce technologically literate citizens. 
(5) Professional development is a necessary component of 
efforts to produce system-wide improvements in mathematics, 
engineering, and science education in secondary, elementary, 
and postsecondary settings. 
(6)(A) The mission of the National Science Foundation is 
to provide Federal support for basic scientific and engineering 
research, and to be a primary contributor to mathematics, 
science, and engineering education at academic institutions 
in the United States. 
(B) In accordance with such mission, the long-term goals 
of the National Science Foundation include providing leadership 
to— 
(i) enable the United States to maintain a position 
of world leadership in all aspects of science, mathematics, 
engineering, and technology; 
(ii) promote the discovery, integration, dissemination, 
and application of new knowledge in service to society; 
and 
(iii) achieve excellence in United States science, mathe-
matics, engineering, and technology education at all levels, 
(b) CORE STRATEGIES.—In carrying out activities designed to 
achieve the goals described in subsection (a), the Foundation shall 
use the following core strategies: 
(1) Develop intellectual capital, both people and ideas, with 
P
articular emphasis on groups and regions that traditionally 
ave not participated fully in science, mathematics, and 
engineering. 
(2) Strengthen the scientific infrastructure by investing 
in facilities planning and modernization, instrument acquisi-
tion, instrument design and development, and shared-use 
research platforms. 
(3) Integrate research and education through activities that 
emphasize and strengthen the natural connections between 
learning and inquiry. 
(4) Promote partnerships with industry, elementary and 
secondary schools, community colleges, colleges and univer-
sities, other agencies, State and local governments, and other 
institutions involved in science, mathematics, and engineering 
to enhance the delivery of math and science education and 
improve the technological literacy of the citizens of the United 
States. 
SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) FISCAL YEAR 1998.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Foundation $3,505,630,000 for fiscal year 1998. 
(2) SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS.—Of the amount authorized 
under paragraph (1)— 
(A) $2,576,200,000 shall be made available to carry 
out Research and Related Activities, of which— 
(i) $370,820,000 shall be made available for 
Biological Sciences; 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207—JULY 29, 1998 
112 STAT. 871 
(ii) $289,170,000 shall be made available for 
Computer and Information Science and Engineering; 
(iii) $360,470,000 shall be made available for 
Engineering; 
(iv) $455,110,000 shall be made available for 
Geosciences* 
(v) $715,710,000 shall be made available for 
Mathematical and Physical Sciences; 
(vi) $130,660,000 shall be made available for 
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, of which 
up to $1,000,000 may be made available for the United 
States-Mexico Foundation for Science; 
(vii) $165,930,000 shall be made available for 
United States Polar Research Programs; 
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available for 
United States Antarctic Logistical Support Activities; 
(ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available for the 
Critical Technologies Institute; and 
(x) $23,000,000 shall be made available for the 
Next Generation Internet program; 
(B) $632,500,000 shall be made available to carry out 
Education and Human Resources Activities; 
(C) $155,130,000 shall be made available for Major 
Research Equipment; 
(D) $136,950,000 shall be made available for Salaries 
and Expenses; and 
(E) $4,850,000 shall be made available for the Office 
of Inspector General. 
(b) FISCAL YEAR 1999.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Foundation $3,773,000,000 for fiscal year 1999. 
(2) SPECIFIC ALLOCATIONS.—Of the amount authorized 
under paragraph (1)— 
(A) $2,846,800,000 shall be made available to carry 
out Research and Related Activities, of which— 
(i) $417,820,000 shall be made available for 
Biological Sciences; 
(ii) $331,140,000 shall be made available for 
Computer and Information Science and Engineering, 
including $25,000,000 for the Next Generation Internet 
program; 
(iii) $400,550,000 shall be made available for 
Engineering; 
(iv) $507,310,000 shall be made available for 
Geosciences* 
(v) $792,030,000 shall be made available for 
Mathematical and Physical Sciences; 
(vi) $150,260,000 shall be made available for 
Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, of which 
up to $2,000,000 may be made available for the United 
States-Mexico Foundation for Science; 
(vii) $182,360,000 shall be made available for 
United States Polar Research Programs; 
(viii) $62,600,000 shall be made available for 
United States Antarctic Logistical Support Activities; 
(ix) $2,730,000 shall be made available for the 
Critical Technologies Institute; and 
59-194 O - 98 - 29 : QL 3 Part 1 
112 STAT. 872 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-JULY 29, 1998 
(B) $683,000,000 shall be made available to carry out 
Education and Human Resources Activities; 
(C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for Major 
Research Equipment; 
(D) $144,000,000 shall be made available for Salaries 
and Expenses; and 
(E) $5,200,000 shall be made available for the Office 
of Inspector General. 
