CHIPS and Science Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Became Law
Summary
This law aims to _expand U.S. semiconductor manufacturing_ and turbocharge federal research, workforce development, and regional technology hubs. It bundles large CHIPS appropriations, a 25% Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit, and wide DOE/NSF R&D and education authorizations.
Show full summary
- Manufacturers and investors: Directs major federal support for domestic chip production, including $24 billion for FY2022 and continuing multi-year CHIPS funding. It also creates a 25% Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit and new loan and guarantee authority with clawbacks for firms that shift major capacity to countries of concern.
- Workers, students, and small businesses: Creates CHIPS workforce and education funds and expands NSF/DOE training and fellowship programs. It authorizes $100 million for scholarships and $125 million for entrepreneurial fellowships and funds small-business vouchers and lab-access vouchers to speed tech translation.
- Research institutions and regions: Backs large DOE Office of Science facility upgrades, a $100 million-per-year quantum network R&D program, and nearly $10 billion in Regional Technology and Innovation Hub authorizations to build regional fabrication, testing, and commercialization capacity.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
109 provisions identified: 94 benefits, 1 costs, 14 mixed.
Bigger STEM scholarships for low‑income students
Low‑income students can get NSF scholarships for associate, bachelor’s, or graduate STEM degrees. The law removes the $10,000 per year cap and extends the maximum award to 5 years. Eligible people include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, refugees admitted under 8 U.S.C. 1157, and lawful permanent residents. $100 million is authorized to run this program.
More support and training for grad researchers
The law raises the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship minimum stipend to at least $16,000 per year. Graduate cybersecurity students can apply, and the cyber service scholarship now counts work in AI, quantum, and aerospace. NSF awards must include mentoring for grad students and postdocs, and each supported trainee keeps an updated annual development plan. Responsible conduct training now also covers mentor skills, research security, and export and reporting rules.
More help for small manufacturers
NIST funding includes $275.3 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in FY2023 and $31 million for a National Supply Chain Database. MEP runs a pilot with awards for worker training, cybersecurity cost offsets, tech demos, and reshoring, without a match. MEP clients who want it are auto‑enrolled in GSA Advantage to see federal contracts. The supply chain database is voluntary and protects proprietary data.
Cleaner, quieter airplanes by set dates
FAA runs an initiative to cut aircraft pollution and noise. Goals include 50% lower greenhouse gases for new aircraft versus the best in service as of December 31, 2021, noise no louder than ambient along flight paths, and net‑zero by 2050. It calls for demos on regional aircraft by 2030 and larger single‑aisle aircraft by 2040, and test flights by 2025 where practical. Annual progress reports begin one year after enactment.
Finding and tracking dangerous asteroids
NASA must keep a Planetary Defense Coordination Office. It surveys and tracks near‑Earth objects 140 meters or larger and supports warnings and planning. NASA works to have the NEO Surveyor ready to launch by March 30, 2026 and reports within 180 days and then yearly until the catalog is 90% complete.
More funds to study ocean acidification
The law authorizes NOAA funding of $20.5 million in 2023, rising to $28 million in 2027, for ocean and coastal acidification work. It also authorizes an extra $20 million each year for 2023–2027 under another subsection.
National push for engineering biology
The President, through OSTP, runs a national engineering biology initiative. It funds grants, centers, databases, testbeds, SBIR/STTR support, commercialization help, and workforce training, with outreach to HBCUs, TCUs, MSIs, and PUIs. Agencies have defined roles, and a coordination office operates for 10 years to align efforts and outreach.
National science strategy and reviews
OSTP must finish a full science and technology review by December 31, 2023, and every four years. It must also issue a national S&T strategy for the next four years, due by December 31 after the review year, and brief Congress biannually. An interagency group will coordinate key technology work and report to Congress within 180 days and then annually.
More support to broaden STEM access
NSF funds capacity at colleges outside the top 100 for federal research: $150 million each year for FY2023–FY2027, capped at $10 million per school per year. It funds developing universities (HBCUs, TCUs, MSIs) with $200 million in FY2023 and $250 million each year for FY2024–FY2027. NSF prioritizes EPSCoR jurisdictions and runs INCLUDES grants plus training and tools to improve Broader Impacts work. It also supports graduate education research and runs a STEM faculty demographics survey at least every five years, with $4 million each year in FY2023–FY2025 for the first survey.
NSF support for early‑career research
NSF is authorized $250 million in each of FY2023 and FY2024, including an Early‑Career Research Fellowship pilot. NSF can use grants, contracts, prizes, and other award types. NSF sets aside $6 million per year for FY2023–FY2027 for these activities. Program directors may use flexible review models and are appointed based on technical expertise.
