The STEM Research and Education Effectiveness and Transparency Act (H.R. 4375) calls for both a report on broadening participation in National Science Foundation research and education programs, as well as a data collection effort across all U.S. Federal science agencies on current practices in STEM research grants. The bill was Introduced in House by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) and passed the House on roll call vote (376-9). The bill was received by the Senate and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation.
This pending legislation will provide important data and insight on the need for/mechanisms to create opportunities for wider participation in federal scientific research programs. It also provides the opportunity to introduce consistent standards for reporting on key elements of federal science grant funding, including funding sources, funding recipient names, etc., which will make it easier to track the ultimate impact of this funding.