Neguse Amendment to Invest in Federal Labs Approved by the House

The amendment calls for the investment and modernization of federal labs

Washington D.C.— An amendment introduced by Congressman Joe Neguse to invest in and modernize federal labs has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. The amendment models legislation introduced earlier in the year by Congressman Joe Neguse that would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a report every three years on the status of federal labs infrastructure, in order to assess needed improvements in facility infrastructure, security and climate controls. The proposal also increases the existing reporting requirements for the Office of Science and Technology Policy Director to help assess funding levels. The amendment passed as part of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act, a comprehensive infrastructure bill.

“Our district is home to some of our nation’s top federal labs and top scientists conducting vital research,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “I’ve seen for myself the need for increased investments in infrastructure improvements, repairs, and maintenance at many of the facilities in our district. In particular, investment in climate science is crucial as we chart a course for addressing climate change. We must provide a pathway for modernization and ensure these labs can continue to produce the groundbreaking research that will lead to renewable energy solutions, resiliency, preservation of our ecosystems, and so much more.”

Colorado is home to over 30 federally-funded research labs and joint institutes across the state, making it one of the highest concentrations of federally funded science and research centers in the nation. Federally funded research facilities in Colorado contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2016 and supported more than 17,600 jobs, according to a report from the University of Colorado Boulder Leeds School of Business.

Over the past year, Congressman Neguse has visited multiple labs across the district and witnessed the need for updated infrastructure, energy efficiency, climate controls and security. In August, he hosted the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis in his district to tour federal labs. The Committee’s Chair, Ranking Member and others visited NREL, NOAA, CIRES and NCAR and spoke with federal scientists there on their research.