(c) FISCAL YEAR 2000.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^There are authorized to be appropriated 
to the Foundation $3,886,190,000 for fiscal year 2000. 
(2) SPECIFIC AI.LOCATIONS.—Of the amount authorized 
under paragraph (1)— 
(A) $2,935,024,000 shall be made available to carry 
out Research and Related Activities, of which up to— 
(i) $2,000,000 may be made available for the 
United States-Mexico Foundation for Science; and 
(ii) $25,000,000 may be made available for the 
Next Generation Internet program; 
(B) $703,490,000 shall be made available to carry out 
Education and Human Resources Activities; 
(C) $94,000,000 shall be made available for Major 
Research Equipment; 
(D) $148,320,000 shall be made available for Salaries 
and Expenses; and 
(E) $5,356,000 shall be made available for the Office 
of Inspector General. 
SEC. 103. PROPORTIONAL REDUCTION OF RESEARCH AND RELATED 
ACTIVITIES AMOUNTS. 
If the amount appropriated pursuant to section 102(a)(2)(A) 
or (b)(2)(A) is less than the amount authorized under that para-
graph, the amount available for each scientific directorate under 
that paragraph shall be reduced by the same proportion. 
SEC. 104. CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION EXPENSES. 
From appropriations made under authorizations provided in 
this Act, not more than $10,000 may be used in each fiscal year 
for official consultation, representation, or other extraordinary 
expenses. The Director shall have the discretion to determine the 
expenses (as described in this section) for which the funds described 
in this section shall be used. Such a determination by the Director 
shall be final and binding on the accounting officers of the Federal 
Government. 
SEC. 
105. UNITED STATES MAN AND THE BIOSPHERE PROGRAM 
LIMITATION. 
No funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be used for 
the United States Man and the Biosphere Program, or related 
projects. 
TITLE II—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
42 u s e 1862/. 
SEC. 201. NATIONAL RESEARCH FACILITIES. 
(a) FACILITIES PLAN.— 
Deadline. 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 1, of each year, 
the Director shall, as part of the annual budget request, prepare 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207^JULY 29, 1998 
112 STAT. 873 
and submit to Congress a plan for the proposed construction 
of, and repair and upgrades to, national research facilities. 
(2) CONTENTS OF THE PLAN.—^The plan shall include— 
(A) estimates of the costs for the construction, repairs, 
j ' . 
and upgrades described in paragraph (1); 
(B) estimates of the costs for the operation and mainte-
nance of existing and proposed new facilities; and 
(C) in the case of proposed new construction and for 
major upgrades to existing facilities, funding profiles, by 
fiscal year, and milestones for major phases of the construc-
tion. 
(3) SPECIAL RULE.—^The plan shall include cost estimates 
in the categories of construction, repair, and upgrades— 
(A) for the year in which the plan is submitted to 
Congress; and 
(B) for not fewer than the succeeding 4 years. 
(b) STATUS OF FACILITIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION.—^The plan 
required under subsection (a) shall include a status report for 
each uncompleted construction project included in current and pre-
vious plans. The status report shall include data on cumulative 
construction costs by project compared with estimated costs, and 
shall compare the current and original schedules for achievement 
of milestones for the major phases of the construction. 
SEC. 202. ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS. 
