What's New @ IEEE-USA - Eye On Washington

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

• UPDATE: ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005 (Thanks to our summer intern Patrick Meyer who is tracking and writing about this legislation.)

• DEMOCRATS WORK TO STEM SCIENCE AND TECH JOB LOSSES

• CAT FIGHT: THE PET MICROCHIP WAR HEATS UP

• THE U.S. PATENT SYSTEM: REFORM WILL REQUIRE ELUSIVE COMPROMISE

• NASA ADMINISTRATOR TESTIFIES ON THE FUTURE OF HIS AGENCY

• SENATE BILL PROHIBITS "ORBIT-GAP"

• MORE FLESH & BLOOD 007s AND LESS SPY SATELLITES

• HOUSE SCIENCE COMMITTEE HEARING: 'U.S. LEADERSHIP IN NANOTECH IS THREATENED'

• ITER SITE CHOSEN: US PARTICIPATION NOW LIKELY

• U.S. HOUSE CELEBRATES “END DEPENDENCE DAY”

• NEW LEGISLATION OF INTEREST

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• NASA's DEEP IMPACT: A 4th OF JULY WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN FIREWORKS

• U.S. SUBMITS REVISED SERVICES TRADE OFFER IN WTO NEGOTIATIONS – NO NEW COMMITMENT ON TEMPORARY VISAS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• NEW GAO REPORTS

• NEW ACLU REPORT CHASTISES ADMINSTRATION'S SCIENCE POLICIES

• NATIONAL ACADEMIES: U.S. ENGINEER SHORTAGE BY 2002??

• BOEHLERT PRAISES NIST REPORT ON WTC COLLAPSE

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

• SUPREME COURT ADOPTS IEEE-USA INDUCEMENT TEST IN GROKSTER CASE

5) AWARDS & GRANTS

6) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS and SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING

• 2007 CONGRESSIONAL AND STATE DEPARTMENT FELLOWSHIPS

7) U.S. STATES WATCH

• SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN TEXAS MAY OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR FAILED TELECOM REFORM

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• IEEE-USA RESPONDS TO BLS STATS: STEEP INCREASE IN JOBS AMONG COMPUTER SCIENTISTS AND SYSTEMS ANALYSTS, BUT DROPS IN OTHER AREAS

9) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

• NEW OFAC RULING HELPS RESOLVE IEEE MEMBERSHIP ISSUES

• IN MEMORIAM: THE MAN WHO USHERED IN THE INFORMATION AGE

1) CAPITOL HILL WATCH

• UPDATE: ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005

28 JUNE: Despite previous uncertainties, the Senate showed overwhelming support for the Energy Policy Act of 2005 by passing the bill 85-12 today.  Let's take a look back to the major events occurring since the beginning of Senate debate two weeks ago.

On 14 June, Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), mustered up enough support to include an amendment to require refineries to annually blend 8 billion gallons of biofuels into gasoline by 2012. Two days later, on 16 June, the Senate rejected 47-53 an amendment by Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), that would have reduced projected oil imports in 2025 by 40 percent.

In a major win for Democrats, the Senate voted 52-48 on 16 June to include an amendment requiring a mandatory nation-wide Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Under the amendment, all utilities will be required to generate at least 10 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.

On Wednesday, 22 June, in a major blow to environmental advocates, the Senate rejected an amendment that would have created mandatory greenhouse gas reductions. Proposed by Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.), and John McCain (R-Ariz.), and defeated 38-60, the amendment would have capped greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels by 2010.

With the amendments set or rejected by Friday, 25 June, the general feeling was that the Senate had pounded out a solid, bipartisan bill with a great chance of being passed on the floor. Hopes turned concrete on Tuesday, 28 June when the Senate voted 85-12 to pass the bill, setting up a conference with the House. Congress is now faced with several major issues on which the Senate and House disagree that must be tackled in conference.

Some of the issues likely to rise in conference include the Senate's inclusion of a provision that calls for an oil and natural gas inventory of federal offshore areas – whereas the House has included no such provision.  The Senate version makes no mention of the Artic National Wildlife Refuge while the House version would allow the secretary of the Interior to hold a lease sale in a portion of the reserve. The Senate version includes an ethanol mandate of 8 billion gallons per year by 2012 and the House version calls for only 5 billion gallons per year by the same year. The House version protects MTBE makers from most product liability lawsuits, but the Senate version does not.

The Speaker of the House will appoint his conferees and the Senate body will elect theirs. Each side will likely fight persistently for their respective chamber's version of the bill – but while keeping in mind that it is now in the interest of both chambers to meet the President’s deadline of 1 August.

For a more detailed update of the Energy Policy Act, its amendments, and its future go here.

• DEMOCRATS WORK TO STEM SCIENCE AND TECH JOB LOSSES

Science Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL) hosted the first in a series of bipartisan discussions on realities facing the S&T industry and U.S. workers in an attempt to find solutions. Industry and academic experts addressed current challenges to the preservation of S&T jobs in the U.S. – including low enrollment in university science and engineering by women and minorities; a heavy-dependence on foreign labor in our workforce, coupled with a declining interest by foreign students in attending U.S. universities; increasing numbers of well-trained scientists and engineers in India and China and other low-labor-cost countries; and an apparent trend for US companies to expand their off-shoring of science and engineering jobs.

"America's human resources are the basis of our innovation capabilities and these underpin our economic strength and national security," stated Gordon.

