42 U.S.C. § 6601. Congressional findings; priority goals

  1. (a)
    (a)

    The Congress, recognizing the profound impact of science and technology on society, and the interrelations of scientific, technological, economic, social, political, and institutional factors, hereby finds and declares that—

    1. (1)
      (a)(1)the general welfare, the security, the economic health and stability of the Nation, the conservation and efficient utilization of its natural and human resources, and the effective functioning of government and society require vigorous, perceptive support and employment of science and technology in achieving national objectives;
    2. (2)
      (a)(2)the many large and complex scientific and technological factors which increasingly influence the course of national and international events require appropriate provision, involving long-range, inclusive planning as well as more immediate program development, to incorporate scientific and technological knowledge in the national decisionmaking process;
    3. (3)
      (a)(3)the scientific and technological capabilities of the United States, when properly fostered, applied, and directed, can effectively assist in improving the quality of life, in anticipating and resolving critical and emerging international, national, and local problems, in strengthening the Nation’s international economic position, and in furthering its foreign policy objectives;
    4. (4)
      (a)(4)Federal funding for science and technology represents an investment in the future which is indispensable to sustained national progress and human betterment, and there should be a continuing national investment in science, engineering, and technology which is commensurate with national needs and opportunities and the prevalent economic situation;
    5. (5)
      (a)(5)the manpower pool of scientists, engineers, and technicians, constitutes an invaluable national resource which should be utilized to the fullest extent possible; and
    6. (6)
      (a)(6)the Nation’s capabilities for technology assessment and for technological planning and policy formulation must be strengthened at both Federal and State levels.
  2. (b)
    (b)

    As a consequence, the Congress finds and declares that science and technology should contribute to the following priority goals without being limited thereto:

    1. (1)
      (b)(1)fostering leadership in the quest for international peace and progress toward human freedom, dignity, and well-being by enlarging the contributions of American scientists and engineers to the knowledge of man and his universe, by making discoveries of basic science widely available at home and abroad, and by utilizing technology in support of United States national and foreign policy goals;
    2. (2)
      (b)(2)increasing the efficient use of essential materials and products, and generally contributing to economic opportunity, stability, and appropriate growth;
    3. (3)
      (b)(3)assuring an adequate supply of food, materials, and energy for the Nation’s needs;
    4. (4)
      (b)(4)contributing to the national security;
    5. (5)
      (b)(5)improving the quality of health care available to all residents of the United States;
    6. (6)
      (b)(6)preserving, fostering, and restoring a healthful and esthetic natural environment;
    7. (7)
      (b)(7)providing for the protection of the oceans and coastal zones, and the polar regions, and the efficient utilization of their resources;
    8. (8)
      (b)(8)strengthening the economy and promoting full employment through useful scientific and technological innovations;
    9. (9)
      (b)(9)increasing the quality of educational opportunities available to all residents of the United States;
    10. (10)
      (b)(10)promoting the conservation and efficient utilization of the Nation’s natural and human resources;
    11. (11)
      (b)(11)improving the Nation’s housing, transportation, and communication systems, and assuring the provision of effective public services throughout urban, suburban, and rural areas;
    12. (12)
      (b)(12)eliminating air and water pollution, and unnecessary, unhealthful, or ineffective drugs and food additives; and
    13. (13)
      (b)(13)advancing the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space.
(Pub. L. 94–282, title I, § 101, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 459.)
Short Title of 2017 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–329, title VI, § 604(a), Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 3037, provided that:
“This section [amending section 6612 of this title] may be cited as the ‘United States Chief Technology Officer Act’.”
Short Title
Pub. L. 94–282, § 1, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 459, provided that:
“This Act [enacting this chapter, amending section 1863 of this title, repealing sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 of 1962 (76 Stat. 1253), set out as a note under section 1861 of this title, and section 2 of Reorganization Plan Numbered 1 of 1973 (87 Stat. 1089), set out as a note under section 5195 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1862 and 6611 of this title] may be cited as the ‘National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976’.”
Pub. L. 94–282, title II, § 201, May 11, 1976, 90 Stat. 463, provided that:
“This title [enacting subchapter II of this chapter] may be cited as the ‘Presidential Science and Technology Advisory Organization Act of 1976’.”
Physical Sciences Coordination
Pub. L. 114–329, title I, § 106, Jan. 6, 2017, 130 Stat. 2985, provided that:
  1. “(a)

