Foster Amendments Included in COMPETES Act
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted multiple amendments offered by Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) into the final version of the COMPETES Act.
"I'm proud to have my amendments included in the COMPETES Act and I look forward to voting for its final passage," Foster said. "This is an opportunity to strengthen the American economy, deliver resources to America's National Labs, bolster our nation's research and development capabilities in nuclear science and biotechnology, move the U.S. forward on digital identity technology, and retain graduates with STEM degrees so they can contribute to the economic future of the United States."
The Foster amendments adopted are:
Keep STEM Talent Act: Allows graduates with advanced STEM degrees to remain in the United States following their graduation and would remove barriers for STEM-educated international students who want to work in the United States.
Strengthening Digital Identity Act: Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to create a new framework of standards to guide government agencies when providing digital identity verification services – placing an emphasis on privacy and security.
Restore and Modernize Our National Laboratories Act: Authorizes Congress to appropriate $6.1 billion each year over the next five years for the Department of Energy to prioritize maintenance projects at the national labs, including construction and enhancements of lab infrastructure. The funding could also support lab modernization programs and the promotion of environmentally responsible operations.
National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act: Enhances the educational and research capabilities of nuclear science and engineering programs to meet the workforce needs of the U.S. nuclear industry, and accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies in the U.S.
Allow the Office of Science to use new funding for its National Virtual Biotechnology Lab: Bolsters research and development related to the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term biothreats.
The America COMPETES Act of 2022 represents a historic investment to surge production of American-made semiconductors, tackle supply chain vulnerabilities to make more goods in America, turbocharge America's scientific research and technological leadership, and strengthen America's economic and national security at home and abroad.
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