National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988

Summary

National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1987 - Title I: National Science Foundation Authorization - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 through 1992 to the National Science Foundation (NSF). Sets forth the following categories for which FY 1988 funds are to be available: (1) biological, behavioral, and social sciences; (2) computer and information science and engineering; (3) engineering; (4) geosciences; (5) mathematical and physical sciences; (6) scientific, technological, and international affairs; (7) program development and management; (8) science and engineering education (with specified amounts reserved for precollege programs and for college science instrumentation); and (9) the U.S. Antarctic program. Requires that a certain amount from other specified categories be transferred to science and engineering education. Requires that, of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for FY 1989 through 1992, there be a specified percentage increase in the amounts available for science and engineering education. Limits the amounts which may be used for consultation, representation, or other extraordinary expenses. Permits transfers of funds among categories so long as transfers do not exceed ten percent of authorized amounts. Permits transfers in excess of ten percent if specified congressional committees are given 30 days' notice in writing. Amends the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 to allow portions of National Science Board meetings to be closed to the public when the Board considers possible NSF budgets for a particular fiscal year, if the President's budget for that fiscal year has not yet been submitted to the Congress. Revises provisions relating to the Executive Committee of the Board of NSF. Repeals provisions which required certain oaths and statements before acceptance of NSF scholarships or fellowships and which made members of Communist organizations ineligible for such scholarships or fellowships. Amends the National Science Foundation Authorization and Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act to revise provisions for membership on the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering. Requires such Committee to report biennially rather than annually. Title II: University Research Facilities Revitalization - University Research Facilities Revitalization Act of 1987 - Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish and carry out a new university research laboratory modernization program, making awards to institutions of higher education and independent nonprofit research institutes for the repair, renovation, or replacement of such institutions' obsolete laboratories and research facilities. Provides that such awards shall cover 50 percent of the cost of such projects. Sets forth the following criteria for such awards: (1) the quality of the research and training to be carried out in the facility or facilities involved; (2) the congruence of the institution's research activities with the Nation's future research needs and the NSF research mission; (3) the contribution which the project will make toward meeting national, regional, State, and institutional research and related training needs; and (4) an analysis of the age and condition of existing research facilities and equipment. Requires the NSF Director, in prescribing regulations and conducting the program authorized by this title, to consult with other Federal agencies concerned with research. Requires the NSF Director to conduct comprehensive planning activities necessary to implement the program authorized by this title. Requires the NSF Director to conduct a comprehensive study to define the appropriate roles and responsibilities for support of research facilities of the Federal Government, institutions of higher education, State and local governments, and appropriate nonprofit organizations. Requires the NSF Director to report on such study to specified congressional committees by March 1, 1988. Authorizes the NSF Director, from specified NSF funds for FY 1988, to make available a specified amount to carry out such study and planning activities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1989 through 1992 to NSF for carrying out the new university research laboratory modernization program. Requires that at least 15 percent of such funds for such program in any fiscal year be available only for awards to institutions of higher education that received less than $10,000,000 in total Federal obligations for research and development (including obligations for such program) in each of the two preceding years. Requires that, from such reserved amounts, at least ten percent be reserved for institutions of higher education serving a substantial number of minority and disadvantaged undergraduate and graduate students.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 7 August 1987

   Calendars

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 299.

   Source: Calendars

2. 7 August 1987

   Reported

   Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Helms. With written report No. 100-148.

   Source: Committee

3. 7 August 1987

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 7 August 1987

   Reported

   Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Helms. With written report No. 100-148.

   Source: Committee

5. 4 March 1988

   Introduced

   Referred to the Committee on Commerce pursuant to the order of March 3, 1988, for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days, not to include days when the Senate is not in session.

   Source: IntroReferral

6. 14 April 1988

   Committee

   Committee on Commerce. Hearings held.

   Source: Committee

7. 26 April 1988

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.

   Source: Committee

8. 9 May 1988

   Calendars

   Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 652.

   Source: Calendars

9. 9 May 1988

   Reported

   Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 100-331. Additional views filed.

   Source: Committee

10. 9 May 1988

    Reported

    Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings with amendments and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 100-331. Additional views filed.

    Source: Committee

11. 17 June 1988

    Floor

    Measure laid before Senate.

    Source: Floor

12. 14 October 1988

    Passed

    H.R. 4418 passed in Senate relating to this measure.

    Source: Floor

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

3 official files

• Indefinitely postponed in Senate

  summary · EN · 17 June 1988

  Open at official source

• Reported to Senate with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 9 May 1988

  Open at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 7 August 1987

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Kennedy, Edward M. [D-MA] · D · Sponsor
• · sscm00 · Standing
• · sshr00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988