PUBLIC LAW 104-201—SEPT. 23, 1996 110 STAT. 2469 (c) FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. —Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this title, the Secretary shall place greater emphasis on making funds available for research and development into efficient and economical processes and methods for converting saline water into fresh water. SEC. 269. EVALUATION OF DIGITAL VIDEO NETWORK EQUIPMENT USED IN OLYMPIC GAMES. (a) EVALUATION. — The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate the digital video network equipment used in the 1996 Olympic games to determine whether such equipment would be the most appropriate equipment for use as a test bed for the military application of commercial off-the-shelf advanced technology linking multiple continents, multiple satellites, and multiple theaters of operations by compressed digital audio and visual broadcasting technology. (b) REPORT. — Not later than April 1, 1997, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the evaluation conducted under subsection (a). SEC. 270. ANNUAL JOINT WARFIGHTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 10 USC 2501 PLAN. ^°^- (a) ANNUAL PLAN REQUIRED. —On March 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on National Security of the House of Representatives a plan for ensuring that the science and technology program of the Department of Defense supports the development of the future joint warfighting capabilities identified as priority requirements for the Armed Forces. (b) FIRST PLAN. —The first plan under subsection (a) shall be submitted not later than March 1, 1997. Subtitle E—National Oceanographic Partnership Program SEC. 281. FINDINGS. 10 USC 7901 Congress finds the following: (1) The oceans and coastal areas of the United States are among the Nation's most valuable natural resources, making substantial contributions to economic growth, quality of life, and national security. (2) Oceans drive global and regional climate. Hence, they contain information affecting agriculture, fishing, and the prediction of severe weather. (3) Understanding of the oceans through basic and applied research is essential for using the oceans wisely and protecting their limited resources. Therefore, the United States should maintain its world leadership in oceanography as one key to its competitive future. (4) Ocean research and education activities take place within Federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry. These entities often have similar requirements for research facilities, data, and other resources (such as oceanographic research vessels). (5) The need exists for a formal mechanism to coordinate existing partnerships and establish new partnerships for the sharing of resources, intellectual talent, and facilities in the
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