"What we hope to accomplish today is to gain a better understanding of what the actual effects of off-shoring jobs are on our workforce and economy. Better information on this problem is needed in order to make appropriate public policy decisions as they relate to tech workers and other industries, said Costello. "This is not a partisan issue.  Members of both parties need to come together, roll up our sleeves and seriously study the off-shoring of U.S. jobs.  Our economy depends on it.  Other countries are now investing heavily in their high-tech infrastructure and producing highly educated workers and cutting-edge companies.  They are catching up to the United States."

It is difficult to determine how many jobs have actually been lost in recent years because there is a lack of sufficient or accurate data on the problem.  For example, the U.S. Labor Dept. reported as part of a new survey that 4,633 jobs moved overseas during the first three months of 2004.  Yet, a report by a large Indian trade group known as the National Association of Software and Service Companies suggests that outsourcing from the U.S. is creating huge numbers of jobs in that country - around 200,000 technology jobs at the end of May last year (2004).

Speakers included former Congressman Dave McCurdy, President of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), Michael Teitelbaum, program director with the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation., Dr. George Langford, Dartmouth professor and Immediate Past Chairman of the National Science Board Committee on Education and Human Resources., and IEEE-USA Career Activities Vice President Dr. Ron Hira.

Ron Hira Speaking to House Science Committee Members

"It is not simply coincidence that the IT job market in India is red hot, while the U.S. market languishes," added Dr. Hira, also a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology and author of the new book Outsourcing America: What's Behind our National Crisis and How We Can Reclaim American Jobs.  "The U.S. needs a coordinated national strategy to sustain its technological leadership and promote job creation in response to the concerted strategies being used by other countries to attract U.S. industries and jobs."

The Science committee's Democratic Members pointed out that – except in a rhetorical sense – the loss of domestic S&T jobs has not been seriously addressed, and the consequences of doing nothing could be profound.  What's more, U.S. Federal research and development (R&D) funding over the last decade and a half is faltering. The full press release along with speaker bios and testimony can be read at http://www.house.gov/science_democrats/archive/workevent/workforce_event.htm

• CAT FIGHT: THE PET MICROCHIP WAR HEATS UP

In the last EOW (Agriculture May Need Your Microchips, 17 June), I told you about a seemingly benign piece of legislation that would appropriates funds and direct the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to "develop the appropriate regulations to implement the universal 134 kHz International Standards Organization (ISO) system" for microchips designed to help you keep track of that forever-roaming mutt you own.

But microchip manufacturers are battling over the fact that the bill names the 134 kilohertz (kHz) frequency that should serve as the industry standard for chips. Most U.S. companies sell 125 kHz chips. Foreign companies and some other domestic companies market the 134 kHz chips. It appears that unless they can agree, this product will never see your vet's office.

On one side of the argument is Medical Management International, the company that runs the Pet Hospital facilities in Petsmart stores. Medical Management, which makes their 134 kHz chips overseas, lobbied heavily and managed to ensure that the legislation included language asking APHIS to make the Medical Management chips an industry standard. The language is non-binding, but it has given Medical Management a leg up (no pun intended) over its rivals Avid Identification Systems and Digital Angel Corp., which currently dominate the pet microchip business in the U.S. with their 125 kHz chips. Avid and Digital Angel will take their fight to the Senate and try to kill the House language when the appropriations bill goes to conference. Animal shelters and veterinary offices that invested in one frequency of scanner cannot read the other kind of chip.

• THE U.S. PATENT SYSTEM: REFORM WILL REQUIRE ELUSIVE COMPROMISE

We've all been taught that there are 2 sides to every story, that listening in an argument is more important that talking, and that compromise is reaching an agreement between something good, and something else that's also good. However, in the current patent reform battle, it appears that both sides see themselves as good and the other as bad. If so, is compromise in this situation possible if neither side perceives good on the part of the other?

Congressman Lamar Smith (R-Tex.), chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, and the referee in this battle, definitely needs to believe in the power of compromise. His House district runs through the heart of Texas Hill Country – sometimes also known as Silicon Prairie because it holds the headquarters of Dell Inc., and SBC Communications Inc., and offices for Hewlett-Packard, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., Motorola Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc. Hill Country is also home to biotech interests such as Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute, Emergent Technologies, Inc, ViaGen, Inc., and Elfamed, Inc, as well as the University of Texas main campus.

Smith believes that the patent reform bill he introduced, "will eliminate legal gamesmanship from the current system that rewards lawsuit abuses over creativity," and adds, "All businesses, small and large, will benefit. All industries directly or indirectly affected by patents, including finance, automotive manufacturing, high-tech, and pharmaceuticals, will profit."

But will the main characters in the patent reform story begin to listen to each other and look for the common good? They are the computer and information technology companies in one corner, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the other.

Change is good; status quo is bad say the computer and information technology companies pushing for revisions to the law.  U.S. computer, software and information technology companies are among those who commonly use patents not to exclude competition, but to trade technology. That, they say, leaves them vulnerable to costly infringement lawsuits often based on patents of questionable merit. The hi-technology industry is leading the charge to rewrite the law to make it easier to challenge patents and limit damages and injunctions awarded to patent holders who win infringement cases. They say the current system is easily manipulated to generate profits through licensing fees and litigation and that overhauling the patent system will promote innovation and economic growth by making it cheaper and less risky to bring products to market. They want the law changed because they spend too much time and money these days fighting the antagonist in this story, the "patent troll."

