IEEE-USA Advocates for STEM Funding on Capitol Hill

‍ Updated May 28, ⁤2025
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During IEEE-USA’s Congressional Visits Day, members representing 150,000 U.S. engineers engaged with ‍lawmakers to advocate for ​key issues impacting ​innovation and technology.The event, held at the U.S. Capitol ⁤Complex,drew 329 participants from 39 states who held 240 meetings with legislators and their⁢ staff.

A central focus was securing sustained funding for federal scientific institutions, including the Energy Department’s Office of Science, the⁤ Defense ‍Department’s Basic and Applied Research, NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National ‍Science foundation (NSF). Advocates emphasized that ⁣consistent investment ⁤is ‍essential for maintaining the nation’s scientific and technological edge.

Reauthorization⁣ of the small⁢ Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology⁤ Transfer (STTR) programs was also a priority.These ‍programs, administered by the U.S. Small business Governance, empower small businesses and support innovators in translating ideas into commercial products. Congress must reauthorize⁤ funding for this year, as the programs support approximately 4,000 businesses with about $4 billion annually.

Discussions also centered on democratizing AI resources through the‍ Creating Resources for Every American‌ to Experiment With Artificial Intelligence​ (CREATE AI) Act. This proposal would establish the National AI Research Resource pilot ‌program, led ‍by‌ the⁣ NSF, to provide shared national‌ infrastructure for AI research.

IEEE-USA also championed strengthening ⁤the science,​ technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) talent pipeline through robust funding ⁣for the 2022 CHIPS and ‌Science Act. Expanding the‍ employment-based immigrant​ visa program for highly skilled individuals was also advocated⁤ to ensure a sustained supply of talent for industry and academia through legislation such as the Keep STEM talent Act.

‌ “We, as engineers, scientists, and innovators, have a crucial role to play in educating and advocating for policies that will foster a​ thriving ecosystem‍ of innovation.”
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Data shared from Stanford’s 2025 ‍AI Index Report highlighted the rapid advancements in AI, including a meaningful drop in‌ AI model inference costs.This data underscored the need for strategic investments and forward-thinking policies to leverage this momentum ‍for the nation’s benefit.

What’s​ next

IEEE-USA aims‍ to continue its engagement with policymakers‍ to translate the bipartisan interest in technological innovation into concrete action in congress and by the administration, ensuring the U.S. remains at the forefront of technological advancement.