Big CHIPS funding and loans
The law creates the CHIPS for America Fund. It provides $24 billion for FY2022 and set amounts for FY2023–FY2026: $7.0B, $6.3B, $6.1B, and $6.6B. Commerce can use up to $6.0B to cover loan costs and back up to $75.0B in loans. A Defense CHIPS fund gets $400 million a year for FY2023–FY2027, and an international fund gets $100 million a year for FY2023–FY2027. The President must send detailed funding allocations on set deadlines.
Boost for high-power laser research
The law creates a High Intensity Laser Research Initiative. It funds $50M in FY2023, $100M in FY2024, $150M in FY2025, $200M in FY2026, and $250M in FY2027 for petawatt‑scale and high‑average‑power laser R&D and a user network.
Domestic supply of medical isotopes
DOE must run a program to make critical isotopes not adequately available in the U.S. It authorizes operating funds of about $176M in FY2023 rising to about $216M in FY2025, then $200.6M in FY2026 and $146.3M in FY2027. It also funds a radioisotope processing facility ($30.5M–$105M per year) and a Stable Isotope Center ($13.9M–$74.4M per year).
Grants to advance nuclear reactors
DOE can build up to four new research reactors and must not use high‑enriched uranium. Competitive grants favor projects at retired fossil sites and nonelectric uses like hydrogen or desalination. Congress authorizes rising funding through FY2027 for both the infrastructure program and advanced nuclear RD&D. The law also authorizes $50 million per year (FY2023–FY2027) for foundational nuclear science research.
How CHIPS and Science money works
Money in this law is on top of other funding and normally lasts only for the current fiscal year unless stated. Each amount is labeled emergency funding and follows FY2022 account rules unless the law says otherwise. For clean energy programs, a “grant” can be a grant, a cooperative agreement, or another suitable financial help arrangement.
Major physics labs get funding
The law funds three big science facilities. It authorizes $10M–$80M per year for Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 through FY2027, with operations before December 31, 2030. It authorizes $130M–$110M per year for the PIP‑II accelerator, with operations before December 31, 2028. It authorizes $180M–$305M per year for the long‑baseline neutrino facility, with operations before December 31, 2031.
More money to modernize national labs
National Labs get $800 million each year for FY2023–FY2027 to fix deferred maintenance and modernize facilities. $640 million a year goes to a primary set of labs and $160 million to another group. DOE must send annual project lists and funding profiles to Congress.
New programs in quantum and bio tech
DOE will run a quantum network program and authorize $100 million per year for 2023–2027 for research, testbeds, and secure communications. NIST will support engineering biology measurement tools, standards, user facilities, and training with protections for sensitive information. These programs back U.S. leadership in frontier technologies.
Big funding for energy R&D programs
Congress authorizes major DOE research funding for 2023–2026, including about $1.2 billion for building technologies, $1.2 billion for sustainable transportation, $1 billion for grid and electricity work, and more. It adds storage research funds of $50 million + $50 million + $20 million each year for 2023–2027. It also increases nontechnical nuclear research funding from $30 million to $45 million to support community engagement and licensing.
Funding for mature chip factories
The law reserves $2 billion from 2022 CHIPS funds to help companies invest in U.S. facilities and equipment for making, testing, and packaging mature‑node semiconductors.
CHIPS workforce training and inclusion
Commerce starts outreach within 180 days to help low‑income people and minority‑, veteran‑, and women‑owned businesses join CHIPS projects. These efforts continue until 95% of CHIPS funds are spent, with annual public reports. Treasury creates a CHIPS Workforce and Education Fund for NSF programs: $25 million for FY2023 and FY2024 and $50 million each year for FY2025–FY2027. The President submits detailed allocations within 60 days of enactment and each year through 2027.
Five‑year funding for DOE science
The Office of Science receives multi‑year authorizations: about $8.90 billion in FY2023, $9.54 billion in FY2024, $10.07 billion in FY2025, $10.47 billion in FY2026, and $10.83 billion in FY2027. The money supports Office of Science programs nationwide.
More DOE supercomputing and quantum access
DOE funds Advanced Scientific Computing Research at about $1.13 billion in FY2023, rising to about $1.42 billion in FY2027. DOE sets an Advanced Computing Program to plan beyond exascale and reports within one year. DOE’s QUEST program gives U.S. researchers access to domestic quantum computers, with funding from $30 million in FY2023 to about $36.5 million in FY2027.
