Every Friday, I present a topic or question for our merry band of thinkers, leaders, and pirates to discuss in an open thread. Here is this week’s conversation starter:

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers are calling for $100 billion in government spending over five years for basic and advanced technology research and science in an effort to address rising competitive pressure from China. The “Endless Frontiers Act”would also authorize another $10 billion to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs and create a supply chain crisis response program.