Bill · H.R. 7949· House(119-HR-7949)
NSF Plant Biology Act
- Introduced
- 3/16/2026
- Last activity
- 3/16/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Josh Riley
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- 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
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The legislation authorizes $150 million annually for plant and microbial biology research grants.
Does this put more money into medical research?+8
The bill authorizes significant funding specifically for plant and microbial biology research.
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The focus on agricultural and plant biology research directly supports the farming community.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Students+3Good For Business Owners+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8Increases Public School Funding+3
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+8
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4Improves Environmental Protections+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1
- 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