Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): History and Overview

Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) through the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-282). The act states, “The primary function of the OSTP Director is to provide, within the Executive Office of the President [EOP], advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of issues that require attention at the highest level of Government.” Further, “The Office shall serve as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government.” The President nominates the OSTP Director, who is subject to confirmation by the Senate. In some Administrations, the President has concurrently appointed the OSTP Director to the position of Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST), a position which allows for the provision of confidential advice to the President on matters of science and technology. The APST manages the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), an interagency body established by Executive Order 12881 that coordinates science and technology (S&T) policy across the federal government. The APST also co-chairs the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a council of external advisors established on October 25, 2021, by Executive Order 13895 for a period of two years from the date of the order, unless extended by the President. In January 2019, the Senate confirmed President Trump’s nominee for OSTP Director, Kelvin Droegemeier. While Dr. Droegemeier does not hold the APST title, according to OSTP he manages the NSTC and serves as co-chair of PCAST. Congress has appropriated approximately $5.5 million for OSTP for fiscal years 2014 through 2020 in annual Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies appropriations acts. The President is requesting $5.0 million for FY2021. Two federal agencies also provide support for OSTP activities. The National Science Foundation provides funding for the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), a federally-funded research and development center that supports OSTP. NSF STPI funding for FY2020 is $4.7 million. The Department of Energy provides funding for support of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) which is administered by OSTP. DOE PCAST funding for FY2020 is $812,000. Several recurrent OSTP issues face Congress: the need for science advice within the EOP; the title, rank, and responsibilities of the OSTP Director; the policy areas for OSTP focus; the funding and staffing for OSTP; the roles and functions of OSTP and NSTC in setting federal science and technology policy; and the status and influence of PCAST. Some in the S&T community support raising the OSTP Director to Cabinet rank, contending that this would imbue the position with greater influence within the EOP. Others have proposed that the OSTP Director play a greater role in federal agency coordination, priority setting, and budget allocation. Both the Administration and Congress have identified areas of policy focus for OSTP staff, raising questions of prioritization and oversight. Some experts say NSTC has insufficient authority over federal agencies engaged in science and technology activities and that PCAST has insufficient influence on S&T policy; they question the overall coordination of federal science and technology activities. Finally, some in the scientific community support increasing the authority of the OSTP Director in the budget process to bring greater science and technology expertise to federal investment decisionmaking.