H.R.1350 - DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1350, the DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act, aims to foster collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) in research and development. The bill mandates the establishment of a memorandum of understanding to coordinate activities and requires a competitive, merit-reviewed process for applications. This collaboration spans various focus areas, including basic plasma science, computational science, quantum information sciences, and energy and materials science.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased efficiency and innovation in scientific research by leveraging the resources and expertise of both the DOE and NSF. It should also promote workforce development through education and training initiatives. A report detailing interagency coordination, research achievements, and future opportunities will be submitted to Congress, ensuring accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced scientific discovery through interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Improved resource allocation by avoiding duplication of efforts.
- Development of a skilled workforce in STEM fields.
- Advancement in key areas such as energy, climate, and quantum computing.
- Increased competitiveness of the United States in scientific research.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential bureaucratic hurdles in coordinating between two large agencies.
- Risk of funding being diverted from other important research areas.
- Possible delays in research progress due to the need for interagency agreements.
- Overlap with existing programs, leading to inefficiencies.
- Difficulty in measuring the direct impact of the collaborative efforts.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting scientific advancement and technological innovation. Congress has the power to allocate funds for the general welfare, which includes supporting 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).