Promoting Antiterrorism Cooperation through Technology and Science Act

The Promoting Antiterrorism Cooperation through Technology and Science (PACTS) Act was introduced during the 110th Congress. It would create a federal office to “support cooperative endeavors between and among government agencies, for-profit business entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities of the US and its allies” for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism. On February 28, 2007, the House passed the bill 396-16.

House passes the bill
On February 28, 2007, the House passed the bill, sponsored by Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.), 396-16.

Specifically, the bill would create a federal office, the Science and Technology Homeland Security International Cooperative Programs (STHSITP), to “support cooperative endeavors between and among government agencies, for-profit business entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit entities of the US and its allies” for the purposes of developing new technologies for combating terrorism. International cooperation on the matter would joint research projects, ventures, studies and technical demonstrations. Those involved would coordinate field exercises, scientific seminars, conferences, symposia and workshops. Cooperation would extend to training scientists and engineers, as well as the joint use of lab facilities and equipment. The director of the new office would coordinate with the Directorate of Science and Technology and other federal agencies to identify strategic priorities for international cooperation in the areas of research, development and comparative testing. The director would be required to report to Congress within 180 days of enactment of the bill with a brief description of each partnership formed, goals and the amount of (and sources of) funding needed for the projects. The report would also include a list of cooperative activities underway, along with their participants, goals, and funding details.