Science and Technology Issues in the 115th Congress

Gottron, Frank and Bracmort, Kelsi and Carter, Nicole T. and Comay, Laura B. and Cowan, Tadlock and Dabrowska, Agata and Moloney Figliola, Patricia and Finklea, Kristin and Fischer, Eric A. and Folger, Peter and Gallo, Marcy E. and Gilroy, Angele A. and Gonzalez, Heather B. and Greene, Joel L. and Guenther, Gary and Harris, Laurie A. and Holt, Mark and Johnson, Judith A. and Kruger, Lennard G. and Leggett, Jane A. and Lister, Sarah A. and Monke, Jim and Morgan, Daniel and Sarata, Amanda K. and Sargent, John F. Jr.. (2017) Science and Technology Issues in the 115th Congress. Technical Report. Congressional Research Service.

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Abstract

Science and technology (S&T) have a pervasive influence over a wide range of issues confronting the nation. Public and private research and development spur scientific and technological advancement. Such advances can drive economic growth, help address national priorities, and improve health and quality of life. The constantly changing nature and ubiquity of science and technology frequently create public policy issues of congressional interest. The federal government supports scientific and technological advancement directly by funding and performing research and development and indirectly by creating and maintaining policies that encourage private sector efforts. Additionally, the federal government establishes and enforces regulatory frameworks governing many aspects of S&T activities. This report briefly outlines an array of science and technology policy issues that may come before the 115th Congress. Given the rapid pace of S&T advancement and its importance in many diverse public policy issues, S&T-related issues not discussed in this report may come before the 115th Congress. The selected issues are grouped into 9 categories: - Overarching S&T Policy Issues, - Agriculture, - Biomedical Research and Development, - Defense, - Energy, - Environment and Natural Resources, - Homeland Security, - Information Technology, - Physical and Material Sciences, and - Space. Each of these categories includes concise analysis of multiple policy issues. The material presented in this report should be viewed as illustrative rather than comprehensive. Each section identifies CRS reports, when available, and the appropriate CRS experts to contact for further information and analysis.

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