Change is bad: status quo is good say the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that want to protect their investments in research and development. Established drug and medical device companies use their 20-year patents to block sales of generic drugs. In response to current patent reform proposals, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) says, "The biotechnology industry has developed and marketed more than 350 medicines that have treated or cured hundreds of millions of patients.  As the most research intensive industry in the world,… we are completely dependent on a strong and vital patent system.  As the Congress begins a process of reforming the United States patent system, we strongly urge you to ensure that your reforms preserve those features of our patent system that have proven essential to a commercial environment that stimulates …life saving products for …Americans. …We respectfully urge you to oppose these measures." They warn that proposed changes in the law would weaken a system that is working well and undermine the value of patents that are central to the life sciences business.

To be continued…

• NASA ADMINISTRATOR TESTIFIES ON THE FUTURE OF HIS AGENCY

28 JUNE: In his first appearance as the new administrator, Dr. Michael Griffin of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), testified before the House Science Committee at a hearing examining the future of NASA. He was immediately dealt the weight of the world when the Committee's Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) said, "Indeed, much is riding on Mike's tenure at NASA." Griffin's prepared testimony, the hearing charter, and an archived webcast of the hearing are available at: http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/full05/june28/index.htm

and more on NASA....

• SENATE BILL PROHIBITS "ORBIT-GAP"

The Commerce, Science and Transportation subcommittee that oversees NASA threw a kink into the Administration's space exploration plan by approving S. 1281, a bill that prohibits NASA from retiring the space shuttle before a replacement vehicle is ready to retain U.S. access to space. "We have added our bold vision to the president's bold vision," said Committee Chairwoman Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.).

Bush's agenda to return astronauts to the moon in preparation for a future mission to Mars calls for NASA's three space shuttles to be retired in 2010, and for a new vehicle to be operational by 2014. That leaves a four year gap during which the U.S. has no means of sending astronauts into space. The bill also requires NASA to set a schedule for a shuttle mission to fix the ailing Hubble Space Telescope, unless the mission would compromise astronaut safety. Without a repair mission, the telescope will fail when its gyroscopes and batteries wear out in the next few years. Griffin has not yet decided whether to allow the telescope to fail or to send astronauts to fix it.

• MORE FLESH & BLOOD 007s AND LESS SPY SATELLITES

The House Tuesday almost unanimously (409-16) passed the largely classified annual intelligence authorization bill (HR 2475) a bill that recommends cutting expensive satellite and airborne surveillance systems and hiring more spies, analysts and linguists. Last year's 9/11 commission cited significant need for improving human intelligence gathering and foreign language skills in America's spy corps. The bill now goes to the Senate, where some senators have been less willing to cut spy satellite systems. The White House opposes the cuts.

• HOUSE SCIENCE COMMITTEE HEARING: 'U.S. LEADERSHIP IN NANOTECH IS THREATENED'

In its second hearing on nanotechnology, the House Committee on Science Research Subcommittee was told by a top Presidential advisor and a panel of industry leaders that the U.S. is facing increasing competition in nanotechnology from foreign competitors.

Witnesses, including Floyd Kvamme, the Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), offered broad recommendations to improve the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and secure the U.S. position as the preeminent leader in nanotechnology. Their recommendations echo the concerns of other hearings and reports on the U.S.' position in the world's hierarchy of innovation, invention and competitiveness: invest more in math and science education and training to develop a nanotechnology workforce, conduct more research on nanotechnology environmental, health and safety issues, and strengthen the federal investment in goal-oriented and fundamental research in nanotechnology.

Jim O'Connor, Motorola's Vice President of Intellectual Property Incubation and Commercialization said, "Simply put, we must have a well-educated talent pool to survive."

Subcommittee Chairman Bob Inglis (R-SC) said, "Nanotechnology is already changing the products we use and has the potential to revitalize our manufacturing base. It promises to impact virtually every field-with applications from energy to defense to health care to transportation. Just yesterday, we rolled-out the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, with the ultimate goal of leading us to a national hydrogen economy. ...The development of this technology is truly amazing and holds great promise."

Inglis added, "Our last stronghold of competition is innovation, and the United States can not afford to lose the lead on this technology."

Read the Committee's full press release here: http://www.house.gov/science/press/109/109-104.htm.

To listen to the hearing - Nanotechnology: Where Does the U.S. Stand? – and read full witness testimony, please visit: http://www.house.gov/science/hearings/research05/june29/index.htm

• ITER SITE CHOSEN: US PARTICIPATION NOW LIKELY

29 JUNE: Representatives of the U.S., European Union, Japan, the Russia Federation, China and Korea ended a long-running controversy by announcing that they have agreed on a location for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) – Cadrache, a town in southern France.

ITER began in 1985 as a collaboration between the former Soviet Union, the USA, EU and Japan. Conceptual and engineering design phases led to an acceptable detailed design in 2001, supported by $650 million worth of R&D by the "ITER Parties" to establish its practical feasibility. In 1998, the USA opted out of the project because of concerns about the projected cost and management; we rejoined in 2003. The list of current supporting countries includes China, Japan, Korea, Russia, United States, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Sweden. The project is expected to cost about €10 billion over a thirty year life.

The negotiations that led to the decision ended in a compromise between the EU and Japan, whereby Japan was promised 20% of the research staff in Cadrache as well as the head of the administrative body of ITER. In addition another research facility for the project will be built in Japan and the European Union has agreed to contribute about 50% of the costs of this institution.

By finally choosing a location, the parties have resolved a major difficulty surrounding the U.S. participation in ITER.  Congress has been both supportive and skeptical about fusion energy. The Senate Appropriations Committee stated: "The Committee has reduced funding for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor [ITER] by $28,000,000, equal to the amount domestic research has been increased. The Committee is disappointed that a decision has not been made in selecting a site for the location of this international burning plasma user facility. Without a final decision on a location or allocation, the Committee is skeptical the Department will be able to expend the full budget request for this project in fiscal year 2006.  If a site is selected, the Committee will work with the Department to provide an allocation that is consistent with the expected needs for this project."