    High-energy Physics.—

    1. “(1)

      In general.—

      The Physical Science Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (referred to in this section as ‘Subcommittee’) shall continue to coordinate Federal efforts related to high-energy physics research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States investment in high-energy physics.
    2. “(2)

      Purposes.—

      The purposes of the Subcommittee include—

      1. “(A)
        to advise and assist the Committee on Science and the National Science and Technology Council on United States policies, procedures, and plans in the physical sciences, including high-energy physics; and
      2. “(B)

        to identify emerging opportunities, stimulate international cooperation, and foster the development of the physical sciences in the United States, including—

        1. “(i)
          in high-energy physics research, including related underground science and engineering research;
        2. “(ii)
          in physical infrastructure and facilities;
        3. “(iii)
          in information and analysis; and
        4. “(iv)
          in coordination activities.
    3. “(3)

      Responsibilities.—

      In regard to coordinating Federal efforts related to high-energy physics research, the Subcommittee shall, taking into account the findings and recommendations of relevant advisory committees—

      1. “(A)
        provide recommendations on planning for construction and stewardship of large facilities participating in high-energy physics;
      2. “(B)
        provide recommendations on research coordination and collaboration among the programs and activities of Federal agencies related to underground science, neutrino research, dark energy, and dark matter research;
      3. “(C)
        establish goals and priorities for high-energy physics, related underground science, and research and development that will strengthen United States competitiveness in high-energy physics;
      4. “(D)
        propose methods for engagement with international, Federal, and State agencies and Federal laboratories not represented on the National Science and Technology Council to identify and reduce regulatory, logistical, and fiscal barriers that inhibit United States leadership in high-energy physics and related underground science; and
      5. “(E)

        develop, and update as necessary, a strategic plan to guide Federal programs and activities in support of high-energy physics research, including—

        1. “(i)
          the efforts taken in support of paragraph (2) since the last strategic plan;
        2. “(ii)
          an evaluation of the current research needs for maintaining United States leadership in high-energy physics; and
        3. “(iii)
          an identification of future priorities in the area of high-energy physics.
  2. “(b)

    Radiation Biology.—

    1. “(1)

      In general.—

      The Subcommittee shall continue to coordinate Federal efforts related to radiation biology research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States investment in radiation biology.
    2. “(2)

      Responsibilities for radiation biology.—

      In regard to coordinating Federal efforts related to radiation biology research, the Subcommittee shall—

      1. “(A)
        advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in radiation biology, including enhancing scientific knowledge of the effects of low dose radiation on biological systems to improve radiation risk management methods;
      2. “(B)
        identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from sources outside of the United States;
      3. “(C)
        ensure coordination between the Department of Energy Office of Science, [National Science] Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Department of Homeland Security;
      4. “(D)
        identify ongoing scientific challenges for understanding the long-term effects of ionizing radiation on biological systems; and
      5. “(E)
        formulate overall scientific goals for the future of low-dose radiation research in the United States.
  3. “(c)

    Fusion Energy Sciences.—

    1. “(1)

      In general.—

      The Subcommittee shall continue to coordinate Federal efforts related to fusion energy research to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United States investment in fusion energy sciences.
    2. “(2)

      Responsibilities for fusion energy sciences.—

      In regard to coordinating Federal efforts related to fusion energy sciences, the Subcommittee shall—

