# Plain Language Summary: United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021

This bill is designed to help the United States compete better with other countries, especially China, in technology and scientific research. The main idea is that America needs to invest more money and resources into areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors (computer chips), and advanced manufacturing to stay ahead globally. The bill does this by funding research programs, supporting universities and laboratories, and helping American companies develop new technologies faster.

The bill affects several groups of people. Scientists and researchers benefit from increased funding for their work. Students might find more opportunities in science and technology fields through expanded educational programs. American tech companies and manufacturers get support to build new facilities and develop cutting-edge products. Workers in these industries could see job growth as companies expand. Taxpayers will see some of their money go toward these research and development efforts, though supporters argue this investment will pay off by keeping America competitive and creating good-paying jobs.

One significant part of the bill focuses on making sure America can produce its own computer chips rather than relying on other countries. It also includes provisions to protect American technology from being stolen or shared inappropriately with foreign competitors. Additionally, the bill tries to make it easier for talented immigrants with expertise in science and technology to work in the United States, recognizing that innovation often comes from people with diverse backgrounds and training.

Overall, this bill represents a major commitment to keeping American innovation strong by putting significant federal resources into research, education, and manufacturing in cutting-edge technology fields.

United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021

Schumer, Charles E.

Endless Frontier Act This bill establishes a Directorate for Technology and Innovation in the National Science Foundation (NSF) and establishes various programs and activities. The goals of the directorate shall be, among other things, the strengthening of U.S. leadership in critical technologies through basic research in key technology focus areas, such as artificial intelligence, high performance computing, and advanced manufacturing, and the commercialization of those technologies to businesses in the United States. The bill gives the NSF the authority to provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information within the United States concerning the NSF&rsquo;s activities and the results of those activities. The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall annually develop a strategy for the federal government to improve national competitiveness in science, research, and innovation to support the national security strategy. The Department of Commerce shall (1) establish a supply chain resiliency and crisis response program to address supply chain gaps and vulnerabilities in critical industries, (2) designate regional technology hubs to facilitate activities that support regional economic development that diffuses innovation around the United States, and (3) award grants to facilitate development and implementation of comprehensive regional technology strategies. The bill extends through FY2026 the Manufacturing USA Program and expands such program to support innovation and growth in domestic manufacturing.