In the House, the House Science Committee worked with the appropriators and approved an appropriations amendment that would prevent the U.S. from entering into an agreement on ITER, the international fusion experiment, before 1 March 2006.

Chairman Sherwood Boehlert said, "I support U.S. participation in ITER, a critical experiment that will help determine, finally, if fusion is a realistic option for energy production.  If it is, fusion might go a long way toward solving our looming energy supply shortfall."

"But ITER is expensive.  The U.S. contribution is expected to exceed $1 billion.  And I want to make sure that before we commit a dime to ITER that we have a consensus on how we will find that money. I am very, very tired of the U.S. signing on to international science agreements that we later come to regret.  We're then left with the Hobson's (Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee) choice … of either reneging on our international agreement or funneling money into a project we don't actually need."

"The amendment says, in effect, that we can't finalize an agreement on ITER before March 1 of next year.  By then we will have in hand both the proposed ITER agreement and the President's fiscal 2007 budget request.  With that information, we should be able to determine if there is a consensus on moving forward."

President Bush is a strong supporter of fusion energy, seeing it as a key component of achieving independence from foreign oil.

• U.S. HOUSE CELEBRATES “END DEPENDENCE DAY”

This week, Congressmen Charlie Dent (R-PA), Bob Inglis (R-SC), John Larson (D-CT) and Albert Wynn (D-MD) announced the formation of the new House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus. The caucus takes on the job of helping Americans gain a new kind of independence – an economy that is free from relying on foreign oil, and focused on hydrogen fuel. The official rollout occurred 28 June on Capitol Hill, with a display of civilian and military hydrogen vehicles, hydrogen motorcycles, a mock fueling station and displays from industry representatives.

"This is not science fiction - these hydrogen cars demonstrate that we have the technology right now," said Congressman Inglis. He noted the work being done at the University of South Carolina's Fuel Cell Center on fuel cell applications, the Savannah River Site National Lab in hydrogen production and at Clemson in developing the International Center for Automotive Research to work on automotive uses.

Caucus founder Congressman Wynn said, "When oil is $60 a barrel, it's time to take the bull by the horns, wean the U.S. off of foreign oil, and push towards a cleaner, more efficient, hydrogen economy. This bipartisan caucus will be on the forefront of transforming the U.S. energy economy from oil to hydrogen-based." See photos and read a first hand account of the End Dependence Day event at http://ieeeusa.com/policy/features/endependence.asp

• NEW LEGISLATION OF INTEREST

THE PENSION PROTECTION ACT: "STRENGTHENING RETIREMENT SECURITY, PROTECTING TAXPAYERS BY FIXING OUTDATED WORKER PENSION LAWS"  House Education & the Workforce Committee Chairman John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Employer-Employee Relations Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-Tex.), working with House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), have put together comprehensive legislation to fix outdated worker pension laws "that present a danger to taxpayers, workers, and retirees." The Committee's Web site maintains that, "The Pension Protection Act will fix outdated pension rules to help ensure employers properly and adequately fund their worker pension plans, provide meaningful new disclosure to workers about the status of their pension plan, and protect taxpayers from a possible multi-billion dollar taxpayer bailout." Chairman Boehner's Committee maintains a summary of the bill at http://edworkforce.house.gov/issues/109th/workforce/pension/ppasummarylong.htm.

The Committee also maintains a fact sheet at

http://edworkforce.house.gov/issues/109th/workforce/pension/ppafactsheet.htm.

Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) has sponsored a bill, HR 2364, "establish a Science and Technology Scholarship Program to award scholarships to recruit and prepare students for careers in the National Weather Service and in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine research, atmospheric research, and satellite programs."

2) WHITE HOUSE & EXECUTIVE AGENCY WATCH

• NASA's DEEP IMPACT: A 4th OF JULY WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN FIREWORKS

After a voyage of 173 days and 431 million km, NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft will collide with comet Tempel 1 – which is hurtling through space at approximately 37,100 km per hour – on July 4. During the early morning hours of July 3, the Deep Impact spacecraft - about the size of a VW Beetle - will deploy a 1-metre-wide impactor - about the size of your coffee table - into the path of the comet - about half the size of Manhattan Island, NY - creating a first of its kind, hyper-speed impact. The potentially spectacular collision will be observed by the Deep Impact spacecraft, and ground and space-based observatories.

"We are really threading the needle with this one," said Rick Grammier, Deep Impact project manager at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California.

"In our quest of a great scientific payoff, we are attempting something never done before at speeds and distances that are truly out of this world." The Deep Impact website, which includes interactive features and web casts, is: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/deepimpact/main/index.html

• U.S. SUBMITS REVISED SERVICES TRADE OFFER IN WTO NEGOTIATIONS – NO NEW COMMITMENT ON TEMPORARY VISAS FOR FOREIGN WORKERS

Just before a 31 May deadline, U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman announced that the U.S. had submitted an expanded offer on trade in services in the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. At the urging of U.S. services industries, and after consultation with Congress and state and local governments, the U.S. offered to improve its GATS commitments in targeted services sectors.

In a press release, USTR said, "The revised U.S. offer responds to requests from our trading partners to update our existing commitments to reflect the current level of market access in areas such as financial services and professional services, to make improved commitments in sectors like logistics, professional services, and translation services."

