119-hr4999

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4999 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 4999

 To support fusion education and related skilled technical workforce 
 activities, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 August 19, 2025

 Ms. Lofgren (for herself and Mr. Obernolte) introduced the following 
 bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and 
 Technology

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

 To support fusion education and related skilled technical workforce 
 activities, and for other purposes.

 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 This Act may be cited as the ``STEM Education and Skilled Technical 
Workforce for Fusion Act'' or the ``Fusion Workforce Act''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

 In this Act:

    (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of 
 the National Science Foundation.

    (2) EPSCoR institution.--The term ``EPSCoR institution'' 
 means an institution of higher education, nonprofit 
 organization, or other institution located in a jurisdiction 
 eligible to participate in the program under 

section 113 of the 
 National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42 
 U.S.C. 1862g).

    (3) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term ``Hispanic-
 serving institution'' has the meaning given such term in 
 

section 502

    (a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
 1101a

    (a) ).

    (4) Historically black college and university.--The term 
 ``historically Black college and university'' has the meaning 
 given the term ``part B institution'' in 

section 322 of the 
 Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).

    (5) Institution of higher education.--The term 
 ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such 
 term in 

section 101

    (a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
 U.S.C. 1001

    (a) ).

    (6) Junior or community college.--The term ``junior or 
 community college'' has the meaning given such term in 

section 312

    (f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058

    (f) ).

    (7) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization'' 
 has the meaning given such term in 

section 2

    (5) of the National 
 Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152

    (5) ), except that such term 
 shall also include the following:
        (A) Any organization composed of labor 
 organizations, such as a labor union federation or a 
 State or municipal labor body.
        (B) Any organization which would be included in the 
 definition for such term under such 

section 2

    (5) but 
 for the fact that such organization represents any of 
 the following:
            (i) Individuals employed by the United 
 States, any wholly owned Government 
 corporation, any Federal Reserve Bank, or any 
 State or political subdivision thereof.
            (ii) Individuals employed by persons 
 subject to the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 
 et seq.).
            (iii) Individuals employed as agricultural 
 laborers.

    (8) Minority-serving institutions.--The term ``minority 
 serving institution'' means an Alaska Native-serving 
 institution or Native Hawaiian-serving institution (as such 
 term is defined in 

section 317

    (b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 
 1059d

    (b) )), or a Predominantly Black institution, Asian 
 American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving 
 institution, or Native American-serving nontribal institution 
 (as such terms are defined in 

section 371
            (c) of such Act (20 
 U.S.C. 1067q
            (c) )).

    (9) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory'' 
 has the meaning given such term in 

section 2 of the Energy 
 Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).

    (10) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit 
 organization'' means an organization described in 

section 501
            (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from 
 tax under 

section 501

    (a) of such Code.

    (11) Prek-12.--The term ``PreK-12'' means pre-kindergarten 
 through grade 12.

    (12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
 of Energy.

    (13) Skilled technical workforce.--The term ``skilled 
 technical workforce'' has the meaning given such term in 
 

section 4

    (b)

    (3) of the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and 
 Apprenticeships Act (42 U.S.C. 1862p note; Public Law 115-402).

    (14) STEM.--The term ``STEM'' means science, technology, 
 engineering, and mathematics.

    (15) Tribal college or university.--The term ``Tribal 
 College or University'' has the meaning given such term in 
 

section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
 1059c).

SEC. 3. FUSION EDUCATION AND SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE ACTIVITIES.

    (a) National Science Foundation Activities.--

    (1) In general.--The Director, in coordination, and as 
 appropriate, in collaboration, with the Secretary, may make 
 awards to institutions of higher education, including junior 
 and community colleges, nonprofit organizations, labor 
 organizations, or consortia thereof, for research, development, 
 and related activities to advance innovative approaches to 
 developing, improving, and expanding education and workforce 
 development (including supporting the retention, development, 
 and growth of a diverse and sustainable workforce for fusion 
 related fields to satisfy the evolving needs of industry, 
 academia, National Laboratories, and Federal, State, local, and 
 Tribal governments) activities and learning experiences at all 
 levels of education in fields and disciplines related to 
 fusion.

    (2) Uses of funds.--Awards made under this section shall be 
 used to support activities and learning experiences referred to 
 in paragraph

    (1) , including the following:
        (A) Development of industry-oriented curricula, 
 teaching modules, and stackable credentials for topics 
 relevant to fusion, including such curricula, teaching 
 modules, and stackable credentials that provide 
 meaningful hands-on learning experiences.
        (B) Development and implementation of training, 
 research, and professional development programs for 
 teachers, including innovative pre-service and in-
 service programs, in fusion and related fields.
            (C) Identification of critical skills and core 
 competencies required for the successful commercial 
 application of fusion technologies.
            (D) Support for learning activities and experiences 
 that provide physical, simulated, or remote access to 
 National Laboratories, Federal training facilities, and 
 industry-standard processes and tools, including 
 equipment and software tools for both traditional and 
 nontraditional students.
        (E) Increasing the integration of fusion content 
 into STEM curricula at all education levels.
        (F) Growing academic research capacity in fusion by 
 incentivizing the hiring and retention of faculty in 
 fields critical to fusion sciences and engineering.
        (G) Support for innovative industry pathway 
 programs that connect PreK-12 schools, junior or 
 community colleges, nonprofit organizations, labor 
 organizations, and institutions of higher education 
 programs or programs that serve or support veterans.
        (H) Providing informal hands-on learning 
 opportunities relating to fusion sciences and 
 engineering for PreK-12 students in different learning 
 environments, including regional and national 
 competitions.
            (I) Support for STEM programs for the skilled 
 technical workforce that are aligned with the needs the 
 fusion industry workforce, including internships and 
 other hands-on activities in industry.
        (J) Support for research and evaluation of the 
 activities described in subparagraphs
        (A) through
        (H) to identify successful programs and resources.

