Congressional Research Service

Science and Technology Issues for the 118th Congress The federal government supports scientific and technological advancement directly by funding and performing research and development and indirectly by creating and maintaining policies that encourage private sector efforts. Additionally, the federal government regulates many aspects of science and technology (S&T) activities. Federal S&T support has led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies ranging from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites and defenses against disease.

Many science and technology policy issues that may come before the 118th Congress represent areas of continuing Member interest. Examples include cross-cutting issues that affect scientific and technological progress, agricultural research, climate change, Defense Department research, earth science, space, and water. Other issues represent new or rapidly transforming areas such as biotechnology, energy, information technology and social media, financial technology, and telecommunications. See PDF for details.