H.R.3707 - NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3707, the NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, aims to foster collaboration between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill directs these agencies to conduct joint research and development activities. The focus is on advancing shared mission requirements and priorities.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased research funding and coordinated efforts in areas such as agriculture, food security, and rural development. It also promotes the use of emerging technologies in these sectors. The bill mandates a report to Congress detailing the outcomes of this interagency coordination.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced research capabilities through interagency collaboration.
- Development of new technologies for agriculture and food production.
- Improved food and nutrition security.
- Support for rural economic revitalization.
- Workforce development in STEM fields related to agriculture.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic inefficiencies in coordinating between agencies.
- Risk of research duplication if coordination is not effective.
- Possible shift in funding priorities that may disadvantage other research areas.
- The reliance on competitive, merit review processes may exclude some valuable but less conventional research proposals.
- The act's success hinges on the effective implementation of memoranda of understanding, which can be subject to political and administrative changes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the general welfare clause as it aims to improve agricultural research and food security, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
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).