Manchin, Barrasso, Durbin And Blackburn Introduce DOE Science For The Future Act Of 2022

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Committee, Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced the Department of Energy (DOE) Science for the Future Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation strengthens our nation's investment in world-leading scientific research by providing the first-ever comprehensive authorization for the DOE’s Office of Science, totaling $50 billion over five years. This bill also enhances key research infrastructure, programs and partnerships at the National Laboratories and higher education institutions, including those that serve minority communities and rural areas.

“American ingenuity has solved and will continue to solve many of the great challenges of our time but our global leadership in the sciences and research and development, as well the technologies that come from those activities, is not guaranteed,” said Chairman Manchin. “Together with the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, my bipartisan DOE Science for the Future Act will help advance our understanding of the major questions facing science today while strengthening our national security and identifying the technologies needed in the coming decades. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to quickly send bipartisan legislation to the President’s desk so that we can ensure America has the resources it needs to lead the world through the 21st Century and beyond.”

“This bill is about innovation – not regulation – as we seek to use America’s abundant energy resources in the most efficient and environmentally responsible way. Innovation starts with basic research that the Department of Energy’s Office of Science supports,” said Ranking Member Barrasso. “Too often, the Office of Science has overlooked the contributions that universities in rural states, like Wyoming, can make to the department’s research programs. Our bill boosts opportunities for these universities so they can fully participate in the department’s programs. In addition, it ensures that the Office of Science supports research that will promote all types of American energy. The bill will also reduce the risk that our country’s adversaries will steal critically important American research.”

“The Department of Energy's Office of Science leads the nation in cutting edge research, including at Illinois’ own national labs, Argonne and Fermilab,” said Senator Durbin. “The DOE Science for the Future Act provides the first ever comprehensive authorization for the Office of Science, paving the way for the new discoveries and innovations that drive both our economy and our understanding of the universe. The work performed at the Office of Science is vital to maintaining America’s global leadership in science and technology.”

“Our research and technological communities are vital to maintaining a strong national defense. As Communist China and Russia increase aggression toward the United States, we must prioritize our own national security by mitigating existing and emerging threats. This legislation will support scientific enterprises in Tennessee — like Oak Ridge National Lab and Y-12 National Security Complex — and invest in scientific workforce development to ensure America can defend her interests at home and abroad,” said Senator Blackburn.