Bipartisan Science and Engineering Bills Could See Year-End Action

With the 119th Congress approaching its final weeks, lawmakers will face a crowded year-end agenda that could create opportunities for bipartisan science and engineering legislation to advance before Congress adjourns.  

While fiscal year 2027 appropriations will command significant attention, Congress has also been developing legislation addressing federal research, emerging technologies, engineering workforce development, standards, and U.S. competitiveness. Authorization legislation can provide Congress with an opportunity to establish longer-term policy direction for the federal science and engineering enterprise alongside the annual appropriations process. 

One of the most significant measures is the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026. The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee approved H.R. 7273 earlier this year. The legislation addresses human exploration of the Moon and Mars, commercial activity in low-Earth orbit, space and aeronautics technology, scientific research, and workforce development.  

The Senate’s NASA authorization measure has also demonstrated substantial bipartisan support. On March 4, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee unanimously approved its NASA Authorization Act of 2026. That legislation would authorize $24.7 billion for NASA in FY 2026 and $25.3 billion in FY 2027 while establishing policy direction across exploration, aeronautics, science, and technology.  

AI, Standards and the Technical Workforce 

Congress has also advanced a collection of bipartisan measures addressing artificial intelligence and the technical infrastructure and workforce needed to support its development. 

In June, the House Science Committee favorably reported several AI-related measures with unanimous 29-0 votes, including the AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act and AI Security and Innovation Act. The former would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary guidelines to make federal datasets more suitable for AI applications, while the latter focuses on secure, resilient and trustworthy AI systems and greater coordination across government and industry.  

Another measure with direct relevance to engineers is the Data Center Energy Measurement and Standards Act. The House Science Committee-approved legislation directs NIST, working with the Department of Energy, to improve measurement and analysis of data-center energy and water use and support standardized metrics and best practices.   

ASME will continue monitoring these developments and engaging policymakers on policies that strengthen the nation's research enterprise, engineering workforce, technical standards, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and long-term technological competitiveness.