Science and Technology Issues in the 116th Congress (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Feb. 6, 2019 |
| Report Number |
R45491 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Frank Gottron; Sahar Angadjivand; Kelsi Bracmort; Nicole T. Carter; Laura B. Comay; Tadlock Cowan; Agata Dabrowska; Patricia Moloney Figliola; Kristin Finklea; Eric A. Fischer; Peter Folger; Jill C. Gallagher; Marcy E. Gallo |
| 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 ubiquity and constantly changing nature 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 regulates many aspects of S&T activities.
This report briefly outlines a key set of science and technology policy issues that may come before the 116th Congress. This
set is not exhaustive, however. Given the rapid pace of S&T advancement and its importance in many diverse public policy
contexts, other S&T-related issues not discussed in this report may come before the 116th Congress. The selected issues are
grouped into 10 categories:
Overarching S&T Policy Issues,
Agriculture,
Biomedical Research and Development,
Climate Change Science and Water,
Defense,
Energy,
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.
