H.R.1368 - DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1368, the DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, aims to foster collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in research and development. This collaboration seeks to advance mission requirements and priorities for both agencies through cross-cutting activities. The bill emphasizes coordination through memoranda of understanding and competitive awards for research activities.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased joint research projects between DOE and NASA, focusing on areas like propulsion systems, high-energy physics, and quantum information sciences. This could result in technological advancements and more efficient use of resources. A report detailing the coordination activities and achievements will be submitted to Congress two years after enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Technological Advancement: Collaborative research can lead to breakthroughs in areas like propulsion, energy, and computing.
- Resource Optimization: Sharing resources and expertise between DOE and NASA can reduce redundancy and improve efficiency.
- Economic Growth: New technologies and innovations can spur economic growth and create new industries.
- Scientific Discovery: Joint research in areas like astrophysics and earth sciences can expand our understanding of the universe and our planet.
- Improved Data Handling: Development of methods to handle large datasets can benefit various fields.
Potential Disadvantages
- Bureaucratic Challenges: Coordinating activities between two large agencies can be complex and time-consuming.
- Potential for Duplication: Despite the intent to coordinate, there's a risk of overlapping research efforts.
- Funding Allocation: Competitive awards may lead to competition for funding between different research groups.
- Reporting Burden: The requirement to submit a report to Congress adds an administrative burden.
- Research Security Concerns: The Act references research security measures, which could add compliance requirements and potentially slow down collaboration.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States, which can be interpreted to include funding for scientific research and development. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).