      1. “(A)
        advise and assist the National Science and Technology Council on policies and initiatives in fusion energy sciences, including enhancing scientific knowledge of fusion energy science, plasma physics, and related materials sciences;
      2. “(B)
        identify opportunities to stimulate international cooperation and leverage research and knowledge from sources outside of the United States, including the ITER project;
      3. “(C)
        ensure coordination between the Department of Energy Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, [National Science] Foundation, and Department of Defense regarding fusion energy sciences and plasma physics; and
      4. “(D)
        formulate overall scientific goals for the future of fusion energy sciences and plasma physics.”
Ex. Ord. No. 12039. Transfer of Certain Science and Technology Policy Functions
Ex. Ord. No. 12039, Feb. 24, 1978, 43 F.R. 8095, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12399, Dec. 31, 1982, 48 F.R. 379, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including Section 7 of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977 (42 FR 56101 (October 21, 1977)) [set out in Appendix of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], Section 301 of Title 3 of the United States Code, and Section 202 of the Budget and Accounting Procedures Act of 1950 (31 U.S.C. 581c) [31 U.S.C. 1531], and as President of the United States of America, in order to provide for the transfer of certain science and technology functions, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. (a) The transfer, provided by Section 5A of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977 (42 FR 56101) [set out in Appendix of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], of certain functions under the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976, hereinafter referred to as the Act (90 Stat. 459, 42 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.), from the Office of Science and Technology Policy and its Director to the Director of the National Science Foundation is hereby effective.
(b) The abolition of the Intergovernmental Science, Engineering, and Technology Advisory Panel, the President’s Committee on Science and Technology, and the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (established in accordance with Titles II, III, and IV of the Act) [sections 6611 et seq., 6631 et seq., and 6651 of this title] and the transfer of their functions (Sections 205(b)(1), 303(a) and (b)(1), and 401 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 6614(b)(1), 6633 (a) and (b)(1), and 6651(e)) to the President of the United States of America, provided by Section 5A of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1977 [set out in Appendix of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees], are hereby effective.
Sec. 2. (a) The intergovernmental science, engineering, and technology functions under Section 205(b)(1) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 6614(b)(1)), which were transferred to the President (see Section 1(b) of this Order), are delegated to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; Except that, the responsibility for fostering any policies to facilitate the transfer and utilization of research and development results is delegated to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(b) The functions vested by subsection (a) of this Section in the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall be performed in accord with the Director’s responsibilities under the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 1098, 42 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.) [31 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.]. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall advise the Director of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to the needs of State, regional, and local governments which may be assisted by the utilization of science, engineering, and technology research and development results.
(c) The functions vested by subsection (a) of this Section in the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall be performed in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and with others as designated by the President.
(d) [Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12399, Dec. 31, 1982, 48 F.R. 379.]
Sec. 3. The Federal science, engineering, and technology functions under Section 303 (a) and (b)(1) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 6633 (a) and (b)(1)), which were transferred to the President (see Section 1(b) of this Order), are delegated to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy: Except that, those functions concerned with reorganization, including Federal–State liaison, are delegated to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, who shall be provided advice and assistance thereon by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Sec. 4. The science, engineering, and technology and related activities functions under Section 401(e) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 6651(e)), which were transferred to the President (see Section 1(b) of this Order), are delegated to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Sec. 5. There is hereby established the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology. The Council shall be composed of the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, who shall be Chairman, and representatives of such other Executive agencies designated by the Chairman. The head of an agency so designated shall designate an appropriate individual to serve on the Council. The Council shall advise and assist the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the performance of those functions delegated under Section 4 of this Order.
