3 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Mar 24, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v2 and v3 reflect the bill's procedural status, indicating its passage in the House and referral to the Senate, and the addition of the House Clerk's name. There are no substantive policy changes to the legislative text.

H.R. 1368119th CongressIntroduced Feb 14, 2025

DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

Passed HouseScience, Technology, CommunicationsSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large]
Committees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 25, 2025

Bottom line

This bill aims to enhance scientific and technological innovation by fostering structured collaboration between DOE and NASA on shared research priorities.

What it actually does

This bill, titled the 'DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act,' authorizes and formalizes cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It outlines specific areas for cooperation, mandates coordination through interagency agreements, establishes a merit-review process for competitive awards, and requires a report to Congress on the progress and achievements of these collaborations.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill will prevent duplication of effort, maximize the impact of federal research dollars, and accelerate advancements in critical areas like propulsion systems, quantum information sciences, and space solar energy. They contend that formalizing coordination will leverage the unique expertise and infrastructure of both agencies, leading to more efficient and effective scientific breakthroughs vital for national security and economic competitiveness.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while interagency coordination is generally positive, this bill adds another layer of bureaucracy without providing new funding, potentially straining existing agency budgets. Some might also express concern that broad mandates for collaboration could dilute agency-specific missions or lead to less focused research if not managed carefully.

The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and easy to understand its core intent.

Section 2(a)

General Authority for Collaborative R&D

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision grants explicit authority to the Secretary of Energy and the NASA Administrator to conduct joint research and development activities. The purpose is to support the mission requirements and priorities of both agencies. It also allows for competitive awards to be made to carry out these activities, ensuring a broad participation base.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupDepartment of Energy and NASAImpactIncreased collaboration and resource sharingMechanismFormal authorization for joint R&D activitiesScaleAgency-wide

GroupResearch institutions (National Labs, universities, non-profits)ImpactPotential for competitive awards and research opportunitiesMechanismCompetitive awards process for R&D activitiesScaleNational

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that this general authority is crucial for enabling flexible and responsive collaboration, allowing both agencies to pool resources and expertise on shared challenges without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against general authorizations for interagency collaboration, as the concept is widely supported for efficiency and innovation.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is ensuring that collaborative efforts genuinely align with the core missions of both agencies and do not divert resources from essential, agency-specific research.

Section 2(c)

Specific Areas of Research Collaboration

prominently featuredmoderately complex

This section details a variety of focus areas where DOE and NASA may conduct collaborative research and development. These include advanced propulsion systems (like nuclear thermal and electric propulsion), modeling and simulation, fundamental high energy physics, earth and environmental sciences, quantum information sciences, radiation health effects, and space-based solar energy transmission. It also promotes data sharing and NASA's access to DOE research infrastructure.

Section 2(f)

Reporting Requirements to Congress

mentioned in summarystraightforward

This provision mandates that the Secretary of Energy and the NASA Administrator submit a joint report to relevant congressional committees within two years of the bill's enactment. The report must detail the coordination activities undertaken, how these activities expand technical capabilities, collaborative achievements, areas for future mutually beneficial activities (including clean energy technologies), and plans for continued coordination.

Section 2(g)

Research Security Mandate

buried in fine printmoderately complex

This provision stipulates that all activities authorized under the Act must be carried out in a manner consistent with subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.). This refers to existing federal law aimed at protecting U.S. research and development from foreign interference and intellectual property theft.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.