The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation on Monday evening that would raise scientific research in order to remain competitive with China.
The National Science Foundation for the Future Act (HR 2225) was approved by a vote of 345-67. It provides major increases for federally funded science and technology research and establishes a new division within the NSF for advanced technologies and other innovative research.
The House also approved the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act, a companion bill to increase research funding at the DOE by a vote of 351-68.
All members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation voted for the bills except Rep. Kevin Hern who opposed.
“We must significantly boost funding for science. For years, we have allowed millions of dollars of excellent research go unfunded,” said House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history and we need to be more focused on the role of science in our society.”
If approved, the measures would annually increase funding for the NSF and DOE’s Office of Science by nearly seven percent. In addition, the bills would direct the agencies to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and professional development.
“These pieces of legislation…show the American people, and the world, that we’re capable of coming together as a country and setting aside our differences to make transformational investments that will strengthen us both at home and abroad,” said President Biden, in a prepared statement applauding the financial package to maintain the nation’s economic advantage. “My administration looks forward to continuing to work with the House and the Senate in producing a final bill I can sign.”