More funding for bio and environmental research
DOE Biological and Environmental Research gets $885.42 million in FY2023, rising to about $1.13 billion in FY2027. DOE also launches a Biological Threat Preparedness Research Initiative with $50 million each year for FY2023–FY2027 and a high‑performance computing consortium. A report to Congress is due within two years.
Multi-year funding boost for National Science Foundation
The law authorizes NSF funding for FY2023–FY2027. For FY2023, it authorizes about $11.9 billion, including $9.05 billion for research and $1.95 billion for STEM education. It also funds major equipment and agency operations. Similar yearly authorizations are set for FY2024–FY2027.
Funding and testbeds for wireless tech
The Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund gets $150 million for FY2022 (available to 2031) and $1.35 billion for FY2023 (available to 2032). No more than 5% can be used to run the program, and at least $2 million per year goes to oversight. NIST also runs a national spectrum and communications test network that links government, academic, and commercial test sites. Agencies coordinate to avoid duplicating existing testbeds.
New regional engines and commercialization grants
NSF funds planning and regional resource centers with multi‑year awards up to $1 million per year to boost commercialization. It authorizes $1 billion for research and short‑term deployment awards, including SBIR/STTR, with results in under 24 months. NSF creates Regional Innovation Engines with 5‑year awards (renewable) that must include partners like HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, MSIs, EPSCoR institutions, emerging research institutions, or community colleges.
New regional technology hubs and grants
The government will pick regional tech hubs and fund planning and projects. Grants support workforce, commercialization, and manufacturing. Federal funds usually cover up to 80%, more for small, rural, or Tribal hubs. Congress authorizes large sums for FY2023–FY2027, including $2.95 billion (FY2023–FY2024) and $7.0 billion (FY2025–FY2027).
25% tax credit for U.S. chip plants
Companies that build or equip U.S. semiconductor fabs can claim a credit equal to 25% of qualified investment. Property must be placed in service after December 31, 2022, and projects that begin construction after December 31, 2026 are not eligible. A payment election opens no earlier than 270 days after enactment, and prior‑year credits can be clawed back if the firm materially expands chip capacity in China or another country of concern within 10 years. Payments under this credit and refundable credits are protected from sequestration for orders on or after December 31, 2022.
AI scholarships with public service jobs
You can receive an AI scholarship that covers tuition and fees for up to 3 years plus a stipend. You must work in public‑sector AI for the same number of years. If you do not complete the service, you must repay the scholarship like a federal loan with interest from the award date. Agencies track recruitment, placement, and retention each year and review the program at least every two years. The program can start after a required report due within one year of enactment.
Protecting U.S. research from threats
Within 90 days after each national security strategy, the President must develop or update a national economic security strategy for science and innovation. It includes assessments of workforce, manufacturing, investment, supply chains, and underrepresented groups. The law also defines who is a covered individual, which countries are of concern (China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, and others as designated), and which foreign entities are of concern. These definitions guide who faces research‑security scrutiny. The strategy requirement ends five years after enactment.
Big funding for DOE science and labs
The law authorizes DOE Office of Science funding from about $2.69 billion in FY2023 to about $3.08 billion in FY2027. It authorizes $550 million each year for lab infrastructure and $55 million each year for university nuclear programs. It sets U.S. ITER contributions for FY2023–FY2027. DOE can stop poorly reviewed demonstration projects and move the money. EPSCoR now covers more Office of Science research areas.
Regional innovation grants with 25% match
The government authorizes $6.5 billion for 2023–2027 to fund Regional Innovation Engines and Translation Accelerators. Each accelerator is a partnership and must raise at least 25% of its budget from non‑federal sources. The NSF also funds competitive testbeds at colleges and nonprofits to buy equipment and support students and researchers. These programs help turn research into products and jobs.
DOE science fellowships and training
Congress authorizes money for the Computational Science Graduate Fellowship from $15.75 million in FY2023 to $19.14 million in FY2027. DOE’s Office of Science must file a 10‑year education plan in 180 days and a broadening participation plan within 1 year. At least $2 million per year is authorized for these inclusion activities, with traineeships and biennial progress reports.
Entrepreneurial leave for National Lab staff
National Labs can grant full or partial leave so employees can build energy‑tech businesses. You can return to your job or a similar one within 3 years. Labs must create fast licensing and report yearly. Rules can remove participants who break terms, and federal ethics rules still apply.
