Senate Bills - 110th Congress

S. 2989—The National Neurotechnology Initiative Act

On May 7, 2008, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced s. 2989, the National neurotechnology Initiative Act. The House companion, H.R. 5989, was introduced by Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) on the same day. This legislation would require the Secretary of HHS to implement a National Neurotechnology Initiative and establish a National Neurotechnology Coordinating Office within HHS to coordinate all activities. The legislation would authorize the Blueprint for Neuroscience Research which already exists at NIH and would require that, in carrying out the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program and responsibilities, IC directors, where appropriate, give high priority to small businesses that participate in or conduct neurotechnology research and development projects and annually report to the Office established above. S. 2989 was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).