November Edition of Policy Impact
ASME Government Relations
As the voice of engineering in Washington, D.C., we represent and advocate for the engineering profession.
New Standardization Center of Excellence
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently awarded $15 million to establish a groundbreaking Standardization Center of Excellence focused on critical and emerging technologies (CETs). With the support of multiple partners from across the standards development ecosystem, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), this center will shape the future of standards for rapidly advancing fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and automated manufacturing.?
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Releases First-Ever Quadrennial Science and Technology Review
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has completed its inaugural Quadrennial Science and Technology Review (QSTR). Mandated by the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, this comprehensive report offers an in-depth look at federal science and technology initiatives and provides an inter-agency assessment of ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S. scientific and technological leadership.
New Congress Takes Shape as Appropriators Punt to 2025?
Further reducing federal research spending will place pressure on university programs and research centers, as well as on national laboratories and emerging technology innovation efforts.???
House Republicans have signaled support for another stop-gap funding measure to close-out the 118th Congress and allow the new Congress and Administration to begin making their mark on federal spending. ?Even as votes are still being counted to determine the final balance of power for the new Congress to be seated in January, Congressional appropriators appear ready to defer to President-elect Trump as they plan the close out of Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations.?
Court Rules Department of Energy Owes $7 Million for Nuclear Fuel Storage?
In a case that may prompt policymakers to action on spent nuclear fuel storage, a U.S. Federal Claims Court has ruled that the Department of Energy (DOE) owes Holtec Palisades LLC’s nearly $7 million in damages to cover fuel storage costs at two spent nuclear fuel facilities. Holtec alleged that it incurred those costs because the government breached its contractual obligation to store the fuel, as outlined in Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, in which Congress established a program for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and highly radioactive waste.
ICYMI: If It Walks Like a Duck and Quacks Like a Duck…
With the 2024 elections behind us, the 118th Congress is winding down. This means the body enters what is commonly referred to as a “lame duck session” where unfinished business is considered before the new Congress arrives in January. It is important that members of ASME continue to voice their opposition to the Pro Codes Act which would compromise safety standards and severely alter the standards industry.?
Apply Today to be an ASME Federal Fellow!
Are you interested in the intersection of engineering and public policy and looking to build your professional resume? Consider applying to become an ASME Federal Fellow! As the first engineering society to grant its members the chance to experience the federal government firsthand, ASME’s Federal Fellowship is a unique opportunity to utilize your engineering expertise in a new way. The program grants you a unique set of skills that many fellows have used to advance their careers in public policy, academia, industry and beyond.?