National Institute of Standards and Technology Out Of Bounds

E-Mail to Congress:

Congress established the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) in 1901. Its function was to establish and maintain standards of measurement for science and industry. For example, define a kilogram and maintain an unchanging example for reference.

The name was changed to National Institute of Standards & Technology in 1988. Its function has been redesigned, although it is not clear by whom. Perhaps the people who run the operation. The latest director, Patrick Gallagher, is further redefining the role of the organization. Gallagher is on board to develop a program established in 1990 called the Advance Technology Program or ATP. Its function is said to help companies bridge the gap between research and product development, so that they may better compete internationally.

While this is a laudable aspiration of the Department of Commerce, under which NIST operates, it is far from the NBS original charter. It is also said that there is a new stream of funds coming to the agency in recognition of its importance to US economic competitiveness. Obviously, Congress applies these funds.

It is my opinion that private industry based on science and technology needs no help from the government and certainly no substantial contribution of funds from taxpayers. Private industry needs to be left alone with a minimum of restraints in order to take risks in developing competitive products on the basis of the opportunity for profit. Government regulation should be held only to those areas where there is risk of physical and economic (antitrust) danger to the public.

May I respectfully suggested we get our house in order. It should be properly organized. The Department of Commerce should be seeing that we as a nation should be operating on a level playing field with other countries. We should not as a country be promoting private industry and its products.

Government representatives are periodically asking the voting public where spending might be cut. Here is one strong qualifier.