APA has endorsed a bold three-step science and technology proposal (PDF, 3.23MB) by the Science and Technology Action Committee, a nonpartisan coalition of nonprofit, academic, foundation, and corporate leaders working to strengthen the U.S. science and technology infrastructure dramatically. The plan:
- Recommends the creation of a Cabinet-level science and technology advisory position, including a significant funding commitment and federal coordination designed to fuel “a true American restoration.” The Biden administration responded to the recommendation and elevated the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and designated the presidential science advisor as a member of the Cabinet for the first time in history, requiring Senate confirmation.
- Encourages the more than 20 federal research and development departments and agencies to coordinate science and technology collaboration around urgent and emerging threats.
- Recommends the Biden administration provide a more than $35 billion funding increase across science and technology agencies in FY 2022 and $1 billion for OSTP for greater cross-agency coordination (PDF, 96KB). Additionally, in letters to the House (PDF, 95KB) and Senate (PDF, 94KB) budget committees, the action committee requests establishing an overall FY 2022 discretionary funding level that incorporates a budget increase of at least $35 billion allocated across the science and technology agencies.
For more information contact, Angela L. Sharpe, MG.