Ellen Tauscher: “I rise to express some concerns that I have with the McIntyre Amendment, which is included in the en bloc amendment…”

“I rise to express some concerns that I have with the McIntyre Amendment, which is included in the en bloc amendment offered by Mr. Spence. The McIntyre Amendment would direct DOE laboratories to make available a range of expedited dispute resolution procedures to resolve differences with private sector entities. The goal of this amendment is good. Given the nature of technology transfer, and the demands of bringing new technologies to the marketplace in a timely manner, it is important that disputes are settled quickly and amicably. But I am worried that this amendment's focus on expedited resolutions would sometimes exclude more appropriate forums for the resolution of disputes. I also believe we need to keep in mind the interest of the American taxpayer and not subject federally funded institutions to dispute resolution procedures that fail to protect their interests. In an effort to provide a speedy resolution to disagreements, I am concerned that this amendment may unintentionally fail to ensure access to the appropriate venue for resolution. There is no evidence, Mr. Chairman, that system-wide deficiencies exist in the federal technology transfer process.”