DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act

# DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill creates a formal partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA, allowing them to work together on research projects that benefit both agencies. Under the bill, DOE and NASA would create an agreement to collaborate on various scientific areas including dark matter research, space technology, and earth sciences. The partnership would also establish ways to share research data across agencies and give NASA access to DOE's specialized research facilities and equipment. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions:** The bill primarily affects scientists and researchers at both agencies, as well as the broader scientific community that could benefit from improved collaboration and shared resources.

Key provisions include: establishing a formal memorandum of understanding between the agencies, allowing joint research projects in multiple scientific fields, creating systems for sharing large datasets, and requiring both agencies to report to Congress on their collaborative efforts. This aims to reduce duplication of work and make better use of federal research investments. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and was sponsored by Representative Nicholas Begich (R-AK). It now awaits Senate action to become law.