House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Republican Ranking Member Introduces Legislation to Secure American Leadership in S&T

Last week, the Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced H.R. 5685, the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act. The Act aims to address U.S. global competitiveness—specifically Chinese threats to American science and technology leadership—and climate change by creating a long-term strategy for investment in basic research and infrastructure. Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) also supports the legislation.

A press release issued by Ranking Member Lucas states that the bill will:

• Create a National S&T Strategy. Directs a more strategic whole-of-government planning process to establish national priorities with better coordination between agencies and a large focus on securing research from China.
• Prioritize Investment in Federal Basic Research. Authorizes a doubling of basic research funding over the next 10 years at the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
• Invest in American Research Facilities. Authorizes the infrastructure needed to maintain world-class research facilities.
• Develop a STEM Workforce. Supports an increase in key programs to grow the American pipeline of STEM-capable workers, including cybersecurity and other areas of national need.
• Reform Regulations. Improves the effectiveness of Federal R&D investments through technology transfer reform and promotes better collaboration between the federal government and private industry.

The bill is divided into sections, including sections on creating a National Science and Technology Strategy, authorizing specific programs at the Department of Energy (DOE), encouraging collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST), engaging with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), supporting research at the National Science Foundation (NSF), investing in a 21st Century STEM workforce, addressing Antarctic conservation modernization efforts, and updating technology transfer and innovation. For a detailed summary on each section, visit: https://republicans-science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/SALSTA%20Legislative%20Framework.pdf.