The Research & Development Caucus was originally established in the 108th Congress at the request of Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL) for the following purposes to –

HIGHLIGHT:

• The national importance of research and the interdependency of research efforts across disciplines and to provide a view of research and development funding that transcends the purview of individual committees

INCREASE:

• The awareness of Members and staff on issues related to research. This will include but will not be limited to:
  • The economic, societal, and security benefit derived from federal R&D investment
  • Technological innovations that have resulted from federal investment in R&D
  • The importance of a balanced R&D portfolio, with appropriate distribution of resources between the physical, engineering, and health sciences
  • Yearly trends in R&D budget numbers

SUPPORT:

• The work of existing Committees and Members with jurisdiction over the National Science Foundation, DOE, EPA, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, National Institutes of Health and other agencies supporting research and development efforts
• Federal agencies that support research and development efforts
• Federal policies that foster and encourage research and development in the private sector of our economy

PROVIDE:

• A primary point of contact for scientific professional societies and others with interest in R&D issues
• A forum for a wide range of issues of interest to the scientific community and serve as an informational resource for decision-makers in the area of R&D
• A forum for the support and creation of legislation affecting the research and development community

In the 118th Congress, the R&D Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL) and Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN).