Political Quotes

“this amendment represents a compromise reached with the authorization committee chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania regarding the use of funding provided for the Advanced Technology Program under NIST. The bill funds ATP at $110.5 million, an amount sufficient to provide final year funding to close out commitments for awards previously made to small businesses under the ATP program. The amendment modifies language in the bill to clarify that funds are being provided only for this purpose. Specifically, the amendment adds language to the bill to clarify that, first, funds provided for continuation grants are only for small businesses and only for those small businesses who were awarded an ATP grant prior to fiscal year 1996 and, second, funds are being provided for the purpose of closing out all commitments for the ATP program. Under the rule, if my amendment is adopted, points of order will be waived against all provisions in the bill, including the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology Administration. The amendment further clarifies congressional intent regarding the ATP program and ensures that Congress will have an opportunity to fully consider and debate these programs. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of the amendment.”