Sec. 6. The records, property, personnel, and unexpended balances of appropriations, available or to be made available, which relate to the functions transferred, reassigned, or redelegated by this Order are hereby transferred to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, or the Director of the National Science Foundation, as appropriate.
Sec. 7. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall make such determinations, issue such orders, and take all actions necessary or appropriate to effectuate the transfers or reassignments provided by this Order, including the transfer of funds, records, property, and personnel.
Sec. 8. This Order shall be effective on February 26, 1978.
Executive Order No. 12700
Ex. Ord. No. 12700, Jan. 19, 1990, 55 F.R. 2219, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12768, June 28, 1991, 56 F.R. 30302, which established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and provided for its functions, administration, and termination on June 30, 1993, was revoked by section 4(c) of Ex. Ord. No. 12882, § 4(c), Nov. 23, 1993, 58 F.R. 62493. Ex. Ord. No. 12869, Sept. 30, 1993, § 2, 58 F.R. 51751, formerly set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which reestablished the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in accordance with the provisions of Ex. Ord. No. 12700 and extended its term until Sept. 30, 1995, was also revoked by Ex. Ord. 12882, § 4(c).
Ex. Ord. No. 12881. Establishment of National Science and Technology Council
Ex. Ord. No. 12881, Nov. 23, 1993, 58 F.R. 62491; Ex. Ord. No. 13284, § 9, Jan. 23, 2003, 68 F.R. 4076, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment. There is established the National Science and Technology Council (“the Council”).
Sec. 2. Membership. The Council shall comprise the:
(a) President, who shall serve as Chairman of the Council;
(b) Vice President;
(c) Secretary of Commerce;
(d) Secretary of Defense;
(e) Secretary of Energy;
(f) Secretary of Health and Human Services;
(g) Secretary of State;
(h) Secretary of the Interior;
(i) Secretary of Homeland Security;
(j) Administrator, National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
(k) Director, National Science Foundation;
(l) Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
(m) Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency;
(n) Assistant to the President for Science and Technology;
(o) National Security Adviser;
(p) Assistant to the President for Economic Policy;
(q) Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy; and
(r) Such other officials of executive departments and agencies as the President may, from time to time, designate.
Sec. 3. Meetings of the Council. The President or, upon his direction, the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (“the Assistant”), may convene meetings of the Council. The President shall preside over the meetings of the Council, provided that in his absence the Vice President, and in his absence the Assistant, will preside.
Sec. 4. Functions. (a) The principal functions of the Council are, to the extent permitted by law: (1) to coordinate the science and technology policy-making process; (2) to ensure science and technology policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President’s stated goals; (3) to help integrate the President’s science and technology policy agenda across the Federal Government; (4) to ensure science and technology are considered in development and implementation of Federal policies and programs; and (5) to further international cooperation in science and technology. The Assistant may take such actions, including drafting a Charter, as may be necessary or appropriate to implement such functions.
(b) All executive departments and agencies, whether or not represented on the Council, shall coordinate science and technology policy through the Council and shall share information on research and development budget requests with the Council.
(c) The Council shall develop for submission to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget recommendations on research and development budgets that reflect national goals. In addition, the Council shall provide advice to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning the agencies’ research and development budget submissions.
(d) The Assistant will, when appropriate, work in conjunction with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Security Adviser.
Sec. 5. Administration. (a) The Council will oversee the duties of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology, the National Space Council, and the National Critical Materials Council.
(b) The Council may function through established or ad hoc committees, task forces, or interagency groups.
(c) To the extent practicable and permitted by law, executive departments and agencies shall make resources, including, but not limited to, personnel, office support, and printing, available to the Council as requested by the Assistant.
(d) All executive departments and agencies shall cooperate with the Council and provide such assistance, information, and advice to the Council as the Council may request, to the extent permitted by law.
Executive Order No. 12882
Ex. Ord. No. 12882, Nov. 23, 1993, 58 F.R. 62493, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12907, Apr. 14, 1994, 59 F.R. 18291, which established the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13226, § 4(c), Sept. 30, 2001, 66 F.R. 50524, formerly set out below.
Executive Order No. 12975
