Science and Technology
I came to Congress to do big things and promote the cause of science. The biggest challenges facing our country deserve innovative solutions, and I believe that we need to empower our scientists and engineers to find them. I am honored to serve on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee - and on its Energy Subcommittee - because I believe the federal government has a critical role to play in powering innovation.
I also am proud to support the two national laboratories in our district, Lawrence Livermore and Sandia, in my work in Congress as they are on the forefront of many technological breakthroughs that will power the future.
What I am Doing for You
I introduced H.R. 2687, the Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act, to promote collaboration and research in the fields of energy critical elements and to ensure a reliable supply of rare earth elements. These elements are critical for numerous advanced technologies from hybrid vehicles and solar panels to military electronics. (I introduced this as H.R. 1022 in the 113th Congress.)
I helped lead 24 House members in urging strong funding for the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Inertial Confinement Fusion and High Yield Campaign, a program that maintains our national security and keeps America moving toward a new energy future.
I cosponsored H.R. 565, the Stepping Up to STEM Education Act, which would establish an office of STEM Education at Department of Education, create state STEM networks, and create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Education (ARPA-ED). (I cosponsored this as H.R. 1089 in the 113th Congress.)
Rep. Swalwell tours the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, May 2015.
In the 113th Congress:
I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 4438, the American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2014. This bipartisan bill would modernize and make permanent the research and development tax credit.
I sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget supporting funding for the Department of Energy’s Science Laboratory Infrastructure Account and, in particular, the planned construction of Lawrence Berkley National Lab’s new bioscience facility in Richmond, California.
I sent multiple letters to the House Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee in support of robust funding for the Department of Energy Office of Science.
Rep. Swalwell touring the Chabot Space and Science Center
More on Science and Technology
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) on Monday led 26 Members of Congress in sending President-elect Donald Trump their vow to defend the scientific freedom of employees at the Department of Energy’s 17 National Laboratories, following reports that Trump’s transition team sought personal information regarding department employees’ work on climate change.
WASHINGTON, DC – Sharing Economy Caucus co-founder and co-chair Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) offered a statement in support of H.R. 5625, the Modernizing Government Travel Act. Introduced by Sharing Economy Caucus member Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), the bill passed the House on a 415-0 vote.
WASHINGTON, DC – Responding to a bipartisan request from House Sharing Economy Caucus co-chairs Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Darrell Issa (R-CA), the General Services Administration (GSA) has agreed to advise federal agencies that employees’ use of transportation network companies (TNCs) – often called ridesharing companies – is a permitted, reimbursable expense.
In a letter to the lawmakers, the GSA indicated it will issue a Federal Travel Regulation bulletin reminding agencies that they can let employees use ridesharing companies while on official business.