Lawmakers Reintroduce Equity in Research Act to Expand NSF Research Funding

Representatives Christian Menefee (D), Troy A. Carter (D-LA), LaMonica Mclver (D-NJ), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) reintroduced legislation creating a National Science Foundation grant program to strengthen research capacity at under-resourced colleges and universities.

What would the bill do?

The Equity in Research Act would establish a dedicated NSF grant program for institutions that have historically faced barriers to accessing federal research resources. The legislation would authorize $50 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027, with grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million.

Eligible institutions would include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and certain 1890 and 1994 land-grant universities.

What could the funding support?

Grant money could be used for building upgrades, research equipment, infrastructure maintenance, and personnel costs directly connected to research activity. Supporters say the program is intended to help institutions build long-term research capacity rather than fund one-time projects.

Rep. Christian Menefee: "The next lifesaving cure, groundbreaking technology, or scientific discovery could come from a researcher who simply has not been given the resources to pursue it. When we invest in more researchers, more institutions, and more ideas, we expand what is possible."

Carter said the bill would strengthen research capacity at institutions that have supported students from historically under-resourced communities and expand pathways into STEM fields.

McClver said the legislation would provide opportunities to institutions she described as "typically underfunded and undervalued," while Ruiz said it would give students at community colleges and minority-serving institutions additional tools to participate in cutting-edge research.