Ex. Ord. No. 12975, Oct. 3, 1995, 60 F.R. 52063, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13018, Sept. 16, 1996, 61 F.R. 49045; Ex. Ord. No. 13046, May 16, 1997, 62 F.R. 27685; Ex. Ord. No. 13137, Sept. 15, 1999, 64 F.R. 50733, which provided for the protection of human research subjects and created the National Bioethics Advisory Commission, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13316, § 3(b), Sept. 17, 2003, 68 F.R. 55256, eff. Sept. 30, 2003.
Executive Order No. 13226
Ex. Ord. No. 13226, Sept. 30, 2001, 66 F.R. 50523, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13305, May 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 32323; Ex. Ord. No. 13349, July 23, 2004, 69 F.R. 44891; Ex. Ord. No. 13385, § 8, Sept. 29, 2005, 70 F.R. 57991, which established the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13539, § 6, Apr. 21, 2010, 75 F.R. 21975, set out below.
Extension of Term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology extended until Sept. 30, 2011, by Ex. Ord. No. 13511, Sept. 29, 2009, 74 F.R. 50909, formerly set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Previous extensions of term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology were contained in the following prior Executive Orders:
Ex. Ord. No. 13446, Sept. 28, 2007, 72 F.R. 56175, extended term until Sept. 30, 2009.
Ex. Ord. No. 13385, Sept. 29, 2005, 70 F.R. 57989, extended term until Sept. 30, 2007.
Executive Order No. 13237
Ex. Ord. No. 13237, Nov. 28, 2001, 66 F.R. 59851, which created the President’s Council on Bioethics, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13521, § 6(a), Nov. 24, 2009, 74 F.R. 62672, set out below.
Extension of Term of President’s Council on Bioethics
Term of President’s Council on Bioethics extended until Sept. 30, 2009, by Ex. Ord. No. 13446, Sept. 28, 2007, 72 F.R. 56175, formerly set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Previous extensions of term of President’s Council on Bioethics were contained in the following prior Executive Orders:
Ex. Ord. No. 13385, Sept. 29, 2005, 70 F.R. 57989, extended term until Sept. 30, 2007.
Ex. Ord. No. 13316, Sept. 17, 2003, 68 F.R. 55255, extended term until Sept. 30, 2005.
Ex. Ord. No. 13521. Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Ex. Ord. No. 13521, Nov. 24, 2009, 74 F.R. 62671, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment. There is established within the Department of Health and Human Services the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues (Commission).
Sec. 2. Mission.
(a) The Commission shall advise the President on bioethical issues that may emerge as a consequence of advances in biomedicine and related areas of science and technology. The Commission shall pursue its work with the goal of identifying and promoting policies and practices that ensure scientific research, healthcare delivery, and technological innovation are conducted in an ethically responsible manner. To achieve this goal, the Commission shall:
(i) identify and examine specific bioethical, legal, and social issues related to the potential impacts of advances in biomedical and behavioral research, healthcare delivery, or other areas of science and technology;
(ii) recommend any legal, regulatory, or policy actions it deems appropriate to address these issues; and
(iii) critically examine diverse perspectives and explore possibilities for useful international collaboration on these issues.
(b) In support of its mission, the Commission may examine issues linked to specific technologies, including but not limited to the creation of stem cells by novel means; intellectual property issues involving genetic sequencing, biomarkers, and other screening tests used for risk assessment; and the application of neuro- and robotic sciences. It may also examine broader issues not linked to specific technologies, including but not limited to the protection of human research participants; scientific integrity and conflicts of interest in research; and the intersection of science and human rights.
(c) The Commission shall not be responsible for the review and approval of specific projects.
(d) The Commission may accept suggestions of issues for consideration from executive departments and agencies and the public as it deems appropriate in support of its mission.
(e) In establishing priorities for its activities, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the significance of particular issues; the need for legal, regulatory, and policy guidance with respect to such issues; the connection of the issues to the goal of Federal advancement of science and technology; and the availability of other appropriate entities or fora for deliberating on the issues.
(f) The Commission is authorized to conduct original empirical and conceptual research, commission papers and studies, hold hearings, and establish committees and subcommittees, as necessary. The Commission is authorized to develop reports or other materials.
Sec. 3. Membership.
(a) The Commission shall be an expert panel composed of not more than 13 members appointed by the President, drawn from the fields of bioethics, science, medicine, technology, engineering, law, philosophy, theology, or other areas of the humanities or social sciences, at least one and not more than three of whom may be bioethicists or scientists drawn from the executive branch, as designated by the President.
(b) The President shall designate a Chair and Vice Chair from among the members of the Commission. The Chair shall convene and preside at meetings of the Commission, determine its agenda, and direct its work. The Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence or disability of the Chair and shall perform such other functions as the Chair may from time to time assign.