"These negotiations are a two-way street," Portman said. "The U.S. revised offer is conditioned on our trading partners producing revised offers with meaningful commitments in key areas of interest to the United States such as financial services, telecommunications, computer and related services, energy services, distribution, express delivery and audio-visual services. We look to our trading partners to meet or exceed the level of commitment and openness provided by the United States."

On the controversial issue called "mode 4," which concerns temporary entry for foreign service workers, the revised offer apparently makes no new commitment to expand the numbers of temporary visas.

"Our existing temp entry commitments, so-called 'mode 4,' are among the most generous of all WTO members in terms of entry categories covered, and they apply to all services sectors where we have commitments," Portman said. "Only a handful of developed countries have comparable mode 4 commitments.... [W]e need to look carefully at this issue as negotiations proceed."

Developing-country WTO members have demanded easier access for foreign workers to service sectors in developed countries, but so far few have made significant offers to open their own services markets to foreign competition; specifically, India. The Economic Times reports that India is negotiating with the US for increase in annual quota of H-1B visas to 195,000 per year compared to 65,000 now.

The USTR maintains a fact sheet on the issue called, Free Trade in Services: Opening Dynamic New Markets, Supporting Good Jobs.

3) REPORTS, SPEECHES & DOCUMENTS OF NOTE

• NEW GAO REPORTS

Defense Technology Development: Management Process Can Be Strengthened for New Technology Transition Programs

GAO-05-480 (17 June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-480

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05480high.pdf

Summary of this report provided by SSTI Weekly Digest, A Publication of the State Science and Technology Institute

Technology commercialization can be a slow and arduous process, often taking years to reap the benefits of the investment. Recognizing that defense technology innovations move too slowly from the lab to the field, Congress created three programs within the Department of Defense (DoD) to speed and enhance the transition.

Created in FY 2003, the Defense Acquisition Challenge Program (DACP) identifies and introduces innovative and cost-saving technology and products within DoD's science and technology community and externally into existing acquisition programs. DACP's objectives include expanding opportunities for emerging defense suppliers and widening the U.S. defense industrial base, according to the report. Completion time for projects is up to three years and 30 projects were funded since its creation. The report identifies examples of DACP projects, including a collapsible stock for the M-4 rifle, and enhanced optics system from the Rolling Airframe Missile that will permit all-weather operational capability.

While DACP focuses on introducing new technologies, the Technology Transition Initiative accelerates the introduction of new technologies into operational capabilities for the armed forces. Projects include an ink pen-size device that purifies water, and a custom earplug that provides blast noise protection and increased communication capabilities. Since the initiative's inception in 2002, 21 projects were funded with a completion time of up to four years, the report states.

The Quick Reaction Fund fields and tests prototypes that respond to immediate and emerging warfighter needs. With an accelerated completion time of 6-12 months, the program provides flexibility to respond to emergent DoD issues and address surprises and needs in real time, according to Acquisition Community Connection. Examples of projects include a greaseless M-4 rifle that is more suitable for desert operations and a chemical and biological detection capability for small unmanned aerial vehicles. DoD funded 17 projects since its inception in 2003.

Although the GAO states it is too soon to determine the impact of these programs, reports have pointed to an array of benefits that include quicker fielding of technological improvements, cost savings, and the opportunity for DoD to tap into innovative technologies from firms that are new to defense work. The programs are appropriately targeted on speeding technology transfer, GAO concludes. However, it warns the programs' long-term success will ultimately hinge on how well DoD manages the initiatives. According to the report, DoD partially concurred with GAO's recommendations.

Intellectual Property: Key Processes for Managing Patent Automation Strategy Need Strengthening

GAO-05-336 (17June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-336

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05336high.pdf

Intellectual Property: USPTO Has Made Progress in Hiring Examiners, but Challenges to Retention Remain

GAO-05-720 (17June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-720

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05720high.pdf

File Sharing Programs: The Use of Peer-to-Peer Networks to Access Pornography

GAO-05-634 (25 May 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-634

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05634high.pdf

Information Security: Key Considerations Related to Federal Implementation of Radio Frequency Identification Technology Testimony by Gregory C. Wilshusen, director, information security issues, before the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Information Protection, and Cybersecurity, House Committee on Homeland Security

GAO-05-849T (22 June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-849

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05849thigh.pdf

Digital Television Transition: Questions on Administrative Costs of an Equipment Subsidy Program

GAO-05-837R (20 June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-837R

Immigration Enforcement: Preliminary Observations on Employment Verification and Worksite Enforcement Efforts Testimony by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, House Committee on the Judiciary

GAO-05-822T (21 June 2005) http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-822

Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05822thigh.pdf

• NEW ACLU REPORT CHASTISES ADMINSTRATION'S SCIENCE POLICIES

21 JUNE: Science Under Siege - You either love them or you hate them, but the ACLU has joined the bandwagon of folks stressing the importance of a strong scientific community to the continued success of the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union released a new report detailing the civil liberties implications of faulty policies by the Bush administration - examining government policies and practices that have hampered academic freedom and scientific inquiry since September 11, 2001. The report states, "Excessive secrecy and restrictions on information flow are contrary to the basic tenets of science and scholarship, carry direct financial costs, and weaken efforts to protect against terrorism." A PDF of the report is available here: http://www.aclu.org/Privacy/Privacy.cfm?ID=18534&c=39

The executive summary is available here: http://www.aclu.org/Privacy/Privacy.cfm?ID=18536&c=39

• NATIONAL ACADEMIES: U.S. ENGINEER SHORTAGE BY 2002??

