A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 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 is known as the Plant Biological Research at the National Science Foundation Act or the NSF Plant Biology Act. It amends the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 to provide for grants supporting plant and microbial biology research. These grants are for research with potential relevance to agriculture, food, or biotechnology. The Director may award these grants on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis to various entities including schools, nonprofits, private sector entities, and governments. The bill authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to carry out this section. It also adds a definition for a nonprofit organization to the 2002 Act.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The legislation authorizes $150 million annually for plant and microbial biology research grants.
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into medical research?
The bill authorizes significant funding specifically for plant and microbial biology research.
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
The focus on agricultural and plant biology research directly supports the farming community.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 adds SEC. 27. FUNDAMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY RESEARCH. which allows the Director to award competitive grants to support plant and microbial biology research with potential relevance to agriculture, food, or biotechnology. This could benefit people by advancing fundamental research regarding plant biology as well as tools, resources, and technology that further enable plant biology.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 farmers be better off under this? — The focus on agricultural and plant biology research directly supports the farming community. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural communities benefit from agricultural and food biotechnology advancements. Would students be better off under this? — University students engaged in plant and microbial biology can benefit from increased academic funding. Would business owners be better off under this? — Private sector and agricultural business entities can benefit from biotechnology research grants. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Students and young researchers in science fields may benefit from expanded grant opportunities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The legislation authorizes $150 million annually for plant and microbial biology research grants. Does this put more money into public schools? — Institutions of higher education are eligible to receive grant funding under this legislation.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill authorizes significant funding specifically for plant and microbial biology research.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill explicitly supports research with potential relevance to agriculture and food production, benefiting rural areas. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Research into plant and microbial biology can support environmental sustainability efforts.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Funding biotechnology and agricultural research can drive long-term innovation and economic growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Private sector entities and small businesses are eligible to apply for competitive research grants. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill supports research grants that may indirectly create jobs in scientific and agricultural sectors. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes appropriations of $150,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill authorizes federal funding and administration through the National Science Foundation.
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
James BairdRepublican · Indiana
Wesley BellDemocrat · Missouri