42 U.S.C. § 1885a — Women in science and engineering; sup-

Page 5172 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 1885a entific and engineering fields, and thereby to promote scientific and engineering literacy and the full use of the human resources of the Na- tion in science and engineering. To this end, the Congress declares that the highest quality science and engineering over the long-term re- quires substantial support, from currently avail- able research and educational funds, for in- creased participation in science and engineering by women, minorities, and persons with disabil- ities. The Congress further declares that the im- pact on women, minorities, and persons with disabilities which is produced by advances in science and engineering must be included as es- sential factors in national and international science, engineering, and economic policies. (Pub. L. 96–516, § 32, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3010; Pub. L. 99–159, title I, § 111(b)(2)–(5), Nov. 22, 1985, 99 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 107–368, § 16, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3059.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Section was enacted as part of the Science and Engi- neering Equal Opportunities Act, and not as part of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 which com- prises this chapter. AMENDMENTS 2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–368, § 16(1), substituted ‘‘backgrounds, including persons with disabilities’’ for ‘‘backgrounds’’. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–368, § 16(2), inserted ‘‘, including persons with disabilities,’’ after ‘‘back- grounds’’ and substituted ‘‘, minorities, and persons with disabilities’’ for ‘‘and minorities’’ in two places. 1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(2), sub- stituted ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘technology’’ and ‘‘sci- entific and engineering talents and skills’’ for ‘‘sci- entific talent and technical skills’’. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(3)–(5), inserted ‘‘, engineering,’’ after ‘‘skills in science’’, substituted ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘technical’’, ‘‘scientific and engi- neering literacy’’ for ‘‘scientific literacy’’, and ‘‘engi- neering’’ for ‘‘technology’’ wherever appearing, and in- serted ‘‘and engineering’’ after ‘‘highest quality science’’. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries SHORT TITLE For short title of sections 31 et seq. of Pub. L. 96–516 as the ‘‘Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act’’, see section 31 of Pub. L. 96–516, as amended, set out as a Short Title of 1980 Amendment note under sec- tion 1861 of this title. SEVERABILITY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES ACT Pub. L. 96–516, § 38, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3014, provided that: ‘‘If a provision of this Act [enacting sections 1885 to 1885d of this title and provisions set out as notes under sections 1861 and 1885 of this title] is held invalid, the validity of the other provisions of the Act shall not be affected. If an application of a provision of this Act to a person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the application of the provisions to another person or circumstance shall not be affected.’’ REPORTS TO CONGRESS CONCERNING NATIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT OF PROMOTION, ETC., OF EQUAL OP- PORTUNITY FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND IMPACTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON WOMEN AND MINORITIES Pub. L. 96–516, § 35, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3012, directed President, with assistance of Director of Office of Science and Technology Policy and Director of Founda- tion, to prepare and transmit before Jan. 20, 1982, a re- port to Congress proposing a comprehensive national policy and program, including budgetary and legisla- tive recommendations, for promotion of equal oppor- tunity for women and minorities in science and tech- nology, and directed President, with assistance of Di- rector of Office of Science and Technology Policy, heads of appropriate executive departments, and Direc- tor of the Foundation to prepare and transmit before Jan. 1, 1983, a report to Congress proposing a com- prehensive policy, including budgetary and legislative recommendations, concerning direct and indirect im- pacts of science and technology on women and minori- ties. § 1885a. Women in science and engineering; sup- port of activities by Foundation for pro- motion, etc. The Foundation is authorized to— (1) support activities designed to— (A) increase the participation of women in courses of study at the undergraduate, grad- uate, and postgraduate levels leading to de- grees in scientific and engineering fields; (B) encourage women to consider and pre- pare for careers in science and engineering; or (C) provide traineeship and fellowship op- portunities for women in science and engi- neering; (2) support programs in science, engineering, and mathematics in elementary and secondary schools so as to stimulate the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and information by female students and to increase female student awareness of career opportunities requiring scientific and engineering skills; (3) support activities in continuing edu- cation in science and engineering which pro- vide opportunities for women who— (A) are in the work force, or (B) who are not in the work force because their careers have been interrupted, to