A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act to boost fusion energy commercial activities and research. It re-establishes a Department of Energy office relating to fusion and creates an Assistant Secretary for Fusion Energy. The legislation funds various fusion research and development programs, supply chains, and pilot plant demonstration programs. It also establishes a graded review process for private entities partnering with National Laboratories to reduce red tape. Additionally, the bill promotes STEM education and workforce development programs related to fusion through the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.
Yes· 3 of 27
- Scored +9
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The legislation authorizes and appropriates substantial federal funds for scientific research facilities, plasma science, and fusion pilot plants.
- Scored +8
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
Advancing commercial fusion energy provides a potential source of nearly limitless, zero-carbon power that can dramatically cut long-term emissions.
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
The legislation pours billions of dollars into research, supply chains, and pilot plants for fusion energy development.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The legislation authorizes and directly appropriates billions of dollars for fusion research, pilot plants, and education programs, increasing government spending.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Education and Workforce Training: Section 201 authorizes awards for institutions of higher education, community colleges, labor organizations, and non-profits to develop fusion-related curricula, training programs, and hands-on learning experiences. This benefits students and workers by preparing them for high-tech jobs in the growing fusion industry.
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Grants and Support for Diverse Educational Institutions: Section 201(c) implements pilot programs for industry professional instructors and mandates outreach to historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges or Universities, minority-serving institutions, and rural institutions. This provides educational and economic opportunities to historically underrepresented and underserved communities.
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Creation of a Coordination Hub: Section 202 establishes a Fusion Skilled Technical Workforce and STEM Education Coordination Hub to serve as a national clearinghouse for Federal programs, ease access to educational resources, and help workers find post-education employment opportunities in fusion-related industries.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Massive Federal Spending: Section 101, Section 204, and other provisions authorize billions of dollars in appropriations and direct appropriations for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years to fund fusion research, facility construction, and education programs. This large taxpayer investment places a heavy financial burden on the public and increases government spending.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Students at all levels gain access to new educational programming, fellowships, hands-on laboratory experiences, and career pathways in fusion. Would business owners be better off under this? — Private sector entities and businesses partnering with National Laboratories benefit from streamlined reviews, intellectual property protections, and grant funding. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults benefit from expanded internships, fellowships, and educational training programs preparing them for high-tech careers. Would union members be better off under this? — Labor organizations are explicitly included as eligible recipients for awards to develop training programs and skilled technical workforce curricula. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The legislation requires targeted outreach and inclusion efforts for historically Black colleges and universities. Would children be better off under this? — The bill expands PreK-12 STEM education programs, hands-on learning, and career awareness initiatives related to fusion energy. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The legislation includes specific mandates for outreach and program participation involving Hispanic-serving institutions. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides direct outreach and inclusion for Tribal Colleges and Universities in its educational and workforce programs. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill encourages industry pathway programs and educational opportunities that specifically serve or support veterans. Would women be better off under this? — The legislation explicitly targets the recruitment and participation of women and historically underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions are included under the minority-serving institution provisions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Support for community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and low-income scholarship integration helps expand economic mobility. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill mandates targeted outreach to institutions of higher education located near or serving rural communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The legislation pours billions of dollars into research, supply chains, and pilot plants for fusion energy development. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — Advancing commercial fusion energy provides a potential source of nearly limitless, zero-carbon power that can dramatically cut long-term emissions. Does this invest in rural communities? — The legislation mandates outreach and support for rural institutions of higher education and communities in workforce development initiatives.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The legislation authorizes and appropriates substantial federal funds for scientific research facilities, plasma science, and fusion pilot plants. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes dedicated funding for higher education institutions, community colleges, and STEM programs focused on fusion workforce training.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill boosts fusion energy commercialization, research programs, and workforce development, which will create specialized high-tech and skilled technical jobs. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Investing in advanced clean energy technologies like fusion supports long-term commercial innovation and economic productivity. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill creates programs, vouchers, and research partnerships that benefit private entities and businesses working in the fusion sector. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The legislation authorizes and directly appropriates billions of dollars for fusion research, pilot plants, and education programs, increasing government spending.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill significantly increases federal funding for scientific research, advanced facilities, and technology development in fusion and plasma science.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes a new Department of Energy Office of Fusion, an Assistant Secretary position, and directs federal agencies to manage major national funding programs. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill establishes centralized mechanisms and reporting requirements to track entities reviewed for partnerships with National Laboratories.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill mandates dedicated outreach and support for historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and minority-serving institutions. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The legislation includes specific provisions to enhance the recruitment of women and underrepresented groups in STEM and fusion education programs.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages international collaboration and partnerships to maximize the impact of resources and accelerate global fusion commercialization.
- 11/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/6/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Donald BeyerDemocrat · Virginia
Janelle BynumDemocrat · Oregon
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
James GallagherRepublican · California
Ro KhannaDemocrat · California
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California
Andrea SalinasDemocrat · Oregon
Lori TrahanDemocrat · Massachusetts