To establish a subcommittee to coordinate and facilitate United States leadership in high-energy physics.

SA 3239. Mr. THUNE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to
amendment SA 2953 proposed by Ms. Murkowski to the bill S. 2012, to
provide for the modernization of the energy policy of the United
States, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table;
as follows:

At the end of subtitle C of title IV, add the following:

SEC. 42__. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
COORDINATING SUBCOMMITTEE FOR HIGH-ENERGY
PHYSICS.

(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Science and Technology
Council shall establish a subcommittee to coordinate Federal
efforts relating to high-energy physics research (referred to
in this section as the ``subcommittee'').
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the subcommittee are--
(1) to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of United
States investment in high-energy physics; and
(2) to support a robust, internationally competitive United
States high-energy physics program that includes--
(A) underground science and engineering research; and
(B) physical infrastructure.
(c) Co-chairs.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation and the Secretary shall serve as co-chairs of the
subcommittee.
(d) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the
subcommittee shall be--
(1) to provide recommendations on planning for construction
and stewardship of large facilities participating in high-
energy physics;
(2) to provide recommendations on research coordination and
collaboration among the programs and activities of Federal
agencies;
(3) to establish goals and priorities for high-energy
physics, underground science, and research and development
that will strengthen United States competitiveness in high-
energy physics;
(4) to propose methods for engagement with international,
Federal, and State agencies and Federal laboratories not
represented on the subcommittee to identify and reduce
regulatory, logistical, and fiscal barriers that inhibit
United States leadership in high-energy physics and related
underground science; and
(5) to develop, and update once every 5 years, a strategic
plan to guide Federal programs and activities in support of
high-energy physics research.
(e) Annual Report.--Annually, the subcommittee shall update
Congress regarding--
(1) efforts taken in support of the strategic plan
described in subsection (d)(5);
(2) an evaluation of the needs for maintaining United
States leadership in high-energy physics; and
(3) identification of priorities in the area of high-energy
physics.
(f) Sunset.--The subcommittee shall terminate on the date
that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
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