National SEAL Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (19 Apr 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The National SEAL Act of 2021 (S. 1213) would direct the Secretary of Commerce to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study identifying the ten most critical emerging science and technology challenges facing the United States. The study would also develop recommendations for legislative or administrative action to help the country maintain leadership in these areas, including recommendations on education and workforce development. The bill sets deadlines: the Secretary would have 60 days after enactment to seek the agreement, the National Academies would have one year from the agreement's start to report findings, and the Secretary would have 30 days after receiving those findings to submit a report to Congress containing the findings, the Secretary's conclusions, the developed recommendations, and any additional recommendations. Federal agencies would be required to provide information the National Academies deems necessary for the study.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Commerce, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and federal agencies that may be asked to supply information. Its findings section cites declining U.S. share of global research and development spending and rising investment by other countries, particularly China, as context for the study's purpose. The legislation does not itself create new programs or funding but is intended to inform future policy decisions through the study's recommendations.
The bill was introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen, with Senator Roy Blunt as a cosponsor, on April 19, 2021, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not received a vote and, according to available records, no further action has been taken.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
National Strategy to Ensure American Leadership Act of 2021 or the National SEAL Act of 2021
This bill directs the Department of Commerce to (1) seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study to identify the 10 most critical emerging science and technology challenges facing the United States; and (2) develop recommendations for legislative or administrative action to ensure U.S. leadership in matters related to such challenges.
Timeline
19 Apr 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 1213 do?
- The National SEAL Act of 2021 (S. 1213) would direct the Secretary of Commerce to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study identifying the ten most critical emerging science and technology challenges facing the United States. The study would also develop recommendations for legislative or administrative action to help the country maintain leadership in these areas, including recommendations on education and workforce development. The bill sets deadlines: the Secretary would have 60 days after enactment to seek the agreement, the National Academies would have one year from the agreement's start to report findings, and the Secretary would have 30 days after receiving those findings to submit a report to Congress containing the findings, the Secretary's conclusions, the developed recommendations, and any additional recommendations. Federal agencies would be required to provide information the National Academies deems necessary for the study. The bill primarily affects the Department of Commerce, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and federal agencies that may be asked to supply information. Its findings section cites declining U.S. share of global research and development spending and rising investment by other countries, particularly China, as context for the study's purpose. The legislation does not itself create new programs or funding but is intended to inform future policy decisions through the study's recommendations. The bill was introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen, with Senator Roy Blunt as a cosponsor, on April 19, 2021, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It has not received a vote and, according to available records, no further action has been taken.
- Has S. 1213 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1213. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1213?
- S. 1213 was sponsored by Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD] (D-MD), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1213?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (19 Apr 2021).
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