Yesterday the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY22 with strong bipartisan support. The legislation authorized a $770 billion funding level for the Department of Defense and made key changes to defense policy. Read more here.
Author: Gabriel Kornas
National Space Council Convenes
Yesterday, VP Kamala Harris convened the first meeting of the National Space Council of the Biden-Harris Administration. The meeting focused on NASA’s STEM engagement efforts. During the meeting, the Administration also revealed the United States Space Priorities Framework.
Read more and watch a recording of the meeting here.
USICA Goes to Conference
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.
OSTP Listening Sessions on AI and Equity
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy announced a series of listening sessions between November 18th-29th covering AI, data-driven technologies, and equity. The sessions will focus specifically on Public and Private Sector Uses of AI-Enabled Biometric Technologies.
Details and registration information can be found here.
PCAST Public Meeting: Join November 29th
The Department of Energy will host a public hearing of the Presidents Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) at 12:15pm ET on November 29th. PCAST is consulted on and provides analyses and recommendations concerning a wide range of issues where understanding of science, technology, and innovation may bear on the policy choices before the President.
PCAST will hear from invited speakers on and discuss various aspects of biomanufacturing, the Federal science and technology workforce, and the National Nanotechnology Initiative. Additional information and the meeting agenda, including any changes that arise, will be posted on the PCAST website at: www.whitehouse.gov/PCAST/meetings.
View the Federal Register Notice here.