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