Committee approves bill to create a NIST foundation; members add foreign-entity limitations

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology voted to report HR 8673, the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act, which would authorize the establishment of a nonprofit foundation for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the committee adopted conforming and safeguard amendments.

Representative Stevens, lead sponsor of the legislation, said the foundation would help NIST access private and philanthropic capital, accelerate technology transfer and support workforce development while including safeguards: governance guidelines, conflict-of-interest rules, public financial reports, audit and disclosure requirements and a five-year GAO review. Stevens said similar foundations have supported NIH, CDC, USDA and DOE.

Co-lead Representative Jay Obernolte described the foundation as a cost-saving, commonsense step and said the bill provides a small amount of seed funding while preserving NIST's independence. Representative Posey offered an amendment to limit the foundation’s connection with foreign countries or foreign entities of concern; the ranking member supported precise language and the Posey amendment (No. 75) was adopted by voice vote.

A substitute amendment in the nature of a substitute was also offered to make technical and conflict-of-interest clarifications; the committee adopted amendments and then voted to report HR 8673 as amended to the House, by voice vote.

The committee ordered HR 8673 reported favorably as amended. Staff were directed to prepare technical and conforming language and members were given time for any supplemental record submissions.