(a) 
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION ACT OF 1950 
AMEND-
MENTS.—The National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 
1861 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) in section 4(g) (42 U.S.C. 1863(g))— 
(A) by striking "the appropriate rate provided for 
individuals in grade GS-18 of the General Schedule under 
section 5332" and inserting "the maximum rate payable 
under section 5376"; and 
(B) by redesignating the second subsection (k) as 
subsection (1); 
(2) in section 5(e) (42 U.S.C. 1864(e)) by striking paragraph 
(2), and inserting the following: 
"(2) Any delegation of authority or imposition of conditions 
under paragraph (1) shall be promptly published in the Federal 
Register and reported to the Committee on Labor and Human 
Resources, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor-
tation, of the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House 
of Representatives."; 
(3) in section 14(c) (42 U.S.C. 1873(c))— 
(A) by striking "shall receive" and inserting "shall be 
entitled to receive"; 
(B) by striking "the rate specified for the daily rate 
for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section 5332" 
and inserting "the maximum rate payable under section 
5376"; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following: "For the pur-
* 
poses of determining the pajonent of compensation under 
this subsection, the time spent in travel by any member 
of the Board or any member of a special commission shall 
Reports. 
Federal Register, 
publication. 
Reports. 
112 STAT. 874 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-JULY 29, 1998 
be deemed as time engaged in the business of the Founda-
tion. Members of the Board and members of special commis-
sions may waive compensation and reimbursement for 
traveling expenses."; and 
(4) in section 15(a) (42 U.S.C. 1874(a)), by striking "Atomic 
Energy Commission" and inserting "Secretary of E n e r ^ . 
(b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION ACT, 
1976 
AMENDMENTS.—Section 6(a) of the National Science Foundation 
Authorization Act, 1976 (42 U.S.C. 1881a(a)) is amended by striking 
"social," the first place it appears. 
(c) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 
1988 AMENDMENTS.—Section 117(a) of the National Science Founda-
tion Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1881b(a)) is amended— 
(1) by striking paragraph (l)(B)(v) and inserting the 
following: 
"(v) from schools established outside the several States 
and the District of Columbia by any agency of the Federal 
Government for dependents of the employees of such agency."; 
and 
(2) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking "Science and Engineer-
ing 
Education" 
and 
inserting 
"Education 
and 
Human 
Resources". 
(d) 
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ACT 
AMENDMENTS.—The Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities 
Act (42 U.S.C. 1885 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) in section 34 (42 U.S.C. 1885b)— 
(A) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
following: 
^'Participation in Science and Engineering of Minorities and 
Persons with Disabilities**; 
and 
(B) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the 
following: 
"(b) The Foundation is authorized to undertake or support 
programs and activities to encourage the participation of persons 
with disabilities in the science and engineering professions."; and 
(2) in section 36 (42 U.S.C. 1885c)— 
(A) in subsection (a), by striking "minorities," and all 
that follows through "in scientific" and inserting "minori-
ties, and persons with disabilities in scientific"; 
(B) in subsection (b)— 
(i) by striking "with the concurrence of the 
National Science Board"; and 
(ii) by striking the second sentence and inserting 
the following: "In addition, the Chairman of the 
National Science Board may designate a member of 
the Board as a member of the Committee."; 
(C) by striking subsections (c) and (d); 
(D) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: 
"(c) The Committee shall be responsible for reviewing and 
evaluating all Foundation matters relating to opportunities for the 
participation in, and the advancement of, women, minorities, and 
persons with disabilities in education, training, and science and 
engineering research programs."; 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-JULY 29, 1998 
112 STAT. 875 
(E) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) 
as 
subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and 
(F) in subsection (d), as so redesignated by sub-
paragraph (E), by striking "additional". 
(e) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—^The second subsection (g) of 
section 3 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 is repealed. 
42 USC 1862. 
SEC. 203. INDIRECT COSTS. 
42 USC 1862k 
(a) MATCHING FUNDS.—Matching funds required pursuant to 
section 204(a)(2)(C) of the Academic Research Facilities Moderniza-
tion Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862c(aX2)(C)) shall not be considered 
facilities costs for purposes of determining indirect cost rates under 
Office of Management and Budget Circular A-21. 