acquire new knowledge, techniques, and skills in scientific and engineering fields; (4) undertake a comprehensive research pro- gram designed to increase public under- standing of (A) the potential contribution of women in science and engineering and (B) the means to facilitate the participation and ad- vancement of women in scientific and engi- neering careers; (5) establish a visiting women scientists and engineers program; (6) support activities designed to improve the availability and quality of public informa- tion concerning the importance of the partici- pation of women in careers in science and en- gineering; (7) support activities of museums and science centers which demonstrate potential to interest and involve women in science and engineering; (8) make grants, to be known as the National Research Opportunity Grants, to women sci- entists and engineers who (A) have received their doctorates within five years prior to the date of the award or (B) have received their doctorates, have had their careers interrupted, and are re-entering the work force within five years after such interruption; Page 5173 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 1885a (9) make grants to women eligible under paragraph (8) to assist such women in planning and developing a research project eligible for support under such paragraph; (10) provide support to individuals or aca- demic institutions for full-time or part-time visiting professorships for women in science and engineering; (11) support demonstration project activities of individuals, public agencies, and private en- tities designed to encourage the employment and advancement of women in science and en- gineering; and (12) encourage its entrepreneurial programs to recruit and support women to extend their focus beyond the laboratory and into the com- mercial world. (Pub. L. 96–516, § 33, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3011; Pub. L. 99–159, title I, § 111(b)(6), Nov. 22, 1985, 99 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 115–6, § 3, Feb. 28, 2017, 131 Stat. 11.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Section was enacted as part of the Science and Engi- neering Equal Opportunities Act, and not as part of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 which com- prises this chapter. AMENDMENTS 2017—Par. (12). Pub. L. 115–6 added par. (12). 1985—Par. (1). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(A), substituted ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘technology’’ and ‘‘technical’’ wher- ever appearing. Par. (2). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(A), (B), inserted ‘‘, engineering,’’ after ‘‘science’’, and substituted ‘‘en- gineering’’ for ‘‘technical’’. Par. (3). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(A), substituted ‘‘en- gineering fields’’ for ‘‘technical fields’’. Par. (4). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(A), substituted ‘‘en- gineering’’ for ‘‘technology’’ and ‘‘technical’’. Par. (5). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(C), inserted applica- bility to engineers. Pars. (6), (7). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(A), substituted ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘technology’’. Par. (8). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(C), inserted applica- bility to engineers. Par. (10). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(D), inserted appli- cability to engineering. Par. (11). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(6)(E), substituted ‘‘science and engineering’’ for ‘‘science, engineering, and technology’’. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries FINDINGS Pub. L. 115–6, § 2, Feb. 28, 2017, 131 Stat. 11, provided that: ‘‘The Congress finds that— ‘‘(1) women make up almost 50 percent of the work- force, but less than 25 percent of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions; ‘‘(2) women are less likely to focus on the STEM disciplines in undergraduate and graduate study; ‘‘(3) only 26 percent of women who do attain degrees in STEM fields work in STEM jobs; ‘‘(4) there is an increasing demand for individuals with STEM degrees to extend their focus beyond the laboratory so they can be leaders in discovery com- mercialization; ‘‘(5) studies have shown that technology and com- mercialization ventures are successful when women are in top management positions; and ‘‘(6) the National Science Foundation’s mission in- cludes supporting women in STEM disciplines.’’ COMMISSION ON THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN AND MI- NORITIES IN SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Pub. L. 105–255, Oct. 14, 1998, 112 Stat. 1889, provided that: ‘‘SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ‘‘This Act may be cited as the ‘Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, En- gineering, and Technology Development Act’. ‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS. ‘‘The Congress finds the following: ‘‘(1) According to the National Science Founda- tion’s 1996 report, Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering— ‘‘(A) women have historically been underrep- resented in scientific and engineering occupations, and although progress has been made over the last several decades, there is still room for improve- ment; ‘‘(B) female and minority students take fewer high-level mathematics and science courses in high school; ‘‘(C) female students earn fewer bachelors, mas- ters, and doctoral degrees in science and engineer- ing; ‘‘(D) among recent bachelors of science and bach- elors of engineering