House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced in a joint statement that the bipartisan United States Innovation and Competition Act (S. 1260) will be conferenced to resolve differences between House and Senate versions. Although leadership in both chambers originally hoped to include the legislation in the upcoming FY 22 National Defense Authorization Act, Senate Republicans have indicated they would not support such a move. Conferencing brings the legislation one step closer to being signed into law.
If enacted, USICA would create a new NSF Directorate, authorize additional funding for semiconductor research, Department of Energy research, and tackle manufacturing and supply chain issues.