American Innovation Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
- Committees
- Budget Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 3, 2025
Bottom line
This bill mandates a significant, long-term increase in federal funding for basic science and technology research across multiple agencies, aiming to bolster American innovation and global competitiveness while shielding these investments from future budget cuts.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes and appropriates specific, increasing amounts of funding for five key federal science agencies: the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Department of Defense science and technology programs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA's Science Mission Directorate. These appropriations span fiscal years 2026 through 2035, with inflation adjustments thereafter. The bill also explicitly exempts these appropriations from sequestration orders and Statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rules.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that a sustained, increasing investment in basic science research is crucial for long-term economic growth, national security, and maintaining America's global leadership in scientific discovery and technological innovation. They emphasize that predictable, protected funding allows for ambitious, multi-year research projects, attracts top talent, and ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of scientific advancement.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that such large, mandatory appropriations, particularly those exempted from PAYGO and sequestration, bypass the regular budget process and could lead to unchecked spending or divert funds from other critical areas. Concerns could also be raised about the long-term commitment to specific agencies without regular oversight, potentially contributing to the national debt.
The bill is concise and its core provisions are easily understood, making it accessible for a quick review by an informed reader.
Section 2(a)
Mandated Appropriations for Federal Science Agencies
This provision directly authorizes and appropriates specific, increasing dollar amounts for five major federal science and technology entities: the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy's Office of Science, Department of Defense (DoD) science and technology programs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) scientific and technical research and services, and NASA's Science Mission Directorate. These appropriations span fiscal years 2026 through 2035, with subsequent years adjusted for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that this provision provides the stable, long-term funding necessary for groundbreaking scientific discoveries and technological advancements, which are essential for national competitiveness, economic prosperity, and addressing complex global challenges. They argue that predictable funding allows for strategic planning and attracts top talent.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that locking in such substantial, increasing appropriations for a decade removes flexibility from future budget decisions and could lead to inefficient spending without adequate annual review. Concerns could also be raised about the sheer volume of spending and its potential impact on the national debt.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the desire for predictable, sustained investment in science to foster long-term innovation and national advantage versus the need for annual budgetary flexibility and oversight to respond to changing national priorities and fiscal conditions. This provision prioritizes long-term commitment over short-term adaptability.
Section 2(d) and 2(e)
Exemption from Sequestration and PAYGO Rules
This provision amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act to explicitly exempt the appropriations made under the American Innovation Act from future sequestration orders. Additionally, it specifies that the budgetary effects of this section will not be entered on either statutory PAYGO scorecards or Senate PAYGO scorecards. This effectively protects the mandated funding increases from automatic budget cuts and prevents them from being offset by other spending cuts or tax increases under current budget rules.