(c) Members shall serve for a term of 2 years and shall be eligible for reappointment. Members may continue to serve after the expiration of their terms until the appointment of a successor.
Sec. 4. Administration.
(a) The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide funding and administrative support for the Commission to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations.
(b) All executive departments and agencies and all entities within the Executive Office of the President shall provide information and assistance to the Commission as the Chair may request for purposes of carrying out the Commission’s functions, to the extent permitted by law.
(c) The Commission shall have a staff headed by an Executive Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair.
(d) Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707), consistent with the availability of funds.
Sec. 5. Termination. The Commission shall terminate 2 years after the date of this order unless extended by the President.
Sec. 6. General Provisions.
(a) This order supersedes Executive Order 13237 of November 28, 2001.
(b) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), may apply to the Commission, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in accordance with the guidelines that have been issued by the Administrator of General Services.
(c) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(d) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(e) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Extension of Term of Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Term of Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues extended until Sept. 30, 2017, by Ex. Ord. No. 13708, Sept. 30, 2015, 80 F.R. 60271, set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Previous extensions of term of Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues were contained in the following prior Executive Orders:
Ex. Ord. No. 13652, Sept. 30, 2013, 78 F.R. 61817, extended term until Sept. 30, 2015.
Ex. Ord. No. 13591, Nov. 23, 2011, 76 F.R. 74623, extended term until Sept. 30, 2013.
Ex. Ord. No. 13539. President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Ex. Ord. No. 13539, Apr. 21, 2010, 75 F.R. 21973, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13596, § 2, Dec. 19, 2011, 76 F.R. 80725, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to establish an advisory council on science, technology, and innovation, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Establishment. The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is hereby established. The PCAST shall be composed of not more than 21 members, one of whom shall be the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (the “Science Advisor”), and 20 of whom shall include distinguished individuals and representatives from sectors outside of the Federal Government appointed by the President. These nonfederal members shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in science, technology, and innovation. The Science Advisor shall serve as a Co-Chair of the PCAST. The President shall also designate at least one, but not more than two, of the nonfederal members to serve as a Co-Chair of the PCAST with the Science Advisor.
Sec. 2. Functions. (a) The PCAST shall advise the President, directly at its meetings with the President and also through the Science Advisor, on matters involving science, technology, and innovation policy. This advice shall include, but not be limited to, policy that affects science, technology, and innovation, as well as scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, energy, environment, public health, national and homeland security, and other topics. The PCAST shall meet regularly and shall:
(i) respond to requests from the President or the Science Advisor for information, analysis, evaluation, or advice;
(ii) solicit information and ideas from the broad range of stakeholders, including but not limited to the research community, the private sector, universities, national laboratories, State and local governments, foundations, and nonprofit organizations;
(iii) serve as the advisory committee identified in subsections 101(b) and [former] 103(b) of the High[-]Performance Computing Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–194), as amended (15 U.S.C. 5511(b) and [former 15 U.S.C.] 5513(b)). In performing the functions of such advisory committee, the PCAST shall be known as the President’s Innovation and Technology Advisory Committee; and
(iv) serve as the advisory panel identified in section 4 of the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (15 U.S.C. 7503) (21st Century Act). In performing the functions of such advisory committee, the PCAST shall be known as the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel. Nothing in this order shall be construed to require the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel to comply with any requirement from which it is exempted by section 4(f) of the 21st Century Act.
(b) The PCAST shall provide advice from the nonfederal sector to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) in response to requests from the NSTC.
Sec. 3. Administration. (a) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide the PCAST with information concerning scientific and technological matters when requested by the PCAST Co-Chairs and as required for the purpose of carrying out the PCAST’s functions.
(b) In consultation with the Science Advisor, the PCAST is authorized to create standing subcommittees and ad hoc groups, including, but not limited to, technical advisory groups to assist the PCAST and provide preliminary information directly to the PCAST.
