$45bn for R&D divvied up in controversial US spending plan

Government agencies allocated billions to upgrade research facilities under Democrats’ proposed $3.5 trillion infrastructure package

Members of the House of Representatives science committee have drawn up plans to spend over $45 billion on R&D, as part of the Democratic party’s efforts to lock in $3.5 trillion of investment in infrastructure.

In parcelling out the funds, lawmakers put a major emphasis on upgrading research facilities across the country, which Democratic committee chair Eddie Bernice Johnson said would “ensure that the students and scientists of America can conduct their work in cutting-edge facilities instead of dilapidated old buildings”.