Bill Clinton: “as an original co-sponsor of S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, I am delighted that…”

“as an original co-sponsor of S. 189, the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, I am delighted that the Senate is acting on this important legislation. I want to thank my Senate colleagues, particularly Senator Hollings and Senator Wyden. Senator Hollings' leadership on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee was essential in winning the passage of this legislation, which has so much promise for New Yorkers and Americans generally. Senator Wyden has helped to shepherd this legislation through the Senate with his customary vision, determination and skill. In ten or twenty years, we may well view this legislation as one of the most important bills passed by the 108th Congress. The bill provides multi-year authorization for increased Federal research and development investment in nanotechnology. Experts believe that nanotechnology could have an impact on our economy and society as significant as the impact of the steam engine, electricity, the Internet, and the computer chip. Researchers and high-tech start-ups have already identified many potential benefits and applications of nanotechnology in health, energy and the environment, information and communications technology, advanced materials, manufacturing, and national security. It is possible that nanotechnology could lead to solar energy that is competitive with fossil fuels.”