Commemorating the National Science Foundation's 75th anniversary.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 417
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-28T08:06:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 417) aims to honor the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency created by Congress in 1950. It recognizes the NSF's role in advancing science, engineering, education, national health, prosperity, welfare, and defense.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context: Acknowledges the NSF's establishment in 1950 and its 75 years of promoting scientific progress across the U.S. and its territories, including collaborations worldwide.
- Achievements Highlighted:
- Supports projects in all 50 states and 14 U.S. territories, fostering global scientific partnerships.
- Uses a merit-based, peer-reviewed process to attract top international scientists and maintain U.S. leadership in discovery.
- Funds essential infrastructure like observatories, research ships, and supercomputers.
- Has driven innovations such as the internet, MRI technology, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, American Sign Language recognition, gravitational wave detection, and LASIK eye surgery.
- Annually supports about 350,000 researchers, students, teachers, and entrepreneurs; over its history, 268 NSF-supported individuals have won Nobel Prizes.
- Resolution Actions:
- Commends the NSF and its employees for fulfilling their mission.
- Reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the NSF's ongoing and future work.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a simple resolution of the House of Representatives, which expresses the House's opinion or sentiment but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It is non-binding and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Provides symbolic recognition to the NSF, potentially boosting morale among its staff and signaling bipartisan congressional support, which could indirectly influence future funding decisions.
- On Citizens: Highlights the NSF's contributions to everyday technologies and scientific education, raising public awareness of federal investments in research that benefit health, economy, and innovation.
- On International Relations: Emphasizes the NSF's global collaborations, reinforcing the U.S. as a leader in science and potentially encouraging continued international partnerships in research.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Science Foundation (NSF): Directly honored, with its mission and employees praised.
- Scientific Community: Includes researchers, students, teachers, entrepreneurs, and institutions (e.g., universities, labs) that receive NSF grants.
- Congress and Policymakers: The House of Representatives expresses commitment, involving members like the resolution's sponsors (e.g., Mr. Beyer, Mr. Obernolte).
- General Public: Indirectly benefits through recognition of NSF-funded advancements that improve quality of life.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a House resolution, it falls under Congress's constitutional power to oversee federal agencies (Article I) but has no enforceable effect. It does not raise separation of powers issues.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party support for science funding, potentially strengthening arguments for NSF budgets in future appropriations. It could influence public and legislative discourse on prioritizing research amid competing national priorities, though it remains a ceremonial gesture without mandatory outcomes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Cosponsors (24)
Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-15: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2088)
- 2025-05-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the National Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary. — issued 2025-05-15 — PDF (2 pages)