Federal Research and Development (R and D) Funding: FY2021
Abstract
The 116th Congress continues its interest in U.S. research and development (R and D) and in evaluating support for federal R and D activities. The federal government has played an important role in supporting R and D efforts that have led to scientific breakthroughs and new technologies, from jet aircraft and the internet to communications satellites, shale gas extraction, and defenses against disease. In recent years, federal budget caps have driven executive and legislative branch decisions about the prioritization of R and D, both in the context of the entire federal budget and among competing needs within the federal R and D portfolio. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019,among other things, increased the previously established FY2020 and FY2021 discretionary spending limits for defense and nondefense spending. This act reduced some of the budgetary constraints affecting R and D decisions. The U.S. government supports a broad range of scientific and engineering R and D. Its purposes include addressing national defense, health, safety, the environment, and energy security; advancing knowledge generally; developing the scientific and engineering workforce; and strengthening U.S. innovation and competitiveness in the global economy. Most of the R and D funded by the federal government is performed in support of the unique missions of individual funding agencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 17, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1170119
Entities
People
- John F. Sargent
Organizations
- Library of Congress