TheWeekInCongress_HR3598

TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 9, 2004

HR3598 Manufacturing technology Competitiveness Act of 2003

BRIEF

Although manufacturing in the US is on the decline, manufacturing of advanced technology products remains fairly stable, but industry experts believe it needs some help.

The National Institute of Science and Technology is involved in that market through two research and development facilities (Rockville, MD and Boulder, CO) where Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP), research and development and technology transfers combine to aid the industry. The MEPs are funded equally by Federal and State tax dollars and private industry money. The MEPs generally attempt to streamline manufacturing processes and improve productivity.

The bill would direct the President to establish an Interagency Committee to plan and coordinate Federal efforts in Manufacturing R&D and to create a private sector Advisory Committee to provide advice and information to the Committee.

The bill would also establish a pilot program with grants to partnering between businesses, educational institutions, State agencies and non-profits to develop multidisciplinary manufacturing technologies. Manufacturing research fellowships for postdoctoral levels would be created as well as competitive grants to higher education institutions to develop curricula teaching standards in engineering, business, science and economics.

MEPs would be audited and deficient centers would either improve, get a new operator or close.

Sponsor: Rep Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI-3^rd)

Vote: The House motion to recommit the bill to committee failed 171 to 193 (RC358). The bill then passed by voice vote. (July 9, 2004)

Cost to the taxpayers: $359 million for 2005 and $2.5 billion through 2009.

MORE INFORMATION

AMENDMENT ACTIVITY

1. H.AMDT.663 sought to prohibit funds in the bill from being used for a re-competition process for Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers.
Sponsor: Rep Sheila Jackson-Lee, [D-TX-18] Failed by recorded vote: 166 - 197 (Roll no. 356).

2. H.AMDT.664 sought to provide for the establishment in the Department of Commerce of a Manufacturing and Technology Administration.
Sponsor: Rep John B.Larson, . [D-CT-1] Failed by recorded vote: 170 - 189 (Roll no. 357).

3. H.AMDT.665 clarifies requirements to ensure that Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers submit audited, annual budgets and provide financial disclosure documents consistent with OMB requirements, and that the documents be made available to the public upon request..
Sponsor: Rep John E. Peterson, [R-PA-5] Agreed to by voice vote.

4. H.AMDT.666 sought to increase funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program by 10 percent a year, starting in fiscal year 2005, continuing through fiscal year 2008.
Sponsor: Rep Bart Gordon, [D-TN-6] Failed by recorded vote: 170 - 192 (Roll no. 355).