Networking and Information Technology bill

Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Act - Amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 to authorize appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 for research and development activities of the following departments and agencies in connection with the High-Performance Computing Program (establishing goals and priorities for, and engaging in, Federal high-performance computing research, development, networking, and related activities): (1) the National Science Foundation (NSF); (2) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (3) the Department of Energy (DOE); (4) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (5) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (6) the Environmental Protection Agency.

Directs the National Institutes of Health to conduct research toward the advancement and dissemination of computational techniques and software tools in support of its mission of biomedical and behavioral research. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2004 to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the NSF, and DOE for such activities.

Earmarks specified amounts of such authorized funds for: (1) long-term basic research on networking and information technology, including grants for information technology research centers; and (2) grants for the development of major research equipment. Authorizes federally funded research and development centers to apply for and be awarded such latter grants.

Directs NSF to provide grants under the Scientific and Advanced Technology Act of 1992 for information technology education and training grants and internship grants. Requires matching funds. Earmarks funds for such grants for FY 2000 through 2004.

Directs NSF to establish a research program to develop, demonstrate, assess, and disseminate effective applications of information and computer technologies for elementary and secondary education. Earmarks funds for such grants for FY 2000 through 2004.

Authorizes the United States Geological Survey to participate in or support such networking and information technology research and development.

Authorizes NSF to enter into an arrangement for the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study of privacy on the Internet. Requires NSF to report to Congress on Council findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Authorizes appropriations for: (1) such study; and (2) FY 2001 and 2002 for support by such departments and agencies of the Next Generation Internet Program (research, development, and demonstration of advanced networking technologies to increase Internet capabilities and performance).

Requires a previously-established advisory committee on high-performance computing to: (1) conduct periodic evaluations of high-performance computing and networking and information technology research and development programs; and (2) report at least once every two fiscal years to specified congressional committees on its findings and recommendations.

Directs NSF to study and report to Congress comparing the availability of encryption technologies in foreign countries to such technologies subject to export restrictions in the United States.

Requires the NSF Director to conduct a study of, and report to Congress on: (1) high-speed, large bandwidth capacity computer access to all U.S. public elementary and secondary schools and libraries; and (2) accessibility to information technologies by individuals who are elderly, disabled, or elderly and disabled.

Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on the effects of this Act on lower income families, minorities, and women.

Prohibits funds appropriated pursuant to this Act from being expended by an entity unless it agrees to comply with the Buy American Act. Expresses the sense of Congress that, in the case of equipment and products purchased by such entities with such financial assistance, such entities should purchase only American-made equipment and products.