Science and Technology Issues for the 119th Congress

Science and technology (S&T) underlie a wide range of issues confronting the nation. The advancement of S&T can drive economic growth, help address national priorities, and improve health and quality of life. The ubiquity and constantly changing nature of S&T frequently create public policy issues of congressional interest. Federal support of research and development (R&D) has led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies. Federal policies, some of which may indirectly support or limit the innovative capacity of the public and private sectors, govern many aspects of S&T activities. This report spotlights some of the key S&T policy issues before the 119th Congress. Examples include cross-cutting subjects that affect S&T progress across a range of fields and disciplines as well as the capacity of the United States to innovate and maintain global competitiveness. The report also highlights new or rapidly developing areas of S&T that have the potential to transform current capabilities. Congress may assess the adequacy of existing policy frameworks or consider creating new ones to address these S&T issue areas, which are described briefly below. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI holds potential opportunities, such as optimizing performance for complex tasks. Its use can also raise questions about bias, errors, security, copyright issues, and other concerns. The 119th Congress may consider issues related to the development of AI and AI infrastructure (e.g., data centers). Biotechnology and Biomedical Research: Recent advances in biotechnology and biomedical research hold the promise of longer, healthier lives and more productive industries, but they also raise policy challenges. Issues that the 119th Congress may face include laboratory biosafety and biosecurity, regulation of biotechnologies and research, and the federal response to emerging pathogens. Climate Science: S&T policy issues before the 119th Congress may include understanding the causes of extreme heat and addressing associated risks, and considering the role of nuclear energy in climate change mitigation. Earth and Environmental Sciences: Earth- and environmental-science-related issues before the 119th Congress include the improvement of extreme weather forecasting, plastic pollution, assessment of seabed deposits for potential critical minerals, and technologies to manage fisheries and other marine resources. Federal Research Programs: The federal government provides billions of dollars annually to institutions of higher education, federal laboratories, and the private sector to support R&D. The 119th Congress may consider issues related to federally funded R&D, including indirect costs for federally funded research, and topics related to research security and cooperation with China. Information Technology and Social Media: Rapid advancements in information technologies present several issues for the 119th Congress to consider, such as the accessibility of various types of data, cybersecurity concerns, considerations related to the ownership and use of social media platforms, and concerns related to minors online. Innovation and Global Competition: The 119th Congress may examine federal support for innovation, such as advancing defense innovation and overseeing the implementation of regional innovation strategies. Congress may also consider the role of patents in promoting innovation and competition, immigration in the U.S. S&T workforce, U.S. competitiveness in the semiconductor industry, and domestic battery manufacturing. Space Policy: Space policy topics that may come before the 119th Congress include the funding and oversight of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and issues related to the commercialization of space. Telecommunications: Telecommunications technologies present several issues for policymakers, including oversight and potential reform of federal broadband programs and use of technologies to address the digital divide between people who have and do not have access to broadband, the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund, policies governing radio spectrum management and use, over-the-air radio broadcast transmissions, and the security and resiliency of telecommunication networks.