Faster federal jobs for STEM fellows
Agencies can directly hire former STEM fellowship recipients with a doctorate who completed program terms. They must act within 2 years after you finish the fellowship or posting. After any required service, agencies can convert you to a permanent job, unless declined for cause.
Grants to strengthen community college STEM
NSF funds competitive grants to improve STEM teaching and job training at community colleges. Grants can support curriculum, hands‑on labs, internships, re‑skilling workers, and transfer or career pathways. The program encourages partnerships with employers and labor groups.
More NSF funding for EPSCoR states
NSF directs more money to EPSCoR institutions. Targets for research and STEM education awards rise from 15.5% in FY2023 to 20% in FY2029. For scholarships and fellowships, shares are 16% in FY2023, 18% in FY2024, and 20% in FY2025–FY2029. NSF also funds EPSCoR scholarships, fellowships, early‑career awards, and research tools costing $500,000–$20,000,000, with annual reports starting in FY2023.
More scholarships and career help in STEM
NSF expands scholarships, fellowships, traineeships, and postdoc awards to fill STEM jobs. A 5‑year pilot adds up to 2,500 annual supplements of up to $2,000 each for graduate student development (no more than 10% for postdocs). Colleges get awards to build career exploration and work‑based learning. NSF pilots at least five centers for course‑based undergraduate research for four years. NSF funds undergraduate workforce awards to link colleges and industry. An early‑career fellowship pilot supports independent research for up to two years for U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.
More STEM support for rural communities
NSF funds research on online STEM courses for rural students, with required evaluations and a public report after review. NSF funds competitive awards and a pilot rural educator collaborative for training and hands‑on experiences. GAO studies how federal STEM programs reach rural areas and reports within 3 years.
More training for microelectronics jobs
NSF funds microelectronics traineeships that can pay tuition, fees, and stipends for U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Awards can support internships and certificate or associate pathways. NSF also funds a national microelectronics education network and a coordination hub to build curricula, labs, apprenticeships, and employer partnerships, with outreach to minority‑serving institutions.
Support for researchers with caregiving needs
OSTP must issue guidance within 12 months so agencies support researchers with caregiving duties. Policies should allow flexible start dates, no‑cost extensions, and award supplements when needed. Agencies share these policies and may report usage by demographics each year.
Entrepreneurship fellowships at labs and NSF
NSF funds early‑career commercialization fellowships with $125 million authorized for 2023–2027. DOE National Labs run lab‑embedded entrepreneurship programs with $25 million each year for 2023–2027. Fellows get mentorship, access to facilities, and awards that can cover living costs, health insurance, and travel.
Clean energy incubators and tech transfer help
DOE sets up a Clean Energy Incubator Program within 180 days. It authorizes $15 million per year for FY2023–FY2027, caps one State at $4 million a year, and allows grants up to 5 years with possible 3‑year renewals. DOE also funds $3 million per year to coordinate clean energy tech transfer nationwide.
Grants to join international standards groups
NIST runs a 5‑year pilot to help small businesses, universities, and nonprofits take part in international standards bodies. Grants can cover travel, training, dues, and other reasonable costs up to a cap. NIST briefs Congress after year two and each year after.
More MEP support for U.S. manufacturers
MEP can take funds from other agencies and private donors when Congress provides them, with most awards made competitively. Noncompetitive awards are limited to small, specialized markets with strong past performance. The law clarifies eligible institutions and focuses on U.S.‑based manufacturers. MEP must expand outreach to secondary schools, community colleges, and technical schools, including in underserved and rural areas.
Vouchers to use national labs
Small businesses can get vouchers to access national lab facilities and experts for R&D, demos, training, and tech transfer. The program has a streamlined approval process and requires cost‑sharing under section 988. The law authorizes $25 million each year for FY2023–FY2027.
Better greenhouse gas and air data
NIST creates a Center for Greenhouse Gas Measurements, Standards, and Information. It improves methods, reference materials, data sharing, and training with other agencies. DOE must also run at least one user facility to collect and analyze atmospheric data using field platforms, analysis tools, and modeling resources.
Moon-to-Mars program and schedules
NASA must set up a Moon to Mars Program and a Program Office within 120 days. The program includes Artemis, SLS, Orion, ground systems, a cislunar outpost, landers, and spacesuits. NASA must report in 45 days on Mobile Launch‑2 issues and in 90 days list Space Launch System milestones and dates.
