DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1368
- 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
- 2026-07-10T20:43:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled 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) on research and development (R&D) activities. It seeks to align their efforts to advance shared mission goals, such as improving space exploration, energy technologies, and scientific understanding, through joint projects and resource sharing.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Collaboration: The Secretary of Energy and NASA Administrator are permitted to conduct joint R&D activities, including making competitive awards (grants or funding based on merit) where feasible. These activities focus on cross-cutting areas like:
- Propulsion systems (e.g., nuclear thermal/electric propulsion, radioisotope power systems, advanced nuclear fuels).
- Advanced computing and data tools (e.g., machine learning, large-scale data analytics, predictive modeling for missions).
- Fundamental sciences (e.g., high-energy physics, astrophysics, earth and environmental sciences, quantum computing and networks, radiation health effects).
- Space-based solar energy transmission technologies.
- Other mutually beneficial areas determined by the agencies.
- Coordination Mechanisms: Activities must be managed through memoranda of understanding (formal agreements outlining cooperation) or similar interagency pacts.
- Data and Infrastructure Support:
- Develop methods to handle large datasets on space and aeronautics using high-performance computing.
- Promote data sharing between DOE, NASA, National Laboratories (government research facilities), and other entities, with secure access.
- Provide NASA access to DOE's research facilities when practical.
- Agreements and Partnerships: Allows reimbursable (cost-sharing) and non-reimbursable agreements between DOE and NASA, and collaboration with other federal agencies.
- Merit-Based Selection: Competitive awards must follow merit-review processes (evaluations based on quality and relevance), open to federal agencies, National Labs, universities, non-profits, and similar groups.
- Reporting Requirement: Within two years of enactment, DOE and NASA must submit a report to relevant congressional committees detailing coordination activities, technical expansions, achievements, future opportunities (e.g., clean energy applications like marine energy), and plans for ongoing collaboration.
- Security Compliance: All activities must align with existing federal research security laws to protect sensitive information.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces new authority for structured DOE-NASA collaboration, building on prior laws like the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act and the National Quantum Initiative Act without directly amending them. It formalizes optional joint R&D and data-sharing practices that were previously ad hoc, emphasizing competitive awards and mandatory reporting to ensure accountability. No major repeals or overhauls of existing statutes are specified.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances efficiency for DOE and NASA by pooling resources, potentially accelerating innovations in space travel, clean energy, and computing. National Labs and other agencies may see increased involvement, reducing duplication of efforts.
- On Citizens: Could lead to broader societal benefits, such as advancements in renewable energy (e.g., space solar power), improved climate modeling, and health research on radiation, indirectly supporting jobs in science and technology sectors.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but collaborative tech developments (e.g., propulsion or quantum sciences) could strengthen U.S. leadership in global space and energy initiatives, potentially influencing partnerships with international allies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: DOE (including its labs) and NASA, as lead agencies for implementation.
- Secondary: Researchers, scientists, and institutions such as universities, non-profit organizations, and other federal agencies (e.g., those involved in energy or defense).
- Congressional Oversight: Committees on Science, Space, and Technology (House), Energy and Natural Resources, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate), which receive reports and shape future funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces merit-based funding and interagency agreements under existing frameworks, ensuring compliance with research security to prevent unauthorized tech transfers. It promotes voluntary collaboration without mandating spending, avoiding potential budget conflicts.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over federal agencies and appropriations (Article I), supporting executive branch coordination without infringing on separation of powers.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan investment in science and innovation, potentially bridging energy and space policy priorities. The two-year report provides a mechanism for congressional review, which could influence future budgets or expansions, but raises no major controversies as it emphasizes optional, practical cooperation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
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 H1207-1208)
- 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 H1207-1208)
- 2025-03-24: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1368.
- 2025-03-24: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1207-1209)
- 2025-03-24: Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (8 pages)
- DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (6 pages)
- DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (7 pages)