Should the National Science Foundation Decide if Proposed Research Grants are in the National Interest? (H.R. 3293)

What is H.R. 3293?

(Updated October 19, 2017)

This bill would direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award funding for basic research and education in the sciences under a new research grant or cooperative agreement only if it has been justified in writing.

The NSF would be responsible for affirming in writing that the grant or agreement promotes the progress of science in the U.S. NSF would also affirm that the project is worthy of federal funding, and meets certain other criteria. In addition to promoting science in the U.S., grants could only go to initiatives that further the national interest, specifically if it promotes:

• Increased economic competitiveness in the U.S.;

• The general health and welfare of the American public;

• Development of an American STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) workforce that is globally competitive;

• Increased public scientific literacy and engagement with science and technology in the U.S.;

• Increased partnerships between academia and industry in the U.S.;

• National defense efforts.

The NSF’s determination would be made after a research grant or cooperative agreement proposal has satisfied the NSF’s reviews for Merit and Broader Impacts.

Argument in favor

Before the federal government spends taxpayer dollars on new grants or contracts for scientific research it should require the National Science Foundation to verify that the research is in the national interest.

Argument opposed

The U.S. shouldn’t require proposed scientific research to benefit the national interest, as that could lead other governments to horde their own research, and unfettered research would help with global development.

Impact

Scientific researchers with access to new research grants or cooperative agreements, private industry, academia, and the National Science Foundation.

Cost of H.R. 3293

The CBO estimates that implementing this bill would not increase spending.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced this legislation to ensure that the National Science Foundation demonstrates to taxpayers that scientific research grants will benefit the national interest and that the project merits federal support:

“Investments in basic research can lead to discoveries that change our world, expand our horizons and save lives. But we cannot afford to waste taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. For instance, the almost million dollars spent on a climate change musical could have funded research to meet real national priorities such as predicting severe weather events, discovering new sources of energy, and improving cybersecurity. All government employees and their agency heads need to remember they are accountable to the American taxpayer who pays their salaries and funds their projects.  It is not the government's money; it's the people's money.”

This legislation was passed by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee by a voice vote, and it currently has the support of 22 cosponsors in the House — all but two of whom are Republicans.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) Press Release
• CBO Cost Estimate
• Science
• Social Science Space
• The Hill (Op-Ed In Favor)