DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1350
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T20:43:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act (H.R. 1350) aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) by directing them to jointly advance research and development (R&D) activities. This coordination focuses on shared mission priorities, such as scientific innovation, energy solutions, and workforce development, to improve efficiency and outcomes in federal science efforts.
Key Provisions
- Collaborative R&D Activities: The Secretary of Energy and the Director of the NSF must conduct joint research in cross-cutting areas, including:
- Basic plasma science and engineering (e.g., applications in astrophysics, fusion energy, and particle accelerators).
- Fundamental biological and computational sciences (e.g., brain-inspired computing and neuroscience simulations).
- Advanced computing tools like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics for energy and climate modeling.
- Quantum information sciences (e.g., quantum computing and secure networks).
- Energy and materials engineering (e.g., artificial photosynthesis, solar fuels, and fusion energy).
- Advanced manufacturing (e.g., energy-efficient storage and low-heat processing techniques).
- Microelectronics (e.g., new chip designs and memory systems).
- Advanced physics (e.g., high-energy particle research and computational tools).
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): The agencies must create an MOU or similar agreement to guide these efforts, ensuring a competitive, merit-based review process open to federal agencies, national laboratories (government-run research facilities), universities, non-profits, and other entities.
- Coordination Mechanisms:
- Promote partnerships and data sharing among federal agencies, labs, universities, and non-profits, including secure access to information.
- Fund and build research infrastructure, such as new facilities or equipment.
- Support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and workforce programs, including internships, fellowships, project-based learning for students, and training for educators and researchers.
- Agreements and Collaborations: Authorizes cost-sharing (reimbursable) agreements between DOE, NSF, and other partners to optimize R&D. Allows involvement of additional federal agencies as needed.
- Reporting Requirement: Within two years of enactment, the agencies must submit a report to relevant congressional committees detailing interagency coordination, expanded technical capabilities, research achievements, future opportunities, and plans for ongoing collaboration.
- Research Security: All activities must comply with existing federal laws on protecting research from security risks, such as foreign interference (referencing subtitle D of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act builds on prior legislation by mandating structured interagency coordination, which was not explicitly required before. It references and integrates with existing programs, such as:
- The Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (for biological sciences, energy materials, and physics).
- The National Quantum Initiative Act (for quantum technologies).
- The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (for energy R&D).
Rather than overhauling laws, it introduces new collaborative frameworks, competitive processes, and reporting to align and expand ongoing efforts without altering core authorities of DOE or NSF.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances efficiency for DOE and NSF by pooling resources, reducing duplication, and expanding capabilities in high-priority areas like AI, quantum tech, and clean energy. Could lead to more innovative federal R&D outputs and better integration with other agencies.
- On Citizens: May accelerate advancements in energy-efficient technologies, computing, and materials science, potentially improving access to sustainable energy, job opportunities in STEM fields, and educational programs. Benefits could include economic growth through innovation and a stronger national workforce.
- On International Relations: No direct provisions address foreign policy, but strengthened U.S. leadership in global science areas (e.g., quantum and fusion) could enhance competitiveness against international rivals, indirectly supporting U.S. diplomatic and economic influence.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily DOE and NSF, with potential involvement from other agencies like those handling national security or health research.
- Research Institutions: National laboratories, universities, and non-profit organizations, which can apply for funding and participate in projects.
- Researchers and Educators: Scientists, engineers, and academics benefiting from collaborative opportunities, infrastructure support, and professional development.
- Students and Workforce: Individuals in STEM fields, gaining from internships, fellowships, and training programs to build skills for future jobs.
- Broader Public: Taxpayers funding these efforts, with indirect benefits from technological and energy innovations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing federal R&D authorities without creating new regulatory burdens; emphasizes merit-based competition to ensure fairness and accountability. Compliance with research security laws helps mitigate risks like intellectual property theft.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to appropriate funds and oversee executive agencies (Article I), promoting interagency cooperation without infringing on separation of powers.
- Political: Supports national priorities in science and innovation, potentially fostering bipartisan consensus on funding non-partisan R&D. The required congressional report ensures oversight, which could influence future budgets or expansions, but introduces no controversial mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-25: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-03-24: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-03-24: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1205-1206)
- 2025-03-24: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1205-1206)
- 2025-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1350.
- 2025-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1205-1207)
- 2025-03-24: Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (8 pages)
- DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (6 pages)
- DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (7 pages)