(c) So that the PCAST may provide advice and analysis regarding classified matters, the Science Advisor may request that members of the PCAST, its standing subcommittees, or ad hoc groups who do not hold a current clearance for access to classified information, receive security clearance and access determinations pursuant to Executive Order 12968 of August 2, 1995, as amended, or any successor order.
(d) The Department of Energy shall provide such funding and administrative and technical support as the PCAST may require.
(e) Members of the PCAST shall serve without any compensation for their work on the PCAST, but may receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for persons serving intermittently in the government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).
Sec. 4. Termination. The PCAST shall terminate 2 years from the date of this order unless extended by the President.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (FACA), may apply to the PCAST, any functions of the President under the FACA, except that of reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary of Energy in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) authority granted by law to a department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Sec. 6. Revocation. Executive Order 13226 of September 30, 2001, as amended, is hereby revoked.
Extension of Term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology extended until Sept. 30, 2019, by Ex. Ord. No. 13811, Sept. 29, 2017, 82 F.R. 46363, set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Previous extensions of term of President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology were contained in the following prior Executive Orders:
Ex. Ord. No. 13708, Sept. 30, 2015, 80 F.R. 60271, extended term until Sept. 30, 2017.
Ex. Ord. No. 13652, Sept. 30, 2013, 78 F.R. 61817, extended term until Sept. 30, 2015.
Ex. Ord. No. 13591, Nov. 23, 2011, 76 F.R. 74623, extended term until Sept. 30, 2013.
Strengthened Protections for Human Subjects of Classified Research
Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 27, 1997, 62 F.R. 26369, provided:
Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director of Central Intelligence, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Chair of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, [and] the Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
I have worked hard to restore trust and ensure openness in government. This memorandum will further our progress toward these goals by strengthening the Federal Government’s protections for human subjects of classified research.
In January 1994, I established the Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments (the “Advisory Committee”) to examine reports that the government had funded and conducted unethical human radiation experiments during the Cold War [see Ex. Ord. No. 12891, set out as a note under section 2210 of this title]. I directed the Advisory Committee to uncover the truth, recommend steps to right past wrongs, and propose ways to prevent unethical human subjects research from occurring in the future. In its October 1995 final report, the Advisory Committee recommended, among other things, that the government modify its policy governing classified research on human subjects (“Recommendations for Balancing National Security Interests and the Rights of the Public,” Recommendation 15, Final Report, Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments). This memorandum sets forth policy changes in response to those recommendations.
The Advisory Committee acknowledged that it is in the Nation’s interest to continue to allow the government to conduct classified research involving human subjects where such research serves important national security interests. The Advisory Committee found, however, that classified human subjects research should be a “rare event” and that the “subjects of such research, as well as the interests of the public in openness in science and in government, deserve special protections.” The Advisory Committee was concerned about “exceptions to informed consent requirements and the absence of any special review and approval process for human research that is to be classified.” The Advisory Committee recommended that in all classified research projects the agency conducting or sponsoring the research meet the following requirements:
—obtain informed consent from all human subjects;
—inform subjects of the identity of the sponsoring agency;
—inform subjects that the project involves classified research;
—obtain approval by an “independent panel of nongovernmental experts and citizen representatives, all with the necessary security clearances” that reviews scientific merit, risk-benefit tradeoffs, and ensures subjects have enough information to make informed decisions to give valid consent; and
—maintain permanent records of the panel’s deliberations and consent procedures.
This memorandum implements these recommendations with some modifications. For classified research, it prohibits waiver of informed consent and requires researchers to disclose that the project is classified. For all but minimal risk studies, it requires researchers to inform subjects of the sponsoring agency. It also requires permanent recordkeeping.
The memorandum also responds to the Advisory Committee’s call for a special review process for classified human subjects research. It requires that institutional review boards for secret projects include a nongovernmental member, and establishes an appeals process so that any member of a review board who believes a project should not go forward can appeal the boards’ decision to approve it.
