Defense Research; Genesis Mission; Financial Aid
BU in DC
The CARB-X Joint Oversight Board met in Washington, DC, on December 11th.
HOUSE PASSES DEFENSE POLICY BILL
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual bill that establishes defense policy. The legislation emphasizes artificial intelligence, quantum, and biotechnology as defense research priorities, establishing a Biotechnology Management Office and directing the Department of Defense to create a strategy for emerging biotechnology matters. Notably, the bill does not include measures previously approved by the House that would have significantly limited collaborations between American and international scientists. The U.S. Senate is expected to approve the bill and send it to the President for his signature next week.
HOUSE SCIENCE COMMITTEE REVIEWS GENESIS MISSION
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing titled “The Genesis Mission: Prioritizing American Science and Technology Leadership Power” on Wednesday. Department of Energy Under Secretary Dario Gil testified about on the Administration’s Genesis Mission proposal to invest in artificial intelligence infrastructure as a tool to accelerate scientific progress and U.S. competitiveness. Under Secretary Gil praised the partnership between universities and the federal government, stating that “the university ecosystem that funds and supports science and engineering and educates our students in science and engineering and mathematics is indispensable.”
HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES FINANCIAL AID BILLS
The House Education and Workforce Committee approved legislation to increase transparency around college costs on Thursday. The Student Financial Clarity Act, coauthored by Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA), would create a Universal Net Price Calculator; it was approved by a vote of 27 to 6. The College Financial Aid Clarity Act, which would require universities to use a standard financial aid offer developed by the U.S. Department of Education, was approved by a 23 to 10 vote. The Committee’s approval clears the way for the bills to be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives next year.
A Note to Our Readers: As Congress approaches its District Work Period, Beltway BUzz will temporarily pause publication. Be sure to visit our website, follow us on LinkedIn, or check the University’s Federal Actions page for updates. Happy holidays!