(b) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Director of the Office of Science 
and Technology Policy, in consultation with other Federal 
agencies the Director deems appropriate, shall prepare a 
report— 
(A) analyzing the Federal indirect cost reimbursement 
rates (as the term is defined in Office of Management 
and Budget Circular A-21) paid to universities in compari-
son with Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates paid 
to other entities, such as industry, government laboratories, 
research hospitals, and nonprofit institutions; 
(B)(i) analyzing the distribution of the Federal indirect 
cost reimbursement rates by category (such as administra-
tion, facilities, utilities, and libraries), and by the type 
of entity; and 
(ii) determining what factors, including the t3rpe of 
research, influence the distribution; 
(C) analyzing the impact, if any, that changes in Office 
of Management and Budget Circular A-21 have had on— 
(i) the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, 
the rate of change of the Federal indirect cost 
reimbursement rates, the distribution by category of 
the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, and 
the distribution by tjrpe of entity of the Federal indirect 
cost reimbursement rates; and 
(ii) the Federal indirect cost reimbursement (as 
calculated in accordance with Office of Management 
and Budget Circular A-21), the rate of change of the 
Federal indirect cost reimbursement, the distribution 
by category of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement, 
and the distribution by type of entity of the Federal 
indirect cost reimbursement; 
(D) analyzing the impact, if any, of Federal and State 
law on the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates; 
(EXi) analyzing options to reduce or control the rate 
of growth of the Federal indirect cost reimbursement rates, 
including options such as benchmarking of facilities and 
equipment cost, elimination of cost studies, mandated 
percentage 
reductions 
in 
the 
Federal 
indirect 
cost 
reimbursement; and 
(ii) assessing the benefits and burdens of the options 
to the Federal Government, research institutions, and 
researchers; and 
(F) analyzing options for creating a database— 
112 STAT. 876 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-^JULY 29, 1998 
Deadline. 
42 use 1862m 
note. 
42 use 1862k 
note. 
Deadline. 
42 use 1862k 
note. 
Deadline. 
President. 
(i) for tracking the Federal indirect cost reimburse-
ment rates and the Federal indirect cost reimburse-
ment; and 
(ii) for analyzing the impact that changes in 
policies with respect to Federal indirect cost reimburse-
ment will have on the Federal Grovemment, research-
ers, and research institutions. 
(2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—^The report prepared under para-
graph (1) shall be submitted to Congress not later than 1 
year sifter the date of enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 204. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. 
Persons temporarily employed by or at the Foundation shall 
be subject to the same financial disclosure requirements and related 
sanctions under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 
App.) as are permanent employees of the Foundation in equivalent 
positions. 
SEC. 205. NOTICE. 
(a) NOTICE OF REPROGRAMMING.—If any funds appropriated 
pursuant to the amendments made by this Act are subject to 
a reprogramming action that requires notice to be provided to 
the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House 
of Representatives, notice of that action shall concurrently be pro-
vided to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate, the Committee on Labor and Human Resources 
of the Senate, and the Committee on Science of the House of 
Representatives. 
(b) NOTICE OF REORGANIZATION.—^Not later than 15 days before 
any major reorganization of any program, project, or activity of 
the National Science Foundation, the Director of the National 
Science Foundation shall provide notice to the Committees on 
Science and Appropriations of the House of Representatives and 
the Committees on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Labor 
and Human Resources of the Senate, and Appropriations of the 
Senate. 
SEC. 206. ENHANCEMENT OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS PROGRAMS. 
(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) 
EDUCATIONALLY 
USEFUL FEDERAL EQUIPMENT.—^The 
term "educationally useful Federal equipment" means comput-
ers and related peripheral tools and research equipment that 
is appropriate for use in schools. 
(2) SCHOOL.—^The term "school" means a public or private 
educational institution that serves any of the grades of kinder-
garten through grade 12. 
(b) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of the Congress that the 
Director should, to the greatest extent practicable and in a 
manner consistent with applicable Federal law (including 
Executive Order No. 12999), donate educationally useful Fed-
eral equipment to schools in order to enhance the science and 
mathematics programs of those schools. 
(2) REPORTS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Direc-
tor shall prepare and submit to the President a report 
that meets the requirements of this paragraph. The 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207~nJULY 29, 1998 
112 STAT. 877 
President shall submit that report to Congress at the same 
time as the President submits a budget request to Congress 
under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code. 
(B) CONTENTS OF REPORT.—^The report prepared by 
the Director under this paragraph shall describe any dona-
tions of educationally useful Federal equipment to schools 
made during the period covered by the report. 
SEC. 207. REPORT ON RESERVIST EDUCATION ISSUES. 
