In the Spring 2023 Issue of Issues in Science and Technology magazine, Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Space, Science, and Technology provided this commentary in their “Perspectives” section:
“During my tenure in Congress, where I’ve represented Oklahoma’s third district since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of serving on three committees and working closely with many more. Of these committees, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology does not have the highest profile, but it does have one of the most important portfolios. That’s because the work done by this committee goes further than addressing the challenges we face today—it paves the way for our long-term development as a nation.
America’s economic strength, national security, and our quality of life all fundamentally depend on our ongoing scientific progress. In fact, more than 60% of America’s economic growth in the last century is due to advances in science and technology. US public investment in research and development adds nearly $200 billion in economic value, and basic research in particular increases long-term productivity across multiple industries….”
“……Central to all the investments and modernizations in the CHIPS and Science Act was the creation of a National Science and Technology Strategy. Our committee directed the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a comprehensive strategy for America’s scientific and technological development every four years.
The national strategy ensures a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to R&D, which will improve coordination between federal agencies and provide a more thoughtful approach to prioritizing resources. It will ensure that government time, energy, and funding for federal R&D will be focused on the most important challenges facing the country. And, given the increased funding being allocated to federal R&D, this strategy is necessary to maximize the return on our investments and make good use of taxpayer dollars…..”
Further context: The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has jurisdiction over all energy research, development and demonstration, and projects thereof and all federally owned or operated non-military energy laboratories. And,
The Energy Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the following subject matters: all matters relating to energy research, development, and demonstration projects therefor; commercial application of energy technology; Department of Energy research, development, and demonstration programs; Department of Energy laboratories; Department of Energy science activities; Department of Energy cybersecurity activities; Department of Energy international research, development, and demonstration projects; energy supply activities; nuclear, solar, and renewable energy, and other advanced energy technologies; uranium supply and enrichment, and Department of Energy waste management; Department of Energy environmental management research, development, and demonstration; fossil energy research and development; clean coal technology; energy conservation research and development, including building performance, alternate fuels, distributed power systems, and industrial process improvements; pipeline research, development, and demonstration projects; energy standards; other appropriate matters as referred by the Chair; and relevant oversight.