Bill > HR1326

This bill establishes a collaborative research and development framework between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to jointly advance their mission requirements and priorities. The legislation requires the agencies to create a memorandum of understanding that uses a competitive, merit-reviewed process for selecting research projects across multiple focus areas. These areas include advanced technologies and scientific domains such as artificial intelligence, agricultural science, biomass and biofuels development, grid modernization, rural technology development, and wildfire risk management. The bill authorizes the agencies to develop integrated data sets, promote collaboration between federal agencies, national laboratories, universities, and industry partners, and support research infrastructure and workforce development. The agencies are permitted to conduct reimbursable agreements and collaborate with other federal entities to maximize research effectiveness. Within two years of enactment, the DOE and USDA Secretaries must submit a comprehensive report to congressional committees detailing their interagency coordination, research achievements, future opportunities, and collaborative successes. The research activities must also adhere to existing federal research security guidelines, ensuring that collaborative efforts maintain appropriate protocols and protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1326/all-info