Micro Act
Latest action (19 Jan 2022): Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 6291, the Micro Act (also called the Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act), would direct the Department of Energy to establish a coordinated research, development, and demonstration program on microelectronics. The Secretary of Energy would be required to fund projects in areas such as materials science, novel computing architectures, cybersecurity, manufacturing and fabrication techniques, energy efficiency, radiation-hardened electronics, and sustainability of electronic components. The bill also directs DOE to create up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers, selected competitively and renewable, to conduct research and support technology transfer to industry. The bill authorizes funding for these activities through fiscal year 2026.
The bill would primarily affect the Department of Energy, its National Laboratories, and entities eligible to receive federal research funding, including universities (including historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions), nonprofit research organizations, state research agencies, and private companies. It also includes provisions on workforce development and outreach intended to broaden participation in microelectronics research and training, including for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students, with attention to underserved communities.
The bill was introduced in December 2021 by Rep. Paul Tonko and was reported, as amended, by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in August 2022, placing it on the House calendar for possible floor consideration. According to the Congressional Research Service, the bill itself was not separately enacted; instead, its provisions were incorporated into other legislation that was later enacted.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act or the Micro Act
This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a cross-cutting program of research, development, and demonstration of microelectronics relevant to the mission of DOE and in the service of the nation's global competitiveness in the field of microelectronics.
In carrying out such program, DOE shall award financial assistance to eligible entities, such as national laboratories, to carry out research projects in, among other things, foundational science areas and methods for leveraging artificial intelligence.
The Office of Science within DOE shall establish up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers to conduct mission-driven research to address foundational challenges in the design, development, and fabrication of microelectronics and to facilitate the translation of research results to industry.
The Office of Science, in coordination with the Office of Technology Transitions, shall implement partnerships with industry groups to facilitate the translation and transfer of research results produced by the centers.
Timeline
19 Jan 2022
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 6291 do?
- H.R. 6291, the Micro Act (also called the Microelectronics Research for Energy Innovation Act), would direct the Department of Energy to establish a coordinated research, development, and demonstration program on microelectronics. The Secretary of Energy would be required to fund projects in areas such as materials science, novel computing architectures, cybersecurity, manufacturing and fabrication techniques, energy efficiency, radiation-hardened electronics, and sustainability of electronic components. The bill also directs DOE to create up to four Microelectronics Science Research Centers, selected competitively and renewable, to conduct research and support technology transfer to industry. The bill authorizes funding for these activities through fiscal year 2026. The bill would primarily affect the Department of Energy, its National Laboratories, and entities eligible to receive federal research funding, including universities (including historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions), nonprofit research organizations, state research agencies, and private companies. It also includes provisions on workforce development and outreach intended to broaden participation in microelectronics research and training, including for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students, with attention to underserved communities. The bill was introduced in December 2021 by Rep. Paul Tonko and was reported, as amended, by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in August 2022, placing it on the House calendar for possible floor consideration. According to the Congressional Research Service, the bill itself was not separately enacted; instead, its provisions were incorporated into other legislation that was later enacted.
- Has H.R. 6291 become law?
- Not yet. As of 19 Jan 2022, H.R. 6291 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored H.R. 6291?
- H.R. 6291 was sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko [D-NY20] (Democrat-NY), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 6291?
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. (19 Jan 2022).
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