Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Members Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) and Subcommittee on Research and Technology Ranking Member Michael Waltz (R-FL) were joined by Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) to introduce legislation establishing a national strategy for science and technology.
H.R. 3858, the National Science and Technology Strategy Act of 2021 directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) to develop a comprehensive national science and technology strategy every four years and conduct a quadrennial review for U.S. science and technology. The bill creates a whole-of-government planning process for research and development, ensuring better coordination between federal agencies and a more strategic approach to U.S. research and development goals. Additionally, the bill requires the President to submit an annual report to Congress on national research priorities and activities, as well as global trends in science and technology, including potential threats to U.S. scientific leadership.
“Simply put, to solve challenging societal problems and remain competitive on the global stage, we have to invest in research and development,” said Congresswoman Ross (D-NC). “But we must do it strategically to ensure our investments are impactful. This country has a wealth of talent and expertise that can be marshaled towards achieving our national innovation goals. Yet, in recent decades, federal investment in research and development in the sciences has been on a downward trend. This legislation would require the federal government to take a methodical, comprehensive approach to plan for and meet our research and development needs. I applaud Rep. Waltz for spearheading this bill and look forward to working with him to advance it.”
“This bill requires a whole of government strategy for technology and innovation to maintain United States leadership and national security,” said Ranking Member Waltz (R-FL). “This legislation would require an assessment of threats like China to United States predominance, including research theft and espionage.”
“To address the pressing challenges of the 21st century and remain a global leader in science and technology, the United States must double down on strategic investments in research and development,” said Chairwoman Johnson (D-TX). “Our nation boasts a talented and diverse cadre of scientists and engineers, poised to make transformational discoveries and innovations. A coordinated, whole-of-government approach will help ensure these investments have the intended benefits for our economy, national security, and public wellbeing. I am proud to introduce this legislation, alongside Ranking Member Lucas, Congresswoman Ross, and Congressman Waltz, which will help maintain and build American leadership in science and technology.”
“As Congress considers legislation to make an unprecedented investment in our federal research enterprise, it’s critical that we have a comprehensive strategy in place to guide those investments,” said Ranking Member Lucas (R-OK). “We regularly review and update our national priorities for defense, homeland security, and energy, and our scientific and technological leadership is no less important. American research and development keeps us competitive globally and creates jobs in emerging industries here at home. A national science and technology strategy ensures we’ll stay focused on the most important research challenges, allowing us to make taxpayer dollars go farther as we maintain America’s status as the global leader in innovation.”
