Research and Development Efficiency Act

Bill: 114-hr-1119
Sponsor: Rep. Comstock, Barbara [R-VA-10]
Introduced: 2015-02-26 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Office of Science and Technology Policy
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2015-02-26
text: 

Research and Development Efficiency Act

 
 Requires the Director of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a working group under the authority of the National Science and Technology Council that includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 
 
Makes the working group responsible for reviewing federal regulations affecting research and research universities and making recommendations on how to: (1) harmonize, streamline, and eliminate duplicative federal regulations and reporting requirements; and (2) minimize the regulatory burden on U.S. institutions of higher education performing federally funded research while maintaining accountability for federal tax dollars.

action_date: 2015-05-19
text: 

Research and Development Efficiency Act
 
 
 Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to establish a working group under the authority of the National Science and Technology Council, to include the Office of Management and Budget, to be responsible for reviewing federal regulations affecting research and research universities and making recommendations on how to: (1) harmonize, streamline, and eliminate duplicative federal regulations and reporting requirements; (2) minimize the regulatory burden on U.S. institutions of higher education performing federally funded research while maintaining accountability for federal tax dollars; and (3) identify and update specific regulations to refocus on performance-based goals rather than on process while still meeting the desired outcome. 
 
Instructs the working group to take into account input and recommendations from non-federal stakeholders, including researchers, institutions of higher education, industry, and others with a stake in ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability in the performance of scientific research. 
 
Requires OSTP to report to Congress annually on the steps taken to carry out the working group's recommendations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2015-05-20
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3365)
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3365)
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1119.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3365-3366)
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 86.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-121.
action_date: 2015-05-19
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 114-121.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2015-03-04
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2015-02-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2015-02-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2015-02-26
text: Introduced in House