NASA boosts research, testing access
NASA modernizes rocket test sites and lets commercial users rent underused facilities on a reimbursable basis. NASA must keep government program testing on track and report to Congress within one year. NASA prioritizes ISS crew time for human research, risk reduction, and Moon‑to‑Mars work and reports on safety and annual crew‑time use. NASA seeks to make Science Mission Directorate R&A at least 10% of relevant division budgets by FY2025 and starts a space nuclear surface power program with a plan due in one year.
NASA will fly new test planes
NASA must run subsonic, low‑boom, and other flight demonstrators. Primary contracts for design and manufacturing go to U.S. persons. The goal includes integrated subsystem test flights by 2025, with coordination across agencies and the U.S. aviation community.
New board on ocean acidification
A 25‑member Ocean Acidification Advisory Board is created. Members serve five‑year terms and meet at least once a year. The board advises on reports and research plans and includes industry, science, Tribal, and government voices.
NIST launches new research and hiring
NIST can hire up to 15 expert staff under special pay rules for five years. NIST runs a premise plumbing research program with EPA and supports sustainable chemistry partnerships. NIST will fund nonprofit groups to create free, voluntary forensic science standards with $2 million per year (FY2022–FY2026). NIST must also plan the future of its neutron research center and send a strategy to Congress within 30 months.
Nuclear propulsion path for deep space
NASA must run a space nuclear propulsion program for nuclear electric and thermal systems. It must do a full‑scale ground test before any in‑space test and plan an in‑space demo in the late 2020s. A flight‑test plan is due in 180 days and a facilities needs report in 270 days. NASA must also prioritize low‑enriched uranium, including HALEU, and report actions within 120 days while coordinating with Defense and Energy.
Ocean acidification data made public
NOAA leads the federal response to ocean and coastal acidification. NOAA must run a public data archive and information exchange using strong data standards. NASA researchers collecting these data must follow the standards and submit their data to NOAA and NASA. This improves access for coastal communities, scientists, and policymakers.
Plan for U.S. quantum networks
A federal working group must send Congress a quantum networking report by January 1, 2026. It updates strategy, plans public‑private and interagency work on international standards, protects national security, assesses U.S. position and workforce, and offers legislative recommendations.
Research on space radiation risks
DOE, with NASA, must research low‑dose radiation on Earth, in low Earth orbit, and in deep space. Funding is $40M in FY2025 and $50M in FY2026 and FY2027. The work supports tools and materials for long space missions.
Stronger plan on ocean acidification
The plan now covers coastal acidification, social and economic impacts, monitoring, data management, and adaptation strategies. The plan must be posted publicly and updated at least every five years until 2035.
Voluntary guidance to secure open‑source software
The Directorate will publish voluntary guidance and tools to find and fix open‑source software risks. It will rate vulnerability severity and ensure Institute software is digitally signed so users can verify it. The Director may help federal Inspectors General with training, subject to funding, and will coordinate with industry and academia.
Faster Artemis launches and new platform
Each Artemis mission must advance technology for human trips to Mars. After the first crewed Orion flight on SLS, planning includes at least one SLS launch per year, with a goal of two. NASA must complete a second mobile launch platform by 2026 sized for the larger Block 2. NASA also appoints a Moon to Mars Program Director to manage schedules, risk, and performance.
ISS operations extended through 2030
The law extends U.S. support for the International Space Station to September 30, 2030. NASA must assess safety and readiness within 180 days and report to Congress within 240 days with a plan to address issues.
NASA must expand SLS launch support
NASA must keep ground systems ready for SLS Block 1 (70 metric tons), Block 1B (105 metric tons), and Block 2 (130 metric tons). At least two Vehicle Assembly Building bays must be dedicated to SLS stacking and prep.
NASA research to safely add drones to skies
NASA will research and test how to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace. It will work with industry and use test ranges. The work supports public safety and future drone services.
Better data and paths for cyber jobs
NCSES sets up a cybersecurity workforce data effort using the NICE framework and employer data to test national estimates. NSF funds research on cyber training paths, re‑entry, and job outcomes, working with NIST, DHS, DoD, OPM, and others. These steps help schools and employers design better training and hiring.
Broader access to STEM funding
The government strengthens inclusion in STEM. Within 12 months, OSTP shares best practices for fair hiring and climate surveys, and doctoral schools report actions within 3 years. Agencies review peer‑review and funding data by group and fix barriers. NSF runs pilots to mentor underfunded colleges and cut red tape. For five years, any multi‑institution NSF award over $1,000,000 must send at least 35% of funds to emerging research institutions and report on the partnership.
