S.1276 - American Innovation Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The American Innovation Act (S. 1276) proposes significant increases in funding for basic science research across several federal agencies from 2026 to 2035, with continued increases tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) thereafter. The bill allocates specific funding levels for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Department of Defense science and technology programs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA's Science Mission Directorate. It also exempts these appropriations from sequestration and excludes their budgetary effects from PAYGO scorecards.
The bill aims to bolster American innovation by investing in scientific research. It was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Durbin and co-sponsored by Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Padilla, and Mr. Schatz, and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
This act directly addresses the promotion of general welfare through government spending, as outlined in the preamble of the US Constitution.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would substantially increase funding for basic science research, potentially leading to advancements in various scientific fields and technological innovations. This could stimulate economic growth, improve national competitiveness, and enhance national security. However, the increased spending could also contribute to budget deficits if not offset by other measures.
It would also provide long-term budget certainty for the specified research agencies. This would allow for better planning and execution of long-term research projects.
Furthermore, the exemption from sequestration ensures that these research programs are protected from automatic budget cuts.
Potential Benefits
- Increased scientific discovery: The funding boost could lead to breakthroughs in various scientific fields.
- Economic growth: Innovation spurred by research can create new industries and jobs.
- Improved national competitiveness: Advances in science and technology can enhance the United States' global standing.
- Enhanced national security: Investment in defense-related research can improve military capabilities.
- Long-term budget certainty: The bill provides predictable funding levels for research agencies, facilitating better planning.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased budget deficits: The substantial increase in spending could exacerbate budget deficits if not offset by spending cuts or revenue increases.
- Inflationary pressure: Tying future funding increases to the CPI could lead to higher spending if inflation rises.
- Potential for misallocation of funds: There is a risk that funds may not be allocated to the most promising research areas.
- Dependence on government funding: Over-reliance on government funding could stifle private sector innovation.
- Uncertainty of long-term impact: The long-term economic and social benefits of the research may be difficult to predict.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The American Innovation Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). The Act's focus on funding scientific research can be interpreted as an effort to improve the overall well-being of the nation through technological advancement and economic growth. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare under Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (the Taxing and Spending Clause).
However, some may argue that the specific allocation of funds to particular agencies and programs could be subject to debate regarding the scope of the general welfare clause. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Overall, the Act's alignment with the Constitution is reasonable, given the broad interpretation of the general welfare clause and the absence of any apparent violations of individual 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).