How the new science spending plan aims to boost research

The United States National Science Foundation and other research agencies could see major infusions of cash, thanks to the US$280 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which the US Congress passed recently. But it remains unclear whether Congress will ultimately deliver the money it has pledged, writes McKenzie Prillaman for Nature.

The legislation centres on boosting domestic manufacturing of semiconductors – or chips – which are crucial for electronics. Currently, the United States produces only 12% of the world’s chips, and Congress has vowed to decrease reliance on other countries to enhance national security and grow the domestic job market. CHIPS and Science authorises multibillion-dollar budget increases over the next five years to federal research agencies. By investing in these agencies, legislators aim to foster scientific and technological innovation in the United States.

When Congress approved CHIPS and Science, it felt like “a big breath of relief”, says Deborah Altenburg, associate vice-president for research policy and government affairs at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in Washington DC. But, she adds, “It’s also only one step.” Most of the increases represent authorisations to spend a certain amount – not budget appropriations, which provide funding. So each year, Congress will have to decide whether to deliver the promised amounts as it approves appropriations bills that set annual spending for the federal agencies.
Full report on the Nature site