    (3) Fusion research experiences.--The Director shall seek 
 to increase opportunities for fusion research for students and 
 trainees at all levels by encouraging the following:
        (A) Research experiences for undergraduates 
 pursuant to 

section 514 of the America COMPETES 
 Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-6).
        (B) Postdoctoral fellowship programs established 
 pursuant to 

section 522 of the America COMPETES 
 Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p-11).
            (C) Graduate fellowships, traineeships, and other 
 training opportunities established pursuant to 

section 10 of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 
 U.S.C. 1869).
            (D) Informal STEM education programs established 
 pursuant to 

section 3 of the STEM Education Act of 2015 
 (42 U.S.C. 1862q).
        (E) The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program 
 established pursuant to 

section 10 of the National 
 Science Foundation Authorization Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 
 1862n-1).
        (F) Major research instrumentation programs 
 established pursuant to 

section 7036 of the America 
 COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 1862o-14).
        (G) The low-income scholar program established 
 pursuant to 

section 414
            (d) of the American 
 Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 
 (42 U.S.C. 1869c).

    (4) Existing programs.--In carrying out this subsection, 
 the Director may leverage existing programs of the National 
 Science Foundation.

    (5) Non-federal partnerships.--In carrying out this 
 subsection, the Director shall encourage awardees to partner 
 with nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, industry, 
 and other private sector organizations.

    (b) Department of Energy Activities.--

    (1) In general.--The Secretary, acting through the Director 
 of the Office of Science, in coordination, and as appropriate, 
 in collaboration, with the Director of National Science 
 Foundation, may make awards to institutions of higher 
 education, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, 
 National Laboratories, or consortia thereof, for research, 
 development, and related activities to advance innovative 
 approaches to developing, improving, and expanding education 
 and workforce development activities and learning experiences 
 at all levels of education in fields and disciplines related to 
 fusion.

    (2) Uses of funds.--Awards made under this section shall be 
 used to support activities, such as the following:
        (A) Internships, fellowships, apprenticeships, 
 traineeships, and other research or work-based learning 
 opportunities relating to fusion.
        (B) Educational programming for students at all 
 levels, especially experiential and project-based 
 learning opportunities relating to fusion.
            (C) The acquisition, development, and maintenance 
 of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities essential 
 for fusion research and workforce development, 
 including the following:
            (i) Purchasing advanced instrumentation and 
 equipment to support experimental and 
 computational fusion research.
            (ii) Renovating and modernizing laboratory 
 and teaching facilities to satisfy the evolving 
 requirements of fusion science.
            (iii) Funding ongoing maintenance and 
 calibration of critical equipment to ensure 
 operational readiness.
            (D) Professional development opportunities for 
 educators and researchers relating to fusion.

    (3) Existing programs.--In carrying out this subsection, 
 the Secretary may leverage existing programs of the Department 
 of Energy.
            (c) Pilot Program for Industry Professional Instructors.--

    (1) In general.--The Director, in consultation with the 
 Secretary, may implement one or more pilot programs to award 
 grants to institutions of higher education, nonprofit 
 organizations, or consortia thereof, to establish short-term 
 appointments for professionals from the private sector, to 
 educate students on fusion sciences and engineering or related 
 skills required for the fusion industry.

    (2) Use of funds.--An institution may use grant funds 
 awarded under this subsection for the following:
        (A) Paying a stipend or living expenses for short-
 term instructors who are industry professionals 
 referred to in paragraph

    (1) .
        (B) Training of industry professionals in relevant 
 pedagogical or teaching methods.
            (C) Developing or updating course materials.
            (D) Administrative costs related to recruiting or 
 on-boarding instructors.

    (3) Period of performance.--Subject to paragraph

    (5) , a 
 pilot program under paragraph

    (1) shall be for not more than 
 three years.

    (4) Continuation authority.--The Director may extend the 
 period specified in paragraph

    (4) if the Director determines it 
 is feasible and advisable to do so.

    (5) Outreach.--To increase the diversity of participants in 
 a pilot program under paragraph

    (1) , the Director shall support 
 symposia, forums, conferences, or other activities to expand 
 and enhance outreach to the following:
        (A) Junior or community colleges.
        (B) Hispanic-serving institutions.
            (C) Historically Black colleges and universities.
            (D) Tribal Colleges or Universities.
        (E) Minority-serving institutions.
        (F) Institutions of higher education that are 
 located near or serve rural communities, including 
 EPSCoR institutions.
        (G) Other institutions of higher education.

