S.Amdt. 4595

SA 4595. Mr. LAUTENBERG submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2881, to amend title 49, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2008 through 2011, to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

At the appropriate place, insert the following:

SEC. ------. NEXTGEN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF EXCELLENCE.

(a) Establishment.--Of the amount appropriated under section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall use such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2011 to contribute to the establishment of a center of excellence for the research and development of Next Generation Air Transportation System technologies.

(b) Functions.--The center established under subsection (a) shall--

(1) leverage the centers of excellence program of the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as other resources and partnerships, to enhance the development of Next Generation Air Transportation System technologies within academia and industry; and

(2) provide educational, technical, and analytical assistance to the Federal Aviation Administration and other Federal agencies with responsibilities to research and develop Next Generation Air Transportation System technologies.