Next Generation Internet Research Act of 1998 - A bill to amend
the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations
for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 for the Next Generation Internet program,
to require the Advisory Committee on High-Performance Computing and
Communications, Information Technology, and the Next Generation Internet
to monitor and give advice concerning the development and implementation
of the Next Generation Internet program and report to the President
and the Congress on its activities, and for other purposes.
Declares the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) authorize research
programs related to high-end computing and computation, human-centered
systems, high confidence systems, and education, training, and human
resources; and (2) provide for the development and coordination of
a comprehensive and integrated U.S. research program which will focus
on a computer network infrastructure that promotes interoperability
among advanced Federal computer networks, high-speed data access that
is economical and that does not impose a geographic penalty, and flexible
and extensible networking technology. Amends the High-Performance
Computing Act of 1991 to include among its purposes: (1) promoting
the more rapid development and wider distribution of networking management
and development tools; and (2) promoting the rapid adoption of open
network standards.
Directs that the National High-Performance Computing Program provide
for: (1) the development of technologies to advance Internet capacity
and capabilities; and (2) high-performance testbed networks to enable
the research, development, and demonstration of advanced networking
technologies and to develop and demonstrate advanced applications.
Authorizes the National Science Foundation, the Departments of Energy,
the National Institutes of Health, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(the supporting agencies) to support the Next Generation Internet
Program (Program). Includes among Program objectives: (1) increasing
Internet capabilities and improving Internet performance; (2) developing
an advanced testbed network connecting research sites; and (3) developing
advanced Internet applications that meet national goals and agency
mission needs.
Directs the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee
to assess the extent to which: (1) the Program carries out the purposes
of this Act and addresses concerns relating to geographic penalties
(costs imposed on Internet users in rural or other locations that
are greater than those imposed on users in large population areas
or areas closer to network facilities), technology transfer to and
from the private sector, and the adequacy of Internet access by historically
Black colleges and universities, Hispanic serving institutions, and
small colleges and universities; (2) the roles of Federal departments
and agencies involved in implementing the Program are clear, complementary,
and non-duplicative; and (3) Federal support in fundamental research
in computing is sufficient to maintain U.S. leadership in the field.
Requires the Advisory Committee to assess Program implementation and
report on its findings and recommendations at least annually to the
President and specified congressional committees.
Authorizes appropriations to the supporting agencies for FY 1999 and
2000 for the Program.
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to request the National Research
Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive
study specified matters relating to the short and long term effects
on trademark rights of adding new generic top-level domains and related
dispute resolution procedures, including: (1) trademark rights clearance
processes for domain names; (2) domain name trademark rights dispute
resolution; (3) infringement liability for registrars or technical
management bodies; and (4) technical and policy options for Internet
addressing schemes. Requires: (1) an interim and final report from
the Council to the Secretary; and (2) the submission of such reports
to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations for
the study.
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