Science and Technology Issues in the 114th Congress (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
April 7, 2015 |
| Report Number |
R43972 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Frank Gottron,Kelsi Bracmort,Nicole T. Carter,Laura B. Comay,Tadlock Cowan,Patricia Moloney Figliola,Eric A. Fischer,Peter Folger,Angele A. Gilroy,Heather B. Gonzalez,Gary Guenther,Judith A. Johnson,Lennard G. Kruger,Jane A. Leggett,Sarah A. Lister,Jim M |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
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 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 114th Congress. Given the ubiquity of science and technology and its constantly evolving nature, some science- and technology-related issues not discussed in this report may come before the 114th Congress. The selected issues are grouped into 11 categories:
Overarching S&T issues,
Workforce and Education,
Agriculture,
Biomedical Research and Development,
Defense,
Energy,
Environment,
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 introductory rather than comprehensive. Each section identifies available CRS reports and the appropriate CRS experts for further information and analysis.
