Rep. Lucas wants to double scientific research investment in US

 

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas says it’s time the U.S. invested more money in basic scientific and technology research if it is to overcome the efforts of China and other countries.

He is the ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and introduced legislation this week to double funding for the research over the next decade. The legislation is called SALSTA or the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act.

He was joined by Oklahoma congresswoman Stephanie Bice in supporting the legislation.

 

Rep. Lucas said it creates a long-term strategy for investment in basic research and infrastructure to protect the economic and national security of the U.S.

“America’s global leadership has always been driven by our scientific and technological superiority,” Lucas said. “But that leadership is being challenged now by the Chinese Communist Party. Doubling our investment in basic and early-stage research is unquestionably what’s needed for a clean economy that stays ahead of foreign competition. “
Lucas introduced similar legislation in 2020, and the current bill reflects a greater need for intellectual property protection and critical materials supply chain security, among other policies.
“Communist leadership in China is investing more in research than the U.S. and aggressively pursuing technological supremacy through foreign acquisitions, forced technology transfers, and, frequently, cyber espionage,”Rep. Lucas said. “We need to protect U.S. research from theft while also maintaining the transparent and cooperative environment that generates scientific discoveries.”
SALSTA will:
– Double basic research over 10 years.
– Invest in science and technology to drive the development of cleaner, more efficient, low-cost, advanced energy like advanced nuclear, battery storage, and carbon capture technologies.
– Prioritize critical research areas to establish global leadership in industries of the future like quantum science, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, advanced materials and manufacturing, and cybersecurity.
– Expand our STEM workforce and enhance the American talent pipeline.
– Invest in the infrastructure needed to maintain world-class research facilities.
– Protect American research from foreign theft.
The original cosponsors of SALSTA include:
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX)
Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX)
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL)
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK)
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL)
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH)
Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN)
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA)
Rep. Young Kim (R-CA)
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA)
Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS)
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL)
Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI)

Source: press release