The U.S. National Academy of Engineering has released a report saying that by 2020, U.S. universities will not be turning out enough engineers
to meet the needs of the profession. The report noted that engineering is not as attractive a career choice as it once was. Recommendations in the report include the creation of more interdisciplinary programs combining engineering and computer science with coursework in medicine, business, finance, or law. Read on at: http://www4.nationalacademies.org/news.nsf/isbn/0309096499?OpenDocument

• BOEHLERT PRAISES NIST REPORT ON WTC COLLAPSE

House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) praised the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) draft report on the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) and the three-year investigation that preceded today's release of the report.

"NIST's conclusions in the report, including recommendations for better evacuation planning, strengthened stairwells and elevators, greater robustness and redundancy with regard to fire suppression systems, and revised standards for the testing of fire suppression materials, are invaluable pieces of information that will help save countless lives," Boehlert said.

"I am perpetually impressed by the work of NIST," Boehlert added.  "In the process of conducting this three-year investigation, NIST has been meticulous in acquiring and assimilating all available evidence, has contacted and interviewed hundreds of eye witnesses, conducted several public meetings to acquire factual information that would advance the investigation, and has maintained close working relations with the victims' families, first responders, engineers, building and fire experts, and other interested parties.  Because of NIST's excellent work, we have learned critical things about the collapse of the World Trade Center that we otherwise would not have known, and that will contribute to building safety in the future.

The Committee plans to hold a hearing on NIST's final report, scheduled to be released in September. NIST is soliciting comments on the report. Comments be through the NIST WTC web site at http://wtc.nist.gov/pubs/2005rptcomment/, or submitted by e-mail to wtc@nist.gov, by fax to 301-975-6122, or by mail to:

WTC Technical Information Repository
Attention: Mr. Stephen Cauffman
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Stop 8610
Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8610

4) U.S. COURTS ACTIVITY

• PUBLIC WINS: SUPREME COURT ADOPTS IEEE-USA INDUCEMENT TEST IN GROKSTER CASE

27 JUNE: The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that internet file-sharing services are responsible if they intend for their customers to use software primarily to illegally swap songs and movies. Their decision sends the case back to the lower court which previously ruled in favor of the file-sharing services such as Grokster Ltd. The justices said there was enough evidence of unlawful intent for the case to go to trial. This decision rejects the tech industry warnings that the development of new technology such as the iPod will be stunted.  On the other side, the entertainment industry argued that it was losing billions in revenue to illegal swapping.

"We hold that one who distributes a device with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright, as shown by the clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement, is liable for the resulting acts of infringement by third parties," Justice David H. Souter wrote for the court.

IEEE-USA's position can be summed up in comments by Andy Greenberg, Chair of the Intellectual Property Committee. "A careful balance must be struck between copyright incentives for authors to create works of authorship and the right of the public to benefit from technical means to reproduce and distribute those works."

In a USA Today Letter to the Editor, Greenberg says, "I believe that the Supreme Court's decision in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer v. Grokster fairly balances the public's interest in unimpeded access both to creative talent and the technology to enjoy it."

IEEE-USA filed an amicus brief in January 2005 in which we recommended that the Supreme Court adopt an inducement test for copyright infringement. This test was adopted. To read the IEEE-USA amicus brief in the case, visit our resource page at http://ieeeusa.com/policy/issues/INDUCE/index.html.

5) AWARDS & GRANTS

• AAAS GRANT SITE

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has a new service called GrantsNet Express.  Each week GrantsNet will provide a listing of science funding opportunities from private foundations and organizations, and new U.S. government grant announcements in the sciences. AAAS will send GrantsNet by e-mail to AAAS member subscribers. The weekly emails will include:

-- New science funding programs, divided into opportunities for postdocs/graduate students and undergraduates

-- Submission deadlines for funding opportunities scheduled in the upcoming week

-- New listings of funding for science-related grant programs from U.S. government agencies

To register, visit http://www2.sciencecareers.org/promos/grantsubmit.asp

• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is soliciting proposals for the Low Altitude Airborne Sensor System program. This program seeks to develop airborne sensor capabilities with close access that can significantly improve the nation's ability to detect, classify and characterize these targets. Proposers must have facilities cleared to at least the SECRET level. Multiple awards are anticipated. Proposals are due Aug. 2, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/BAA05%2D39/listing.html

The Air Force is soliciting white papers proposing scientific studies and experiments to advance photonic components and systems technology. Optical modulators operating at 1,550 nanometers and using polymer or semiconductor material systems are of particular interest, due to their potential for improving performance and manufacturability. Approximately $4.5 million over fiscal years 2005-08 is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to two years. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due July 15, 2005. More information.

The Department of the Army is seeking sources to develop algorithms for the detection and identification of ground and air targets currently performed by human operators. Algorithms will use imagery produced from a new multispectral imaging sensor being developed by the Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. This sources sought notice is for market survey purposes to identify industry and academia sources. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAB07/W15P7T%2D05%2DR%2DP425/listing.html

The Army is seeking Historically Black Colleges Universities, Minority Institutions, and Hispanic Serving Institutions that can execute basic research concepts. Areas of interest include armaments, unmanned vehicles, battlespace awareness, improved explosive devices/asymmetric threats, CF/FF gun and munitions, manufacturing science, novel/directed energy, nanotechnology and homeland defense. The overall objective is to create relationships with the aforementioned universities. No awards will be made for responses, which are due July 15, 2005. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAE30/W15QKN%2D05%2DX%2D0714/listing.html

The Department of the Navy is seeking information regarding the Increment III phase of the Automated Digital Network System (ADNS) program. Information is sought on the best method to transform the Navy's current ADNS program from a partially serial data, and partially Internet Protocol (IP) data, system to an all IP system. Two contract awards are anticipated. More information.

