Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) A persistent shortfall in the number of domestic students entering and completing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics doctoral programs impedes the capacity of the United States for global leadership in research excellence and technology innovation. (2) Artificial intelligence, quantum information science, advanced computing, biotechnology, advanced energy systems, and other critical or emerging technologies are transforming scientific discovery and national competitiveness. (3) A robust domestic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics talent pipeline capable of preparing scientists and engineers with expertise both within their scientific discipline and in the application of artificial intelligence and advanced computational methods is critical for maintaining a strong workforce across the United States research and technology development ecosystem, including the National Laboratories, other Federal science agencies, institutions of higher education, and industry. (4) The Department of Energy maintains a unique scientific enterprise, including the National Laboratories, user facilities, advanced computing infrastructure, and partnerships with institutions of higher education and industry, positioning the Department of Energy to strengthen the domestic science and engineering workforce of the United States.