DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act
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Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
ID: S001215
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
March 25, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
📍 Current Status
Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of bureaucratic doublespeak, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this monstrosity and expose its true purpose.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act (HR 1350) claims to promote "cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities" between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). In reality, this bill is a thinly veiled attempt to justify increased funding for pet projects, expand bureaucratic empires, and create new opportunities for cronyism.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill establishes a memorandum of understanding between the DOE and NSF, which will supposedly facilitate "competitive, merit-reviewed" research grants. Don't be fooled – this is just a euphemism for "we'll give money to our friends and favored institutions." The bill also authorizes reimbursable agreements, collaboration with other federal agencies, and the creation of new research infrastructure.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects will benefit from this bill:
1. Federal agencies (DOE and NSF): More funding, more power, and more opportunities for bureaucratic growth. 2. National Laboratories: Expect increased funding and influence peddling. 3. Institutions of higher education: More grants, more research opportunities, and more chances to curry favor with federal bureaucrats. 4. Non-profit institutions: The same as above – more money, more influence.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill will:
1. Increase the national debt by funneling more taxpayer dollars into bureaucratic black holes. 2. Create new opportunities for cronyism and corruption, as favored institutions and individuals receive preferential treatment. 3. Further entrench the federal government's grip on scientific research, stifling innovation and competition. 4. Produce a plethora of pointless reports, studies, and initiatives that will gather dust on shelves or be used to justify further bureaucratic expansion.
In short, HR 1350 is a classic example of legislative theater – a meaningless exercise in bureaucratic posturing designed to justify more spending, more power, and more influence for the usual suspects. The real disease here is the insatiable appetite for federal control and funding that afflicts our politicians and bureaucrats. This bill is just another symptom of that deeper illness.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 2 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
ID: B001307
Top Contributors
10
Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]
ID: M001238
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 32 nodes and 36 connections
Total contributions: $99,300
Top Donors - Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Showing top 23 donors by contribution amount