Congressman Joe Neguse | Congressman Joe Neguse Official photo
Congressman Joe Neguse | Congressman Joe Neguse Official photo
Washington, D.C. — On June 16, Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse and Yadira Caraveo introduced the Federal Labs Modernization Act. This bill would invest in and modernize federal labs, including those located in Colorado’s Second District.
The Federal Labs Modernization Act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the status of federal lab infrastructure every two years. The bill also enhances the reporting requirements for the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Director. The OSTP Director reports to Congress on the nation’s scientific infrastructure status and the funding needed to support federal labs.
“Colorado is home to some of the nation’s top scientific labs and research facilities, which are finding solutions to our most pressing questions and challenges. Our federal labs must be modernized and well-funded to ensure they can continue to achieve scientific innovation and excellence. This bill will provide the support needed to make certain our labs can continue their trailblazing work,” said Congressman Neguse.
“Colorado is a national leader on research and innovation. We can all stand proud knowing that Colorado scientists and researchers are producing the groundbreaking research that will lead to energy solutions, resiliency, preservation of our ecosystems, and so much more. I’m glad to join with my friend, Rep. Neguse to help ensure our scientists have the funding and resources they need to keep leading the way,” said Rep. Caraveo.
Colorado is home to over 30 federally-funded research labs and joint institutes across the state, making it one of the highest concentrations of federally funded science and research centers in the nation. Federally funded research facilities in Colorado contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2016 and supported more than 17,600 jobs, according to a report from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business.
“Upgrading federal research laboratories helps foster innovation, attract top talent, and drive technological advancements. This stimulates economic growth, creates high-skilled jobs, and promotes the development of new industries – the foundation of our ability to succeed in the future. Only by keeping our federal research infrastructure up to date can we maintain a position as a global leader in innovation and secure its economic benefits,” said Dan Powers, Executive Director, CO-LABS.
“Our system of Federal labs is a unique strength of the United States research infrastructure, and we must continue to invest in it. Having spent the first 18 years of my career at a NASA lab and now serving in my current position as President of UCAR, I know firsthand that this legislation is long overdue and sorely needed to maintain our nation's research preeminence, which is critical for supporting economic competitiveness and national security,” said UCAR President, Tony Busalacchi.
Congressman Neguse has long been an advocate for advancing and expanding Colorado’s innovation ecosystem. Most recently, he called on appropriators in Congress to support robust funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the FY’24 Budget. Rep. Neguse also announced over $3 million in federal funds allocated by the National Science Foundation (NSF) have been awarded to researchers at Colorado State University in Fort Collins and for the University of Colorado Boulder.
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