(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology's Subcommittee on Research and Technology Chairwoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Ranking Member Mike Waltz (R-FL) along with Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK) introduced the NIST for the Future Act. The NIST for the Future Act is a comprehensive reauthorization of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
“NIST is a critical agency that supports U.S. competitiveness through precision measurement research, partnership with industry, facilitating and developing standards, and support for U.S. manufacturing,” said Chairwoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. “While NIST does essential work in industries of the future, like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and biotechnology, it also plays a critical role in countless activities that help Americans in other important ways, from resilience to natural hazards, to forensic science, to greenhouse gas measurements. As Congress considers a significant package of legislation to support the Federal research enterprise and bolster U.S. competitiveness, it must not overlook this essential agency. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both bodies to advance the NIST for the Future Act.”
“NIST plays a pivotal role in America’s science and technology advancement which determine industry standards that are critical to competition with China and national security,” said Ranking Member Waltz (R-FL) of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology. “NIST is also conducting the investigation into the collapse of the Champlain condominium in Surfside, Florida and will make important recommendations on building standards, codes, and practices- which this bill will support.”
“The critical work of NIST helps to advance our nation’s economic competitiveness, national security, and wellbeing,” said Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). “However, constrained budgets and decades-old facilities have significantly impeded this agency at a time when U.S. leadership in science and technology is no longer a given. The NIST for the Future Act is a comprehensive reauthorization of the agency that will help ensure NIST has the authorities and resources it needs to carry out its mission. I want to thank Chairwoman Stevens, Ranking Member Waltz, and Ranking Member Lucas for working to introduce this important piece of legislation to bolster this critical agency, and I’m proud to join them in this effort.”
“The NIST for the Future Act is a critical element of the strategy to strengthen America’s leadership in science and technology,” said Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK). “This legislation invests in the research, infrastructure, and outreach needed for NIST to continue and expand its incredible work supporting American science and businesses. NIST’s research and guidelines drive progress in our most cutting-edge sciences, and we rely on their expertise to set global standards for technology development. An investment in NIST is an investment in American competitiveness, which is why any legislative action to address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party must include support for NIST. I’m looking forward to working with Chairwoman Johnson and our Science Committee colleagues to move these provisions forward into law.”
The full bill text can be found here.