No, this is just an expansion of those majors that benefit under STEM graduate work permit via the US business request. The program existed since 2008.

If you are a legal college graduate, then you are entitled to a 12 month work permit. If you are a legal college graduate with a STEM degree, then you are entitled to a 27 month work permit before transitioning to H-1B. This action merely expands those majors that should have benefited under this 27 month work permit program, like neuroscience which were left out.

Generally, Republicans don't have a problem opening up immigration to people holding US advanced STEM degrees because of business demand. But such Republican generosity doesn't extend to DREAMers and CIRers.