Science Committee Leaders Celebrate Passage of Legislation to Fund American Science and Innovation at NSF and DOE
(Washington, DC)—Today, the House passed H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act by a vote of 345-67 and H.R. 3593, the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act by a vote of 351-68.
The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and engineering,” said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) “We are at a time of markedly increased global competition in research and development. However, while we should be cognizant of our increasing global competition, we must not be constrained by it. To continue to lead, we must chart our own course. That starts with doubling down on the proven innovation engines we have at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science. The NSF for the Future Act sets NSF on a path for significant and sustainable growth. The bill addresses challenges at all levels of STEM education and training. It supports activities and partnerships to broaden participation in NSF-funded projects. Finally, this bill establishes a new directorate to accelerate progress on emerging technologies and advance research-driven solutions to societal challenges like climate change and inequality. The DOE Office of Science is the nation's largest supporter of research in the physical sciences, and it is the lead federal agency supporting scientific research for energy applications. The DOE Science for the Future Act authorizes significant, steady, and sustainable growth for the Office’s wide-ranging research, from climate science to quantum science, and everything in between. I want to thank Ranking Member Lucas for his partnership in developing these two well-vetted bipartisan bills that are months, even years in the making. I look forward to working with the Senate in coming together to forge a strong path forward for NSF and DOE."
"Today the House took important action to reassert America’s global scientific leadership and address the growing threat we face from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) “The National Science Foundation for the Future Act and the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act provide a comprehensive approach to investing in the research, infrastructure, and STEM workers that have long driven America’s success. They also provide critical protections against research theft by foreign adversaries and spur clean energy innovation that will reduce emissions without that hurting American wallets. These bills represent a strategic, sustainable, and sensible plan to maintain global competitiveness, protect our national security, and strengthen our economy for decades to come. America’s scientific and technological competitiveness has been my highest priority as Ranking Member of the Science Committee, and I appreciate all that Chairwoman Johnson has done to advance our shared goals and create a strong, bipartisan legislative package. I look forward to continuing to working together as we move these bills across the finish line."
"I am thrilled that after an overwhelmingly bipartisan mark-up earlier this month, the House voted tonight to fund the National Science Foundation at historic levels and expand its important mission,” said Chairwoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. “NSF funded research has spurred innovations and launched new industries that advance our prosperity and competitiveness and improve our quality of life. Countries around the world have taken notice and are investing aggressively to replicate our success by building their own research base. The United States will continue to lead the world in scientific research and innovation, and I am incredibly proud to see this legislation pass today."
"Investments in science and technology are drivers of economic growth and are essential if we want to maintain an edge on our greatest adversary, the Chinese Communist Party,” said Ranking Member Mike Waltz (R-FL) of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. “For decades, the United States has led the world in science and technology innovation, but right now, China is gaining on us in nearly every statistic. Moving forward, it's critical we make strategic, realistic, and sustainable investments to build up our research and development enterprises while also protecting them from wholesale theft by the CCP. That’s why I'm proud the NSF For the Future Act passed in the House because investing in science and technology is investing in America’s future."
"Science, innovation, and a robust STEM workforce are pillars of our society, and strong support for our scientific institutions is critical to addressing the most pressing challenges we face,” said Chairman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) of the Subcommittee on Energy. “Federal research and development programs, like the climate science and green energy activities carried out at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science, have an essential role to play a securing a safe, healthy, and prosperous future for us all. I applaud the passage of this forward-looking legislation, and I am proud to have contributed provisions on strengthening equity in climate modeling and advanced computing research. The DOE Science for the Future Act also supports critical workforce development for teachers and scientists. As an educator, I know firsthand how important it is to unlock the potential of all our students, including those from marginalized communities, to advance STEM research and shape the future. This bill will help us include everyone in our innovation agenda."
"For generations, America has been the most technologically advanced country in the world, in large part due to the work done at the Department of Energy and its National Laboratory system,” said Ranking Member Randy Weber (R-TX) of the Subcommittee on Energy. “But now is not the time to rest on our laurels, the Chinese Communist Party is hot on our heels and would love nothing more than to supplant us as the global leader in science and technology. Funding the research and development done through our Labs and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the most efficient way to kickstart our technological growth and support American jobs. The DOE Science for the Future Act is a strategic investment in our R&D enterprise that gives the Department of Energy the tools it needs to continue developing cutting-edge technologies that will ensure that the 21st century remains an American century."
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