# Plain Language Summary: 21st Century Jobs Act

This bill creates a new federal agency called the Federal Institute of Technology to boost scientific research and technology development across the United States. The core idea is that America has fallen behind other developed countries in funding research and innovation. Back in 1964, the U.S. spent about 2% of its total economic output on research and development, but by 2018 that had dropped to just 0.6%. The bill aims to increase that investment and, importantly, spread technology jobs and research opportunities beyond the few crowded tech hubs like Silicon Valley to other regions of the country that have potential but lack resources.

The new agency will be run by a board of directors appointed by the President and will establish at least 10 regional "local boards" across different parts of the country over the next two years, eventually growing to as many as 30 boards. These local boards will focus on areas that have the assets to develop technology industries but don't currently have major tech centers. Each local board will receive funding to create technology hubs in their region and will work on several key goals: attracting research funding, improving schools and universities in science and technology fields, building infrastructure like labs and high-speed internet, helping students get trained for tech jobs, connecting businesses with venture capital, and keeping housing affordable as the region grows.

For everyday people, this bill could mean new job opportunities in technology fields outside of expensive coastal cities, better science and engineering education in schools, and more investment in local infrastructure. If you live in a region selected for a local board, you might see new research facilities, university programs, and tech companies moving in, which could create good-paying jobs. However, the bill doesn't specify exactly how much money will be spent, so the actual impact will depend on future funding decisions by Congress.

21st Century Jobs Act

Khanna, Ro

21st Century Jobs Act This bill establishes an independent agency to be known as the Federal Institute of Technology in the executive branch of the federal government. The bill provides for a Board of Directors for the institute, which shall establish a minimum of 10 local boards. The Board of Directors shall develop requirements for each local board based on the comprehensive strategy of the local board. Each local board shall establish a research hub and oversee the activities of such hub.