graduates, women are less like- ly to be in the labor force, to be employed full-time, and to be employed in their field than are men; ‘‘(E) among doctoral scientists and engineers, women are far more likely to be employed at 2-year institutions, are far less likely to be employed in research universities, and are much more likely to teach part-time; ‘‘(F) among university full-time faculty, women are less likely to chair departments or hold high- ranked positions; ‘‘(G) a substantial salary gap exists between men and women with doctorates in science and engineer- ing; ‘‘(H) Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans continue to be seriously underrepresented in grad- uate science and engineering programs; and ‘‘(I) Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans as a group are 23 percent of the population of the United States, but only 6 percent are scientists or engi- neers. ‘‘(2) According to the National Research Council’s 1995 report, Women Scientists and Engineers Em- ployed in Industry: Why So Few?— ‘‘(A) limited access is the first hurdle faced by women seeking industrial jobs in science and engi- neering, and while progress has been made in recent years, common recruitment and hiring practices that make extensive use of traditional networks often overlook the available pool of women; ‘‘(B) once on the job, many women find pater- nalism, sexual harassment, allegations of reverse discrimination, different standards for judging the work of men and women, lower salary relative to their male peers, inequitable job assignments, and other aspects of a male-oriented culture that are hostile to women; and ‘‘(C) women to a greater extent than men find limited opportunities for advancement, particu- larly for moving into management positions, and the number of women who have achieved the top levels in corporations is much lower than would be expected, based on the pipeline model. ‘‘(3) The establishment of a commission to examine issues raised by the findings of these two reports would help— ‘‘(A) to focus attention on the importance of eliminating artificial barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women and minori- Page 5174 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 1885a ties in the fields of science, engineering, and tech- nology, and in all employment sectors of the United States; ‘‘(B) to promote work force diversity; ‘‘(C) to sensitize employers to the need to recruit and retain women and minority scientists, engi- neers, and computer specialists; and ‘‘(D) to encourage the replication of successful re- cruitment and retention programs by universities, corporations, and Federal agencies having difficul- ties in employing women or minorities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology. ‘‘SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT. ‘‘There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology De- velopment’ (in this Act referred to as the ‘Commis- sion’). ‘‘SEC. 4. DUTY OF THE COMMISSION. ‘‘The Commission shall review available research, and, if determined necessary by the Commission, con- duct additional research to— ‘‘(1) identify the number of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in the United States in specific types of occupations in science, engineering, and technology development; ‘‘(2) examine the preparedness of women, minori- ties, and individuals with disabilities to— ‘‘(A) pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology development; and ‘‘(B) advance to positions of greater responsibility within academia, industry, and government; ‘‘(3) describe the practices and policies of employers and labor unions relating to the recruitment, reten- tion, and advancement of women, minorities, and in- dividuals with disabilities in the fields of science, en- gineering, and technology development; ‘‘(4) identify the opportunities for, and artificial barriers to, the recruitment, retention, and advance- ment of women, minorities, and individuals with dis- abilities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology development in academia, industry, and government; ‘‘(5) compile a synthesis of available research on lawful practices, policies, and programs that have successfully led to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in science, engineering, and tech- nology development; ‘‘(6) issue recommendations with respect to lawful policies that government (including Congress and ap- propriate Federal agencies), academia, and private industry can follow regarding the recruitment, reten- tion, and advancement of women, minorities, and in- dividuals with disabilities in science, engineering, and technology development; ‘‘(7) identify the disincentives for women, minori- ties, and individuals with disabilities to continue graduate education in the fields of engineering, phys- ics, and computer science; ‘‘(8) identify university undergraduate programs that are successful in retaining women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology development; ‘‘(9) identify the disincentives that lead to a dis- proportionate number of women, minorities, and indi- viduals with disabilities leaving the fields of science, engineering, and technology development before com- pleting their undergraduate education; ‘‘(10) assess the extent to which the recommenda- tions of the Task Force on Women, Minorities, and the Handicapped in Science and Technology estab- lished under section 8 of the National Science Foun- dation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 (Public Law 99–383; 42 U.S.C. 1885a note) have been