(a) CONVENING APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATIVES.—The Director 
of the National Science Foundation, with the assistance of the 
Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall convene appropriate 
officials of the Federal CJovernment and appropriate representatives 
of the postsecondary education community and of members of 
reserve components of the Armed Forces for the purpose of discuss-
ing and seeking a consensus on the appropriate resolution to prob-
lems relating to the academic standing and financial responsibilities 
of postsecondary students called or ordered to active duty in the 
Armed Forces. 
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 90 days after the Deadline, 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National 
Science Foundation shall transmit to the Congress a report 
summarizing the results of the convening individuals under 
subsection (a), including any consensus recommendations resulting 
therefrom as well as any significant opinions expressed by each 
participant that are not incorporated in such a 
consensus 
recommendation. 
SEC. 208. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POUCY INSTITUTE. 
(a) 
AMENDMENT.—Section 
822 of the 
National 
Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (42 U.S.C. 6686) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking "Critical Technologies Institute" in the 
section heading and "Critical Technologies Institute" in sub-
section (a), and inserting "Science and Technology Policy 
Institute" and "Science and Technology Policy Institute", 
respectively; 
(2) in subsection (b) by striking "As determined by the 
chairman of the committee referred to in subsection (c), the" 
and inserting "The"; 
(3) by striking subsection (c), and redesignating subsections 
(d), (e), (f), £ind (g) as subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f), respec-
tively; 
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated by paragraph (3) 
of this subsection— 
(A) by inserting "science and" after "developments and 
trends in" in paragraph (1); 
(B) by striking "with particular emphasis on" in 
paragraph (1) and inserting "including"; 
(C) by inserting "and developing and maintaining 
relevant informational and analytical tools" before the 
period at the end of paragraph (1); 
(D) by striking "to determine" and all that follows 
through "technology policies" in paragraph (2) and inserting 
"with particular attention to the scope and content of the 
Federal science and technology research and development 
portfolio as it affects interagency and national issues"; 
(E) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: 
112 STAT. 878 
PUBLIC LAW 105-207-JULY 29, 1998 
"(3) Initiation of studies and analysis of alternatives avail-
able for ensuring the long-term strength of the United States 
in the development and application of science and technology, 
including appropriate roles for the Federal Grovemment, State 
governments, private industry, and institutions of higher 
education in the development and application of science and 
technology."; 
(F) by inserting "science and" after "Executive branch 
on" in paragraph (4)(A); and 
(G) by amending paragraph (4)(B) to read as follows: 
"(B) to the interagency committees and panels of the 
Federal Grovemment concerned with science and tech-
nology."; 
(5) by striking "subsection (d)" in subsection (d), as redesig-
nated by paragraph (3) of this subsection, and inserting "sub-
section (c)"; 
(6) by striking "Committee" in each place it appears in 
subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph (3) of this sub-
section, and inserting "Institute"; 
(7) by striking "subsection (d)" in subsection (f), as redesig-
nated by paragraph (3) of this subsection, and inserting "sub-
section (c)"; and 
(8) by striking "Chairman of Committee" each place it 
appears in subsection (f), as redesignated by paragraph (3) 
of this subsection, and inserting "Director of Office of Science 
and Technology Policy". 
42 use 6686 
(b) CONFORMING USAGE.—All references in Federal law or regu-
™te. 
lations to the Critical Technologies Institute shall be considered 
to be references to the Science and Technology Policy Institute. 
SEC. 209. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS ON THE YEAR 2000 PROBLEM. 
With the year 2000 fast approaching, it is the sense of the 
Congress that the Foundation should— 
(1) give high priority to correcting all 2-digit date-related 
problems in its computer systems to ensure that those systems 
continue to operate effectively in the year 2000 and beyond; 
(2) assess immediately the extent of the risk to the oper-
ations of the Foundation posed by the problems referred to 
in paragraph (1), and plan and budget for achieving Year 
2000 compliance for all of its mission-critical systems; and 
(3) develop contingency plans for those systems that the 
Foundation is unable to correct in time. 
Approved July 29, 1998. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 1273 (S. 1046): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 105-63 (Comm. on Science). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 105-110 accompanying S. 1046 (Comm. on Labor and 
Human Resources). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 143 (1997): Apr. 24, considered and passed House. 
Vol. 144 (1998): May 12, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
July 14, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 34 (1998): 
Jrdy 29, Presidential statement.