On February 5, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee convened for a hearing on The State of U.S. Science and Technology: Ensuring U.S. Global Leadership. Witnesses offered strategies for shaping and enhancing the future of federally funded research. Committee members highlighted the importance of nurturing talent, fostering collaboration across borders, and ensuring that universities, industries, and government agencies work together toward shared goals. The content and tone did not reflect current administrative directives impacting federal agencies funding science.
In his opening statement, Chairman Brian Babin (R-TX) stated “federally funded research is the foundation on which major technological innovations are built – including smartphones, GPS, and the internet.” He elaborated that America’s economic strength, national security, and quality of life depend on scientific progress. He also underscored the importance for the United States to succeed in the innovation race against other countries.
Witnesses brought diverse perspectives, providing brief statements followed by thoughtful questions from Members and engaged discussion.
- Walter Copan, PhD, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at the Colorado School of Mines, warned that closing the U.S. off from international collaboration may limit the knowledge, talent, and technological advancements we can access. In an interconnected world where innovation thrives on global collaboration, he argued, restricting partnerships could hinder progress and diminish the nation’s competitive edge in research and development.
- Heather Wilson, PhD, President of the University of Texas at El Paso and member of the National Science Board, noted that talent is widely distributed but opportunity is not, and encouraged giving students guidance and opportunities to excel in STEM fields. She encouraged equipping the next generation with knowledge of quantum fusion and AI is the key to a future where the U.S. remains a global leader in innovation, security, and technological advancements.
- Sudip Parikh, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, highlighted the rapid pace of innovation and technological advancements. He noted that while the U.S. has historically led in innovation, other countries are catching up. To maintain its leadership, he emphasized the need for increased investment and international collaboration.
- Samuel Hammond, Chief Economist for the Foundation for American Innovation, warned of the decline in U.S. scientific discovery citing evidence of systemic failures in premier research institutions. He suggested that politicized research and bureaucratic hurdles in government-funded organizations have hindered innovation, leading to a slowdown in transformative breakthroughs.
Several Members of Congress on the Committee, including Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), raised concerns that the Trump administration is severely disrupting federal research, citing significant impacts on Alzheimer’s research. Representative Gabe Amo (D-RI) raised the importance of the American education system to produce STEM-related research warning that recent threats to governmental funding could discourage young scientists from STEM career choices.
Overall, committee members expressed their bipartisan commitment to ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of global innovation. However, it is unclear how the actions of the Trump administration will affect the future of science and technology.
A recording of the hearing and relevant statements can be found here.