imple- mented; ‘‘(11) compile a list of all federally funded reports on the subjects of encouraging women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities to enter the fields of science and engineering and retaining women, mi- norities, and individuals with disabilities in the science and engineering workforce that have been issued since the date that the Task Force described in paragraph (10) submitted its report to Congress; ‘‘(12) assess the extent to which the recommenda- tions contained in the reports described in paragraph (11) have been implemented; and ‘‘(13) evaluate the benefits of family-friendly poli- cies in order to assist recruiting, retaining, and ad- vancing women in the fields of science, engineering, and technology such as the benefits or disadvantages of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2001 et seq. [see Short Title note set out under section 2601 of Title 29, Labor, and Tables]). ‘‘SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP. ‘‘(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.—The Commission shall be composed of 11 members as follows: ‘‘(1) One member appointed by the President from among for-profit entities that hire individuals in the fields of engineering, science, or technology develop- ment. ‘‘(2) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from among such entities. ‘‘(3) One member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives from among such en- tities. ‘‘(4) Two members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate from among such entities. ‘‘(5) One member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate from among such entities. ‘‘(6) Two members appointed by the Chairman of the National Governors Association from among indi- viduals in education or academia in the fields of life science, physical science, or engineering. ‘‘(7) Two members appointed by the Vice Chairman of the National Governors Association from among such individuals. ‘‘(b) INITIAL APPOINTMENTS.—Initial appointments shall be made under subsection (a) not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 1998]. ‘‘(c) TERMS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. ‘‘(2) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original ap- pointment was made. ‘‘(d) PAY OF MEMBERS.—Members shall not be paid by reason of their service on the Commission. ‘‘(e) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsist- ence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code. ‘‘(f) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the Com- mission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. ‘‘(g) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the Commis- sion shall be elected by the members. ‘‘(h) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet not fewer than 5 times in connection with and pending the completion of the report described in section 8. The Commission shall hold additional meetings for such purpose if the Chairperson or a majority of the mem- bers of the Commission requests the additional meet- ings in writing. ‘‘(i) EMPLOYMENT STATUS.—Members of the Commis- sion shall not be deemed to be employees of the Federal Government by reason of their work on the Commis- sion except for the purposes of— ‘‘(1) the tort claims provisions of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code; and ‘‘(2) subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation for work inju- ries. ‘‘SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS. ‘‘(a) DIRECTOR.—The Commission shall appoint a Di- rector who shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the Page 5175 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 1885a maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under sec- tion 5376 of title 5, United States Code. ‘‘(b) STAFF.—The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel as the Commission con- siders appropriate. ‘‘(c) APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE LAWS.— The Director and staff of the Commission may be ap- pointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chap- ter 53 of that title relating to classification and Gen- eral Schedule pay rates, except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the max- imum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of title 5, United States Code. ‘‘(d) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals not to exceed the maximum an- nual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of title 5, United States Code. ‘‘(e) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request of the Commission, the Director of the National Science Foundation or the head of any other Federal depart- ment or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. ‘‘SEC. 7. POWERS OF COMMISSION. ‘‘(a) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS.—The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and re- ceive evidence as the Commission considers appro- priate. The Commission may administer oaths or affir- mations to witnesses appearing before it. ‘‘(b) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.—Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. ‘‘(c) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.—The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission. ‘‘(d) MAILS.—The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. ‘‘(e) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.—Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of Gen- eral Services shall provide to the Commission, on a re- imbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its respon- sibilities under this Act. ‘‘(f) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—To the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Commission may contract with and compensate Government and private agencies or persons for the purpose of conducting re- search or surveys necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act. ‘‘SEC. 8. REPORT. ‘‘Not later than 1 year after the date on which the initial appointments under section 5(a) are completed, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Con- gress, and the highest executive official of each State, a written report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Commission resulting from the study conducted under section 4. ‘‘SEC. 9. CONSTRUCTION; USE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this Act shall be con- strued to require any non-Federal entity (such as a business, college or university, foundation, or research organization) to provide information to the Commis- sion concerning such entity’s personnel policies, in- cluding salaries and benefits, promotion criteria, and affirmative action plans. ‘‘(b) USE OF INFORMATION OBTAINED.—No information obtained from any entity by the Commission may be used in connection with any employment related litiga- tion. ‘‘SEC. 10. TERMINATION; ACCESS TO INFORMA- TION. ‘‘(a) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall terminate 30 days after submitting the report required by section 8. ‘‘(b) ACCESS TO INFORMATION.—On or before the date of the termination of the Commission under subsection (a), the Commission shall provide to the National Science Foundation the information gathered by the Commission in the process of carrying out its duties under this Act. The National Science Foundation shall act as a central repository for such information and shall make such information available to the public, including making such information available through the Internet. ‘‘SEC. 11. REVIEW OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AND OTHER AGENCIES. ‘‘(a) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—At the request of the Commission, the National Science Foundation and any other Federal department or agency shall provide to the Commission any information determined nec- essary by the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act, including— ‘‘(1) data on academic degrees awarded to women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in science, engineering, and technology development, and workforce representation and the retention of women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology development; and ‘‘(2) information gathered by the National Science Foundation in the process of compiling its biennial report on Women, Minorities, and Persons with Dis- abilities in Science and Engineering. ‘‘(b) REVIEW OF INFORMATION.—The Commission shall review any information provided under subsection (a) and shall include in the report required under section 8— ‘‘(1) recommendations on how to correct any defi- ciencies in the collection of the types of information described in that subsection, and in the analysis of such data, which might impede the characterization of the factors which affect the attraction and reten- tion of women, minorities, and individuals with dis- abilities in the fields of science, engineering, and technology development; and ‘‘(2) an assessment of the biennial report of the Na- tional Science Foundation on Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engi- neering, and recommendations on how that report could be improved. ‘‘SEC. 12. DEFINITION OF STATE. ‘‘In this Act, the term ‘State’ includes the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar- iana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Is- lands, and any other territory or possession of the United States. ‘‘SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ‘‘There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act— ‘‘(1) $400,000 for fiscal year 1999; and ‘‘(2) $400,000 for fiscal year 2000.’’ TASK FORCE ON WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND THE HANDICAPPED IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Pub. L. 99–383, § 8, Aug. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 815, provided that: ‘‘(a) It is the purpose of this section to establish a task force on women, minorities, and the handicapped in science and technology to— ‘‘(1) examine the current status of women, minori- ties, and the handicapped in science and engineering Page 5176 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 1885b positions in the Federal Government and in federally assisted research programs; ‘‘(2) coordinate existing Federal programs designed to promote the employment of women, minorities, and the handicapped in such positions; ‘‘(3) suggest cooperative interagency programs for promoting such employment; ‘‘(4) identify exemplary State, local, or private sec- tor programs designed to promote such employment; and ‘‘(5) develop a long-range plan to advance opportu- nities for women, minorities, and the handicapped in Federal scientific and technical positions in federally assisted research, and to coordinate the activities of participating agencies with the Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering established by section 36 of the National Science Foundation Au- thorization and Science and Technology Equal Oppor- tunities Act [now the National Science Foundation Authorization and Science and Engineering Equal Op- portunities Act] (42 U.S.C. 1885c), after the termi- nation of the task force established by this