Broader STEM access for students and veterans
NIST must expand outreach to HBCUs, Tribal colleges, minority‑serving institutions, and community colleges. Advanced Technological Education centers share model curricula and teaching methods. NSF will boost Noyce scholarship outreach to HBCUs, rural‑serving schools, labor groups, and programs that support veterans. Colleges that recruit and train veterans get priority for STEM career and technical grants. Teacher awards rise from 108 to 110 and must include winners from each listed U.S. territory.
Carbon materials research in coal regions
DOE creates the Carbon Materials Science Initiative. It funds one center in each of two major coal‑producing regions. Centers are chosen competitively, funded up to five years, and may be renewed for up to five more years.
NASA workforce review and analysis office
NASA must have the National Academies review its workforce and facilities and report within 18 months. NASA sends an implementation plan within 120 days after the review. NASA sets a policy for regular capability checks within one year and repeats them at least every five years through 2040. NASA also creates an Independent Program Analysis and Evaluation Office.
New carbon storage research centers
The law creates a Carbon Sequestration Research and Geologic Computational Science Initiative. The Secretary can set up up to two carbon storage research centers in regions with active work. Each new center can get up to 5 years of support and may be renewed for up to 5 more years. The program coordinates with USGS and avoids duplicating other efforts.
New centers to improve K–12 STEM
NSF funds Centers for Transformative Education Research and Translation. Grants run up to 5 years and focus on PreK–12 students, including under‑resourced learners and students with disabilities. The Director must report to Congress within 5 years on what worked and what to improve.
New NSF tech directorate and training
NSF creates a Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. It funds applied research, speeds key technologies, and grows the U.S. tech workforce while avoiding undue geographic concentration. It excludes partnerships with foreign entities of concern. At least 10% of training funds support community college programs. All work depends on future appropriations.
NSF makes sharing easier and waives match
NSF can share information about its work as widely as appropriate. The law keeps current intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. It waives institutional cost‑sharing for MRI equipment grants and Noyce teaching fellowships for 5 years after enactment. NSF must report to Congress within 5 years on the effects and whether to extend the waivers.
Open and secure research data systems
NSF sets criteria and funds for trusted open repositories and builds a public website to find NSF-supported data and code. NSF grant recipients who collect ocean acidification data must follow NOAA standards and submit data after publication. NSF launches a National Secure Data Service demo within one year, protects privacy, publishes results within 12 months, and reports to Congress in two years; $9 million per year is authorized for FY2023–FY2027.
Plan for engineering biology and ethics
An interagency committee must deliver a strategic plan within 12 months and update it every five years. The plan includes a national genomic sequencing strategy that protects economic competitiveness, security, and privacy. NSF will seek a National Academies review of ethical, legal, safety, and societal issues in engineering biology, with a public report due within two years.
Planning and ethics for NSF tech
The new NSF tech directorate must coordinate with other agencies, avoid overlap, and report to Congress every year. A roadmap is due within one year and a selection‑methods report within 24 months, with continuing strategic updates. Ethical, legal, and social issues must be built into priorities and awards, with public input when appropriate. After six years, the National Academies will evaluate results. NSF can also appoint up to 70 eminent and 70 highly qualified experts under special pay and term rules.
Safer STEM labs: anti-harassment rules
A federal working group coordinates agency actions to reduce sexual and sex-based harassment in research. It must inventory policies in 90 days, set guidelines within six months, and agencies must adopt consistent policies within 270 days. The law also authorizes $32.5 million for NSF to address inclusion and harassment in STEM.
Safer, more responsible research environments
NSF runs a pilot for secure computing enclaves at up to three colleges, funded at $38 million for FY2023–FY2025, operating at least 3 years with a report due 6 months after it ends. NSF also updates the 'On Being a Scientist' guide within set timelines to add stronger conduct and security practices. NSF funds research to reduce sex‑based and sexual harassment in STEM and may create a center to analyze climate survey data.
Grants to revive distressed job markets
EDA will run a Recompete pilot to fund strategy and implementation grants in persistently distressed areas and Tribal lands. Grants can pay for workforce, business growth, infrastructure, and planning. Each award cannot be larger than (prime‑age employment gap × prime‑age population × $70,585 for labor markets, or × $53,600 for communities). The Secretary must make at least ten implementation grants.
Clean energy and carbon research grants
The law authorizes $50 million per year (FY2023–FY2027) for carbon materials and carbon sequestration research. It also funds regional clean energy partnerships with competitive grants up to $10 million each and planning grants up to $2 million. Grants can last up to five years. For multi‑year grants, partners must cover at least half of years three to five. The program favors rural, Tribal, and low‑income areas.
