Congress backs labs' high-tech partnerships

Congress on Tuesday sent a bill to the President that would increase partnerships with federal laboratories by reforming the technology licensing of government-owned inventions.

The Technology Transfer Commercialization Act, H.R. 209, was introduced by House Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Connie Morella, R-Md., who is in a close reelection bid. According to Morella's office, Clinton has indicated support for the legislation.

"Through technology transfer, our federal laboratories can share the benefits of our national science investment with all Americans while also enhancing our international competitiveness," Morella said in a statement.

Federal Laboratory Consortium Chair Dan Brand hailed the legislation, stating that it "will help realize even faster contributions from information technology, biotechnology and other R&D from our federal labs."

There are more than 700 government laboratories in the United States, including a number in Morella's district, which together employ one in six scientists in the nation, the statement said.