section. ‘‘(b) For purposes of this section, the term ‘partici- pating agency’ means— ‘‘(1) the National Science Foundation; ‘‘(2) the Department of Health and Human Services; ‘‘(3) the National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- tration; ‘‘(4) the Environmental Protection Agency; ‘‘(5) the Department of Agriculture; ‘‘(6) the Department of Defense; ‘‘(7) the Department of Education; ‘‘(8) the Department of Energy; ‘‘(9) the Department of Commerce; and ‘‘(10) the Department of the Interior. ‘‘(c)(1) The task force on women, minorities, and the handicapped in science and technology shall be com- posed of individuals appointed by participating agen- cies pursuant to this subsection. ‘‘(2) The head of each participating agency shall ap- point two individuals to serve as members of the task force. If an appointed member is unable to serve for the duration of the task force, the head of the participating agency who appointed that member shall appoint an- other individual to fill the vacancy. ‘‘(3) Task force members may be appointed from pri- vate business, academia, professional associations, or nonprofit foundations. ‘‘(d) The task force shall prepare and submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and the head of each participating agency not later than December 31, 1989. ‘‘(e) The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall call the first meeting of the task force not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 21, 1986], shall ensure that each participating agency has appointed two members, and shall assist the task force to meet its objectives. ‘‘(f)(1) Members of the task force not otherwise em- ployed by the Federal Government shall be reimbursed for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses incurred by them in carrying out the duties of the task force. ‘‘(2) The Director of the National Science Foundation shall make provision for administrative support of the task force, and may enter into agreements with the heads of other participating agencies to facilitate the work of the task force. ‘‘(g) The task force shall terminate on January 31, 1990.’’ § 1885b. Participation in science and engineering of minorities and persons with disabilities (a) The Foundation is authorized (1) to under- take or support a comprehensive science and en- gineering education program to increase the participation of minorities in science and engi- neering, and (2) to support activities to initiate research at minority institutions. (b) The Foundation is authorized to undertake or support programs and activities to encourage the participation of persons with disabilities in the science and engineering professions. (Pub. L. 96–516, § 34, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 3012; Pub. L. 99–159, title I, § 111(b)(7), Nov. 22, 1985, 99 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 105–207, title II, § 202(d)(1), July 29, 1998, 112 Stat. 874.) Editorial Notes CODIFICATION Section was enacted as part of the Science and Engi- neering Equal Opportunities Act, and not as part of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 which com- prises this chapter. AMENDMENTS 1998—Pub. L. 105–207, § 202(d)(1)(A), substituted sec- tion catchline for former section catchline. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–207, § 202(d)(1)(B), added sub- sec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b), which read as follows: ‘‘By September 30, 1981, the Director, with the advice and assistance of the Committee on Equal Op- portunities in Science and Technology established in section 1885c of this title, shall prepare and transmit to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology of the House of Representatives a report proposing a comprehensive and continuing program at the Founda- tion to promote the full participation of minorities in science and engineering. Such report shall contain budgetary and legislative recommendations for the car- rying out of such program by the Foundation.’’ 1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(7), sub- stituted ‘‘science and engineering education’’ for ‘‘science education’’ and ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘tech- nology’’. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–159, § 111(b)(7)(B), substituted ‘‘engineering’’ for ‘‘technology’’. § 1885c. Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (a) Establishment; purposes There is established within the Foundation a Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Committee’’). The Committee shall provide ad- vice to the Foundation concerning (1) the imple- mentation of the provisions of sections 1885 to 1885d of this title and (2) other policies and ac- tivities of the Foundation to encourage full par- ticipation of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in scientific, engineering, and professional fields. (b) Membership; Chairperson; term of members Each member of the Committee shall be ap- pointed by the Director. In addition, the Chair- man of the National Science Board may des- ignate a member of the Board as a member of the Committee. Members of the Committee shall be appointed to serve for a three-year term, and may be reappointed to serve one addi- tional term of three years. (c) Responsibilities of Committee The Committee shall be responsible for re- viewing and evaluating all Foundation matters relating to opportunities for the participation in, and the advancement of, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in education, train- ing, and science and engineering research pro- grams.