President Signs American Innovation and Competitiveness Act Into Law

Statement

The president yesterday signed into law the bipartisan American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (AICA) (S. 3084). AICA represents a bicameral, bipartisan agreement that includes nine House Science Committee bills that passed the full House over the last two years, including H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015.

Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas): "I want to congratulate House Research and Technology Subcommittee Chair Barbara Comstock and Vice Chair John Moolenaar as well as Oversight Subcommittee Chair Barry Loudermilk and Vice Chair Darin LaHood on enacting the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act into law. This important piece of legislation was the last bill passed in the 114th Congress, and is the result of a four-year effort to strengthen and reform agencies and programs that administer basic research. AICA increases U.S. competitiveness while creating jobs for hardworking Americans and will help to spur new businesses and industries.

"Reforms to National Science Foundation research facility construction and National Institute of Standards and Technology programs and campus security are also key elements in the bill that will improve the impact of taxpayer-funded research. The bill also includes federal research regulatory reform, interagency IT and cybersecurity R&D reform, and NSF merit review reform to include my "national interest' criteria. On the whole, Americans will see improved accountability and transparency with a reduction in administrative burden on researchers as a result of this legislative effort. It has been an honor to help shepherd this bill across the finish line, and to see this meaningful legislation signed into law."

Sen. John Thune (R-SD): "This bill is a victory for science and economic competitiveness. I applaud my colleagues in the House and Senate who worked across party lines to thoughtfully develop this bill and advance it into law."

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