Congress does mandate things, but then never enforces it. See https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-nsf-slashes-research-programs-support-new-tech-

Congress does mandate things, but then never enforces it. See https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-nsf-slashes-research-programs-support-new-tech-initiative-insiders-say https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-nsf-slashe... (Long story short, the administration is slashing the budgets of various NSF divisions to make room X-Labs, despite the Congressional budget stating that is not allowed)