Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5476

Caption

A bill to provide for Department of Energy and National Science Foundation research and development coordination, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill is set to impact state laws concerning the coordination of federal resources for research and development. By establishing a structured framework for DOE and NSF collaboration, SB5476 seeks to streamline scientific efforts and funding allocation, ensuring that projects align with national priorities. This coordination is expected to enhance research outputs in key areas such as energy, climate solutions, advanced manufacturing, and quantum science, which could have significant implications for local economies and technological advancements in the state.

Summary

SB5476, known as the ‘DOE and NSF Inter-agency Research Act,’ aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in research and development. The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy and the NSF Director to work together under a memorandum of understanding to coordinate activities across various scientific focus areas. The bill emphasizes a competitive and merit-reviewed approach to facilitate participation from education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies, thereby promoting inclusivity in scientific advancement.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on strengthening federal research collaboration, potential points of contention could arise regarding the allocation of resources and priorities set by federal agencies. Concerns may be raised about how these coordinated efforts address state-specific needs and whether local educational institutions will have equitable access to programs created under this act. Furthermore, the bill’s emphasis on advanced technological sectors could lead to debates on funding distributions, particularly in regions with differing technological capabilities and needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB6016

To improve coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation on activities carried out under the National Quantum Initiative Program, and for other purposes.

US SB2450

A bill to improve coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation on activities carried out under the National Quantum Initiative Program, and for other purposes.

US HB10374

To require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a consistent set of policy guidelines for Federal research agencies to address mental health and mentoring of graduate researchers and postdoctoral researchers, and for other purposes.

US SB5601

A bill to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.

US HB1350

DOE and NSF Interagency Research ActThis bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.