February 10, 2016

The Scientific Research in the National Interest Act (H.R. 3293) passed the House of Representatives on February 10 with a vote of 236-178. The bill, sponsored by Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award federal research funding only to grant proposals that promote scientific progress in the United States by increasing the economic competitiveness, advancing public health and welfare, developing STEM fields, or promoting national defense.

Proponents of the bill claim it will reduce frivolous spending on irrelevant research, and cite certain funded proposals they deem are not in the national interest. Opponents of the bill, however, believe it is an attempt to control NSF funding decisions and claim the language is redundant to current NSF approval procedures.

The bill will now move on to the Senate where it has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for consideration.

Sources: E&E News, Congress.gov