Cleaner steel manufacturing research program
DOE must start a low‑emissions steel program within 180 days. The program covers heat technologies, carbon capture, smart manufacturing, efficiency, and alternative materials. A five‑year plan is due in 180 days and updated every two years.
Grants to recycle lab helium
DOE will award competitive grants to cut helium use via capture, reuse, and recycling equipment and helium‑alternative R&D. Support can last up to five years, with possible renewal. NSF will support helium‑saving equipment in major instrumentation proposals and can waive cost‑sharing for some schools. DOE and NSF must report to Congress on helium costs and supply.
National teams to design fusion
The law creates at least two national fusion teams within 180 days. They design pilot plant concepts and roadmaps. It also sets up a high‑performance computing center for fusion and allows support for up to five years, with a possible five‑year renewal.
New microelectronics research funding
DOE will fund microelectronics research across universities, labs, nonprofits, states, and companies. Topics include cybersecurity‑by‑design, AI codesign, fabrication and metrology, energy efficiency, radiation‑hardening, and domestic processing methods. DOE must notify Congress within 30 days of each award.
Strengthening NASA’s U.S. supply chain
NASA must report within one year, and then periodically, on the U.S. industrial base for civil space missions. The report covers supply chain and skills gaps, fixes, regional needs, work with Manufacturing USA, and whether to set up a supply chain center of excellence in a State without a NASA center.
Upgrades and support for research tools
The law funds midscale instruments costing $1M–$20M each at $150M per year from FY2023–FY2027. It expands high‑throughput microbial and plant phenotyping, with work starting by September 29, 2027 if funded. It continues a pilot that covers 10%–50% of operations and maintenance costs for new major research facilities in their first five years.
New DOE accelerator and bioenergy centers
DOE starts an Accelerator R&D program with funding from $19.08 million in FY2023 to about $24.09 million in FY2027. DOE also supports up to six Bioenergy Research Centers, chosen competitively and funded for up to five years, to speed advanced biofuels and biobased materials into industry.
More support to move energy tech to market
DOE must create a nonprofit foundation within 180 days to speed energy tech commercialization and give grants and fellowships. The law funds the Lab Partnering Service pilot ($2 million per year plus $1.7 million per year for 2023–2025). Non‑federal lab employees can do approved outside work, including start‑ups, with conflict‑of‑interest and security safeguards. Congress also authorizes $20 million per year for 2023–2027 and special hiring to expand the Office of Technology Transitions.
Limits on NSF funds for Confucius Institutes
The National Science Foundation cannot fund a college that keeps a Confucius Institute contract unless NSF grants a waiver. A waiver requires protections for academic freedom, no foreign law on campus, full college control, and no co‑location with Chinese language/history programs. The limit starts in the first fiscal year that begins two years after enactment and ends five years after enactment. It does not affect student aid and does not apply to schools with certain DoD waivers.
Stronger standards for identity and biometrics
NIST will test biometric systems, including facial recognition, for accuracy, bias, and interoperability and publish results. It prioritizes testing U.S.‑developed tech and sets policies for work with foreign entities of concern. GAO must report in 18 months on impacts on historically marginalized communities. NIST also publishes voluntary digital identity guidance and a roadmap focused on privacy, proofing, interoperability, and ease of use.
More open data and grant stats
Every NSF proposal must include a machine‑readable plan to archive and share data, software, and code. NSF will provide training and treat these plans as key parts of proposals. Federal research agencies must, within two years of a new policy, send standardized, record‑level data on reviewed applications to NCSES and include up to five prior years if available. NSF will publish summary tables by demographics and other factors.
Rules for researchers: training and bans
Federal research agencies require listed researchers to finish security training within one year of applying. Within 24 months, covered people must certify at submission and each year that they are not in a malign foreign talent program. OSTP sets rules within 180 days that ban many federal research staff from joining foreign talent programs. Agencies must not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or national origin. Agencies can use existing programs to meet these rules.
Stronger research security and oversight
Federal research agencies can review foreign ties on grant teams. They may remove a person, cut funds, or end an award after review, with privacy protections and a chance to rebut. NSF keeps a Research Security and Policy office with at least four staff. NSF must post clear online guidance and tools and send resource and activity reports to Congress on a set schedule.
Tighter research security and disclosures
The law defines what counts as a malign foreign talent program. Institutions must disclose yearly any foreign support of $50,000 or more from countries of concern and keep records; NSF may cut awards if rules are not met. NSF appoints a Chief of Research Security and must plan how to manage access to CUI and classified information within 180 days. NSF will also fund a research‑security information‑sharing group; members pay scaled fees.
