Foster Science Diplomacy Legislation Passes House

Washington, DC — Tonight, as part of the PARTNER Act, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Strengthening Science Through Diplomacy Act, originally introduced by Reps. Bill Foster, Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). This legislation would extend appropriate privileges and immunities to CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, making it easier for CERN scientists to come to the U.S. to collaborate on scientific projects, such as Fermilab’s Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). 

"The exchange of knowledge and ideas across borders not only promotes peace but also serves as a powerful instrument to address urgent global challenges," said Congressman Foster.  "As a physicist, I spent more than two decades working with colleagues from around the globe at Fermilab in Illinois, where scientific collaboration transcended national boundaries and helped us better understand the world around us. I’m proud that my colleagues came together to pass this bipartisan legislation, which is an important step in solidifying our long-term partnership with CERN and maintaining our nation's role as a leader in scientific research." 

BACKGROUND

The International Organization Immunities Act, enacted in 1945, governs how the United States extends the rights and treaties to international organizations like CERN. The U.S. typically extends automatic privileges and immunities to international organizations to which it belongs (e.g., the UN, NATO), but a special act of Congress is needed to extend recognition to international organizations where the United States participates as an observer, rather than a full member. This legislation would amend the International Organization Immunities Act to extend necessary privileges and immunities to CERN. 

CERN currently partners in scientific experiments with six U.S. National Laboratories, including Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab in Illinois, Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The partnership, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, and CERN, enables researchers employed by American universities and national laboratories to work on the international high energy physics experiments hosted at CERN. These experiments contribute to innovations in computing, medicine, radiation sensing, cryogenic cooling, superconducting materials, and other fields that are critical to U.S. security, technological capability, and economic development.

The PARTNER Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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