Finally, this memorandum sets forth additional steps to ensure that classified human research is rare. It requires the heads of Federal agencies to disclose annually the number of secret human research projects undertaken by their agency. It also prohibits any agency from conducting secret human research without first promulgating a final rule applying the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects, as modified in this memorandum, to the agency.
These steps, set forth in detail below, will preserve the government’s ability to conduct any necessary classified research involving human subjects while ensuring adequate protection of research participants.
1. Modifications to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects as it Affects Classified Research. All agencies that may conduct or support classified research that is subject to the 1991 Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (“Common Rule”) (56 Fed. Reg. 28010–28018) shall promptly jointly publish in the Federal Register the following proposed revisions to the Common Rule as it affects classified research. The Office for Protection from Research Risks in the Department of Health and Human Services shall be the lead agency and, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, shall coordinate the joint rulemaking.
(a) The agencies shall jointly propose to prohibit waiver of informed consent for classified research.
(b) The agencies shall jointly propose to prohibit the use of expedited review procedures under the Common Rule for classified research.
(c) The joint proposal should request comment on whether all research exemptions under the Common Rule should be maintained for classified research.
(d) The agencies shall jointly propose to require that in classified research involving human subjects, two additional elements of information be provided to potential subjects when consent is sought from subjects:
(i) the identity of the sponsoring Federal agency. Exceptions are allowed if the head of the sponsoring agency determines that providing this information could compromise intelligence sources or methods and that the research involves no more than minimal risk to subjects. The determination about sources and methods is to be made in consultation with the Director of Central Intelligence and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. The determination about risk is to be made in consultation with the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(ii) a statement that the project is “classified” and an explanation of what classified means.
(e) The agencies shall jointly propose to modify the institutional review board (“IRB”) approval process for classified human subjects research as follows:
(i) The Common Rule currently requires that each IRB “include at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution.” For classified research, the agencies shall define “not otherwise affiliated with the institution,” as a nongovernmental member with the appropriate security clearance.
(ii) Under the Common Rule, research projects are approved by the IRB if a “majority of those (IRB) members present at a meeting” approved the project. For classified research, the agencies shall propose to permit any member of the IRB who does not believe a specific project should be approved by the IRB to appeal a majority decision to approve the project to the head of the sponsoring agency. If the agency head affirms the IRB’s decision to approve the project, the dissenting IRB member may appeal the IRB’s decisions to the Director of OSTP. The Director of OSTP shall review the IRB’s decision and approve or disapprove the project, or, at the Director’s discretion, convene an IRB made up of nongovernmental officials, each with the appropriate security clearances, to approve or disapprove the project.
(iii) IRBs for classified research shall determine whether potential subjects need access to classified information to make a valid informed consent decision.
2. Final Rules. Agencies shall, within 1 year, after considering any comments, promulgate final rules on the protection of human subjects of classified research.
3. Agency Head Approval of Classified Research Projects. Agencies may not conduct any classified human research project subject to the Common Rule unless the agency head has personally approved the specific project.
4. Annual Public Disclosure of the Number of Classified Research Projects. Each agency head shall inform the Director of OSTP by September 30 of each year of the number of classified research projects involving human subjects underway on that date, the number completed in the previous 12-month period, and the number of human subjects in each project. The Director of OSTP shall report the total number of classified research projects and participating subjects to the President and shall then report to the congressional armed services and intelligence committees and further shall publish the numbers in the Federal Register.
5. Definitions. For purposes of this memorandum, the terms “research” and “human subject” shall have the meaning set forth in the Common Rule. “Classified human research” means research involving “classified information” as defined in [former] Executive Order 12958.
6. No Classified Human Research Without Common Rule. Beginning one year after the date of this memorandum, no agency shall conduct or support classified human research without having proposed and promulgated the Common Rule, including the changes set forth in this memorandum and any subsequent amendments.
7. Judicial Review. This memorandum is not intended to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any other persons.
8. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.