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 both agencies' missions and priorities through cross-cutting activities.
The Act facilitates joint research in areas like propulsion systems, high-energy physics, and quantum information sciences. It also promotes data sharing and access to research infrastructure between the DOE, NASA, and other relevant entities.
The Act mandates a report to Congress detailing the interagency coordination activities, achievements, and future areas of collaboration. It also ensures that all competitive awards follow merit-review-based processes and comply with research security guidelines.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely lead to increased collaboration between the DOE and NASA, potentially accelerating technological advancements in various fields. It could also result in more efficient use of resources and reduced duplication of effort.
By promoting data sharing and access to research infrastructure, the Act may enhance the overall research capabilities of both agencies. The required report to Congress will provide transparency and accountability regarding the interagency coordination activities.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced technological advancements through collaborative research.
- More efficient use of resources and reduced duplication of effort.
- Improved data sharing and access to research infrastructure.
- Increased potential for breakthroughs in areas like propulsion systems and quantum information sciences.
- Greater transparency and accountability through the required report to Congress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic hurdles in coordinating activities between two large agencies.
- Risk of research efforts being misaligned with the most pressing needs of either agency.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the need for memoranda of understanding and interagency agreements.
- The focus on specific research areas may neglect other potentially valuable areas of collaboration.
- The Act's success depends heavily on the effective implementation and ongoing commitment of both agencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), which allows Congress to promote the well-being of the nation through legislation. 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. This Act falls under that purview as it directs government resources towards scientific research and development, which can contribute to the nation's progress and security.
Furthermore, the Act does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It focuses on interagency coordination and research activities, without raising concerns related to freedom of speech, religion, or other fundamental rights.
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).