CHIPS guardrails and equity reporting
Companies that get CHIPS funds cannot use them to buy back stock or pay dividends. GAO must report on actions to ease chip shortages, how projects help critical industries, contracts to minority‑ and women‑owned firms, and workforce makeup. These steps add transparency and restrict some uses of federal aid.
Stronger federal cyber, AI, and standards
The Commerce Department can set mandatory cybersecurity rules for federal systems based on NIST standards. NIST develops standards for high‑risk biometrics, supports secure software and cloud, and expands AI research, testbeds, and risk tools. Colleges are explicitly included in NIST’s research‑protection work. NIST can use flexible contracting tools and must report on their use. These steps improve security and privacy but may raise compliance costs for vendors and agencies.
Manufacturing USA: domestic focus and inclusion
Manufacturing USA sets a council of institute leaders that meets at least twice a year. Agencies favor proposals that include HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, MSIs, minority businesses, and rural‑serving schools. Policies promote domestic production, supplier scouting, and U.S. transfer of intellectual property. Some foreign‑owned firms face tighter reviews, and companies from China need a waiver. Entities on certain national‑security lists cannot receive related NSF and Manufacturing USA funding.
Student prize for clean energy ideas
Energy sets up the Clean Energy Technology University Prize. It funds regional and one national competition and student training. The program prioritizes work with minority‑serving colleges. Congress authorizes $1 million per year for FY2023–FY2027, subject to appropriations.
NASA property leases extended to 2032
NASA can keep using enhanced‑use leases through December 31, 2032. NASA must report lease counts by center, estimated cost savings for each active lease, and other benefits each year. NASA must also report on applicant rules, including foreign involvement, within 270 days. This gives businesses more time and transparency to pursue NASA leases.
White House advisor on crypto
The White House science office establishes an advisor on blockchain and cryptocurrencies. The advisor coordinates federal research and advises the President on these technologies.
Cybersecurity help for higher education
Within one year, NIST publishes voluntary cybersecurity guides for research universities that get over $50 million in federal research funds and updates them regularly. A new grant program helps colleges serving needy students and MSIs build or expand cybersecurity programs. At least half of grant funds go to HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. Authority to award grants ends five years after the first award, subject to appropriations.
GAO studies funding equity and harassment
GAO must, within three years, inventory federal competitive funding aimed at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and recommend ways to boost participation and success. GAO must also review how agencies put anti‑harassment guidelines into practice and report results to Congress.
NASA creates STEM engagement office
NASA sets up an Office of STEM Engagement. It runs and coordinates programs like Space Grant, EPSCoR, and NextGen STEM. The goal is to boost STEM learning, widen participation, and prepare the future workforce.
NIST funding for quantum networking
NIST gets $15 million per year for FY2023–FY2027 for research and standards on quantum cryptography, quantum networking, sensing, and related reviews.
Rural broadband and STEM efforts
Commerce runs a prize to spur rural broadband technology, with up to $5 million total for winners. Proposals must include a deployment plan. NSF hires the National Academies within 12 months to evaluate rural preK–12 STEM programs and broadband effects; the report is due within 24 months. $1 million is authorized for FY2023 to fund the study.
Science Foundation boosts microgravity access and oversight
The National Science Foundation helps awardees access microgravity environments, including private platforms, during their awards. NSF must report to Congress within 180 days on its plan. The National Science Board must keep closed‑meeting records for at least three years, and the Inspector General reviews them as needed.
Special high‑pay hiring for scientists
The Under Secretary for Science can hire up to 60 experts outside normal civil service rules. Pay can be set up to Executive Schedule Level II. Appointees may receive extra pay up to the smallest of $25,000, 25% of basic pay, or the legal cap. Appointments generally last up to three years.
Study on university AI research capacity
NSF studies which universities lead in AI research and what helps them, like computing, data, curriculum, staff, and partnerships. It highlights diversity practices and geographic spread and may hold workshops. The public report is due within 12 months.
Keeping NASA missions on budget
NASA must give Congress an independent cost estimate within one year for running the ISS through September 30, 2030, including crew and cargo, research, maintenance, and possible savings. NASA must also plan with the Army Corps to keep two waterways navigable for NASA barges and report within 180 days.
Minimum size for Recompete grants
Recompete Pilot implementation grants must be at least $20 million each, if Congress provides funding. This favors larger, coordinated projects and may limit smaller awards.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
OH • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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