Sponsors (3)
The bill strengthens U.S. research capacity, workforce development, and technology deployment through coordinated federal R&D and funding, but does so at the cost of higher federal spending and increased security, equity, and administrative risks unless those are carefully managed.
Middle-class families, consumers, and industry could benefit as advances in AI, quantum, energy materials, and microelectronics accelerate clean energy and advanced technology deployment.
Students and early-career researchers gain expanded STEM training and paid opportunities through internships and fellowships, improving career prospects and workforce pipeline.
Researchers at DOE labs, universities, and nonprofits gain coordinated, competitive access to funding across DOE and NSF priorities, making it easier to pursue larger, cross-disciplinary projects.
Taxpayers may face higher federal spending to fund expanded R&D programs and infrastructure because the bill enables new activities without specifying appropriation limits.
Scientists, researchers, and national security stakeholders could face increased security and intellectual property risks from expanded data sharing and cross-agency collaboration if protections are insufficient.
Small businesses and smaller universities may be disadvantaged because directing priorities across many high-tech areas could concentrate awards at large institutions and national labs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs DOE and NSF to run coordinated, competitive R&D programs across specified science and technology areas, support shared infrastructure and data, and expand STEM workforce activities, with a joint report to Congress within two years.
Official title: To provide for Department of Energy and National Science Foundation research and development coordination, and for other purposes.
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Haley Stevens · Last progress March 25, 2025
Creates a framework for the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to carry out coordinated, cross-cutting research and development activities using competitive, merit-reviewed processes open to federal labs, universities, nonprofits, and other entities. It authorizes collaborative programs across prioritized science and technology areas, supports shared research infrastructure, open data and secure data transfer, and funds STEM education and workforce activities such as internships and fellowships. Requires DOE and NSF to document progress and future plans in a joint report to specified House and Senate committees within two years, and directs that activities be carried out consistent with existing R&D competition and innovation law.