The Navy will be soliciting proposals to develop a high efficiency, high power continuous wave amplifier at a nominal frequency of 220 GHz. The amplifier should be as compact as possible and operate at as low a cathode voltage as possible, consistent with good beam transport and minimal body current. This three-phase effort is expected to have a project period of two-and-a-half years. All responsible sources will be eligible to submit proposals. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/N00173/N00173%2D05%2DR%2DKK06/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting white papers proposing long-range science and technology research projects that will advance and improve naval operations. Contract awards are anticipated. Eligibility is restricted to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI). White papers are due July 11, 2005; full proposals will be due Aug. 15, 2005. More information is available at: http://www2.eps.gov/spg/DON/SSP/SSP/N00030%2D05%2DQ%2D0021/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting white papers for the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative. This program supports basic science and engineering research at U.S. institutions of higher education. Multidisciplinary research efforts are sought that intersect more than one traditional science and engineering discipline. The solicitation outlines 26 areas of interest. Approximately $147 million is expected to be available for awards having a project period of up to five years. White papers are due Aug. 9, 2005; proposals are due Nov. 3, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/USN/ONR/HQ/BAA05-017/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting proposals to develop nonacoustic sensor and source system/subsystem technology that will ultimately lead to an end-to-end sensing and communication system for Naval deployment. Areas of interest include laser technology, optical sensors and underwater optical propagation. Eight Phase I awards of up to $225,000 for a project period of one year are anticipated. All responsible sources may submit proposals, which are due within 45 days of this solicitation's publication date, June 20. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N68936D1/N6893605R0058/listing.html

The Navy is soliciting proposals to develop prototype or experimental embedded instrumentation system components or subsystems. Embedded instrumentation provides measurement system hardware or software that can be fully integrated in military systems. Multiple awards may be made. Proposals are due Aug. 18, 2005. More information is available at: http://www.npt.nuwc.navy.mil/contract/Tools/syn-info.asp?CONTROL=054248

The Navy is soliciting proposals to develop technologies in electro-optical sensors, acoustic sensors, radio-frequency sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles and airships, and special sensors. Most of the sensors will be air deployed, but ground, surface and undersea deployable sensors also will be included. The goal is to develop advanced capabilities and to reduce the cost of transitioning sensor technology into the fleet. Multiple awards are anticipated. More information is available at: http://www1.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N00421/N00421%2D05%2DR%2D0109/listing.html

• NASA

NASA will be soliciting proposals for a contract award to support its Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO), a key activity for the development and use of models and assimilation systems. The GMAO seeks to advance satellite data in weather and climate prediction and use satellite data to advance U.S. environmental modeling capabilities. A full solicitation is expected to be released in mid- to late July, with proposals due 30 days thereafter. All responsible sources will be eligible to submit proposals. More information is available at: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=114675

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) invites applications for funding under the High-End Instrumentation Grant Program to support equipment purchases of at least $750,000 for biomedical research purposes. Instrumentation may include structural and functional imaging systems, macromolecular NMR spectrometers, high-resolution mass spectrometers, cryoelectron microscopes and supercomputers. Approximately $21 million in FY 2006 funding is expected to be available for 11-16 awards. The maximum award is $2 million. Only domestic nonprofit, public or private organizations are eligible. Optional letters of intent are due Aug. 15, 2005; applications are due Sept. 20, 2005. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-05-124.html

• SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SBA is soliciting proposals for economic development projects representing the interests of American Indians, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiians. Projects should seek to provide increased entrepreneurial development opportunities for these groups. Projects also must have the potential to become best practices for implementation by other entities in the U.S. The period of performance will be one year. Proposals are due July 14, 2005. More information is available at:

http://www1.eps.gov/spg/SBA/OOA/OPGM/SBAHQ%2D05%2DQ%2D0023/listing.html

6) CONFERENCES, FELLOWSHIPS, PROGRAMS & INTERNSHIPS FOR ENGINEERS, and STUDENTS and SCHOLARS OF ENGINEERING

• 2007 CONGRESSIONAL AND STATE DEPARTMENT FELLOWSHIPS

An engineer once changed careers to serve as Calvin Coolidge's Vice President. As vice president, Charles Dawes influenced the public policy process and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. Dawes might be an extreme example, but that doesn't mean engineers can't influence the public policy process in other ways.  If you don't want to run for office but would like to take a year off from your regular job, IEEE-USA is now accepting applications for the 2007 government fellowship program that links engineers with government.  Our 2005 fellows are working on issues such as homeland security and R&D funding. For more information on what past fellows have learned and experienced, see http://ieeeusa.com/policy/govfel/cfalumni.html.  The deadline is 20 February 2006 and application materials are available at: http://ieeeusa.com/policy/govfel/index.html

7) US STATES WATCH

• SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN TEXAS MAY OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR FAILED TELECOM REFORM

Last week, the Governor of Texas called a special 30-day session of the Legislature with the primary goal of changing the way his state pays for schools. But, another shot at legislative activity could be used by those who had unresolved issues when the regular session ended over the Memorial Day holiday. One of those issues could be the overhaul of Texas' telecommunications law. A bill that would have allowed the big phone companies to set their own rates for residential phone customers was defeated during the regular session. As you may know, telecom lobbyists are using the states to get the reforms that they are not likely to get from Congress this year.

