President Biden releases infrastructure, jobs plan

President Biden unveiled a $2.5 trillion jobs plan focused on infrastructure and the climate. In the American Jobs Plan, Biden aims to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing problems — from climate change to decaying water systems to the nation’s crumbling infrastructure.

The plan calls for $180 billion in R&D and technologies of the future. NSF, the only agency mentioned by name, would receive the major share of new R&D funding. Also highlighted is $45 billion for infrastructure and R&D at Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The plan references investing in climate smart agriculture, but does not specify a dollar amount. The plan also includes $100 billion for rural broadband.

Breakdown of the $180 billion for R&D:

• $50 billion for NSF technology directorate focused on advanced computing, communications and energy technologies, and biotechnology
• $30 billion for R&D that spurs innovation and job creation
• $40 billion for upgrading research infrastructure with $20 billion reserved for HBCUs and MSIs, and a new national climate lab at an HBCU
• $35 billion for climate technology breakthroughs including launching ARPA-C
• $25 billion for R&D at HBCUs and MSIs