SEC. 4. FUSION EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COORDINATION HUB.

    (a) In General.--The Director, in consultation with the Secretary 
and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as 
appropriate, shall make an award to a consortium led by an institution 
of higher education or nonprofit organization to establish a Fusion 
Skilled Technical Workforce and STEM Education Coordination Hub (in 
this section referred to as the ``Hub'').

    (b) Consortium.--The Hub--

    (1) shall not include fewer than four institutions of 
 higher education, including not fewer than one junior or 
 community college; and

    (2) may include National Laboratories, labor organizations, 
 nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities.
            (c) === Purpose ===
-The purposes of the Hub are the following:

    (1) To identify and address cross-cutting workforce 
 development challenges in fusion sciences and engineering, and 
 the fusion industry, by serving as a national and regional 
 clearinghouse of relevant Federal programs.

    (2) To facilitate the establishment of programs to 
 disseminate to institutions of higher education and career and 
 technical education entities model curricula, best practices, 
 and instructional materials.
            (d) Uses of Funds.--The activities of the Hub may include the 
following:

    (1) Testing, implementing, scaling, disseminating, 
 assessing, and standardizing materials, methods, open-source 
 hardware and software, best practices, and other outputs 
 developed through activities under this Act, including through 
 the establishment of a publicly-accessible database and online 
 portal.

    (2) Facilitating post-education employment opportunities 
 and workforce pathways in fusion-related industries, including 
 by facilitating opportunities for internships, externships, 
 continuing education and upskilling, and such other activities 
 as determined appropriate by the Director.

    (3) Coordinating with fusion industry and non-profit 
 entities to enhance the quality and availability of fusion 
 education in STEM degree programs and skilled technical 
 education programs, including through the promotion of post-
 graduation opportunities for STEM students outside the 
 classroom to increase exposure to fusion industries.

    (4) Supporting activities and programs to enhance the 
 recruitment of students from groups historically 
 underrepresented in STEM to pursue undergraduate and graduate 
 studies related to fusion and fusion education.

    (5) Developing, testing, implementing, and coordinating 
 career development programs and strategies for pre-university 
 and university educators for the purpose of increasing the 
 number of fusion-informed educators at all levels of education, 
 including by carrying out the following:
        (A) Hosting career development workshops.
        (B) Developing in-house and distance learning 
 career development tools for public use.
            (C) Facilitating access to related fusion 
 technology, tools, and resources.
            (D) Developing training, research, and professional 
 development programs, including innovative pre-service 
 and in-service programs.
        (E) Identifying and supporting education and 
 training activities with relevant National 
 Laboratories, including experiential learning 
 opportunities.
        (F) Facilitating relationships with State and local 
 entities to increase awareness of and promote fusion-
 related career development activities at the Hub.

    (6) Establishing a framework for performing ongoing regular 
 data collection and analysis for the domestic fusion workforce 
 to report on trends and perform other activities that expand 
 the understanding of the current and future needs of the fusion 
 industry, and education capacity or readiness of such 
 workforce.

    (7) Facilitating public education and outreach activities 
 to enhance the understanding and awareness of fusion to a 
 broader community to satisfy broader impact requirements of 
 award applications.

    (8) Encouraging coordination on fusion education in the 
 broader STEM community.

    (9) Identify opportunities to partner with other industrial 
 sectors, such as automotive research and aviation, to build a 
 skilled technical workforce.

    (10) In coordination with the Director, identify Federal 
 funding opportunities, including grants, cooperative 
 agreements, and fellowships, for non-Federal entities, 
 including such entities from the private sector, to contribute 
 financial resources or in-kind contributions.

    (e) Interagency Coordination.--The Hub shall coordinate with the 
National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department 
of Education, the Department of Labor, and other relevant Federal 
agencies, as appropriate, with respect to activities and resources 
under this section.

    (f) Application.--A consortium seeking funding under this section 
shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such 
manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. 
Each such application shall include a description of how the consortium 
shall carry out the following:

    (1) Contribute to the success of the Hub and fulfill the 
 purposes of the Hub.

    (2) Include industry participation in fulfilling the 
 purposes of the Hub.

    (3) Collaborate with other members of the consortium to 
 share expertise in integrating fusion science, engineering, and 
 technology into existing STEM programs and other relevant 
 fields and disciplines.

    (4) Support long-term and short-term fusion workforce 
 development.

    (5) Develop outreach activities to increase the 
 participation of people in rural communities, women, and 
 students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.

    (g) Selection and Duration.--

    (1) In general.--The Hub is authorized to carry out 
 activities under this section for a period of five years.

    (2) Reapplication.--An awardee may reapply for an 
 additional, subsequent period of five years following a 
 successful, merit-based review.

    (3) Termination.--Consistent with the authorities of the 
 National Science Foundation, the Director may terminate the Hub 
 if the Director determines the Hub is underperforming during 
 the performance period.

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    (a) National Science Foundation.--To carry out this Act, there is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Director $20,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

    (b) Department of Energy.--To carry out this Act, there is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
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