On 27 June, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 21 by Senator Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) that would lift regulation of basic residential phone rates and make it easier for phone companies to get into the television business.  If passed and starting in January, SB 21 would lift state controls on residential phone rates in Texas cities larger than 30,000 people. Phil King (R–Weatherford), who introduced similar unsuccessful telecom reform legislation during the regular session earlier this year, said he will also introduce a bill as early as this week.

SB 21 requires SBC Communications Inc., - which testified against the bill - and Verizon to match the level of in-kind services, such as public access channels, which are standard in cable franchise contracts with Texas cities; and authorizes the Public Utility Commission of Texas to study the $640 million Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes phone service in rural areas. SBC and Verizon get more than half of their subsidies from the fund.

For now, the hearing may lead nowhere since the Governor called the special session to deal only with school finance. The governor has said he would add other items only if a deal is reached on school finance.

"I don't want to sound too hopeful," King said, but, he added,"I think if school finance reform moves along, there is a good chance we can get telecom done, too." The danger is that once again the legislation may be seen as too favorable to SBC Communications Inc. and other big phone companies.

8) LATEST IEEE-USA ACTIVITIES

• NEW! TRACK IEEE-USA's PROGRESS

Review IEEE-USA's year-to-date progress in working for the IEEE's U.S. members at the new IEEE-USA Year-in-Review Web page. Check out what IEEE-USA activities and programs helped the IEEE's U.S. members in 2004 at the new IEEE-USA Annual Report online. And find out what's on IEEE-USA's agenda through 2009, with the new, online IEEE-USA Strategic & Operational Plan.

For the IEEE-USA Year-in-Review, go to:

http://www.ieeeusa.org/about/yearinreview.asp

For the IEEE-USA Annual Report, go to:

http://www.ieeeusa.org/about/Annual_Report/2004.pdf

For the IEEE-USA Strategic & Operational Plan, go to:

http://www.ieeeusa.org/volunteers/strategicplan/index.html

Also, full listing of IEEE-USA lobbying activities can be found on our web site at: http://ieeeusa.com/policy/policy/index.html

• IEEE-USA RESPONDS TO BLS STATS: STEEP INCREASE IN JOBS AMONG COMPUTER SCIENTISTS AND SYSTEMS ANALYSTS, BUT DROPS IN OTHER AREAS

"While we are encouraged by the employment growth among computer scientists and systems analysts, the continuing shrinkage of other technical specialties signals that all is not well in electrotechnology professions," IEEE-USA President Gerard A. Alphonse said. See the full press release at: http://ieeeusa.com/communications/releases/2005/061505pr.asp.

9) OTHER ITEMS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST

• NEW OFAC RULING HELPS RESOLVE IEEE MEMBERSHIP ISSUES

15 JUNE: In response to an inquiry submitted by the IEEE in July 2004, the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued additional guidelines in May and clarified several membership concerns.  In summary:

1. The IEEE may recognize the Iran Section, established in 1970 prior to any U.S. government sanctions, as an official geographic unit of the IEEE that may hold meetings, conferences and symposia as IEEE events. The IEEE may send information and informational materials, but may not establish new units in Iran nor provide funds or services.

2. The IEEE may recognize members in Cuba, Iran and Sudan with certain non-cash prizes and awards. Restrictions and conditions vary by country.

3. IEEE authors may collaborate and publish joint works with authors in embargoed countries. This applies to standards and standards development activities as well as IEEE publications, and is officially permitted under a set of general licenses OFAC issued in December.

This information is posted on the OFAC page on the IEEE Web site. For complete details of this ruling, read the letter to IEEE from OFAC.

• IN MEMORIAM: THE MAN WHO USHERED IN THE INFORMATION AGE

20 JUNE: If it were not for the integrated electronic circuit, where would you be now? Almost 50 years ago, Jack St. Clair Kilby, who failed the college entrance exam at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, revolutionized the way that the world computes, calculates and communicates by inventing the integrated electronic circuit. Thus making personal computers, satellite navigation systems, cell phones and the $200 billion field of microelectronics possible. He also invented the handheld calculator and held more than 60 other patents. Forced to spend his summer working at Texas Instruments because he didn't have enough vacation time, he came up with the idea that a circuit could be made without the wires.

Kilby's work and contributions inspired the IEEE to name one of their most prestigious awards after him. The award is given to those who, like Kilby, make outstanding contributions to the field. Not being an engineer myself, I am impressed by his invention when someone explains his contributions to civilization this way – if Kilby had chosen a different career path, my very small, very stylish iBook would require a Mac truck for hauling around. At the age of 81 died of cancer at his home in Dallas.

Photo: Texas Instruments

Top of Page | What's New@IEEE | EyeOnWash Archive | IEEE-USA

What's New @ IEEE-USA's Eye on Washington highlights important federal legislative and regulatory developments that affect U.S. engineers and their careers. In addition to this biweekly newsletter, subscribers receive legislative bulletins and action alerts on IEEE-USA priority issues, including: retirement security, employment benefits, research & development funding, computers and information policy, immigration reform, intellectual property protection and privacy of health/medical information.

EDITOR: Erica Wissolik, IEEE-USA, 2001 L Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036-5104, Email: ewissolik@ieee.orgYou can subscribe to receive IEEE-USA's Eye on Washington by e-mail by  using the forms at http://whatsnew.ieee.org/ or at http://www.ieeeusa.org/emailupdates/ or by contacting e.wissolik@ieee.org with your request.

Copyright © 2005, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.  Permission granted to copy for personal use or for non-commercial republication with appropriate attribution.

Updated: 01 July 2005
Contact: Erica Wissolik