House Committee on Science Space & Tech - Republicans

Environment Subcommittee Hearing - Research-Driven Resilience: Applying Science to Secure U.S. Water Systems from Cyber Threats

Thu, 141 May 2026 02:00:00 EST

Full Committee Markup of H.R. 8748, H.R. 8790, and H.R. 7129

Wed, 140 May 2026 10:00:00 EST

Full Committee Markup of:

H.R. 8748, Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

The Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026 reauthorizes and strengthens key Department of Transportation research, technology, and data programs through fiscal year 2031. The bill supports transportation research and innovation by improving coordination of transportation data activities, advancing research into emerging technologies and infrastructure resilience, and helping develop science- and technology-driven solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of America’s transportation systems.

H.R. 8790, Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

The Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act directs the Department of Energy to support research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities related to next-generation geothermal and closed-loop geothermal systems.

H.R. 7129, Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

The Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act reauthorizes and expands the Department of Energy’s research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities for hydropower and marine energy technologies to support innovation, grid resilience, workforce development, and America’s domestic energy capabilities.

H.R. 7129, Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

Fri, 135 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

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H.R. 7129, Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

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H.R. 8790, Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

Fri, 135 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

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H.R. 8790, Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

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H.R. 8748, Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

Fri, 135 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

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H.R. 8748, Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026

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SST Leaders Request EPA Briefing on Foreign-Originated Environmental Frameworks and GHG Protocol Influence

Fri, 128 May 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, along with Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick, sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin requesting a briefing and additional information regarding the influence of foreign-originated environmental frameworks on U.S. regulatory and industrial policy.

In the letter, the Chairmen express concerns about the growing reliance on international emissions accounting frameworks, particularly the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (“GHG Protocol”), noting that while it is not legally binding under U.S. law, it has become a widely adopted global standard that is increasingly shaping corporate behavior, supply chain requirements, and market access for American industry.

They further write that this pattern has “imposed significant compliance burdens on American industry, constrained commercial flexibility, and risked excluding U.S. firms from key international markets,” raising broader concerns about the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers in a global economy where emissions rules are becoming more standardized.

The letter also highlights EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and related regulatory actions as operating in parallel with international accounting frameworks, including the GHG Protocol, and raises concerns about the resulting infrastructure and compliance costs imposed on regulated entities. The Chairmen write that, given recent changes in federal greenhouse gas policy and questions surrounding statutory authority under the Clean Air Act, it is “urgent that the Committee assess the full scope of foreign influence embedded in prior regulatory actions and determine whether corrective measures are warranted.”

Additionally, the letter references prior Committee oversight of the Biden Administration’s proposed Federal Acquisition Regulation rule, which would have required federal contractors to align with emissions targets validated by foreign-based entities. The Chairmen describe the proposal as part of a broader pattern involving “the systematic transfer of American regulatory authority to international frameworks operating outside the bounds of U.S. law and democratic accountability.”

Further, they warn that emissions accounting frameworks are increasingly being incorporated into private-sector contracting, lending, and procurement requirements, effectively compelling American companies to comply with international protocols to remain eligible to participate in global supply chains, rather than as a result of federal regulation.

To assess these issues, the Chairmen requested a briefing from EPA on its procedures for evaluating and insulating domestic rulemaking from undue international influence. The briefing was requested no later than May 22, 2026.

To read the full letter, please click here.

Full Committee Markup of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 10:00:00 EST

Opening Statement:

Chairman Brian Babin

Full Committee Markup of:

H.R. 8462, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act - favorably reported to the House by voice vote

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8462) builds on the original 2018 law to modernize federal quantum research and development, strengthen coordination across agencies, and accelerate the transition of quantum technologies into real-world applications. It also invests in workforce development, expands partnerships with allies, and supports a competitive domestic quantum industry.

Amendment #075 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Gillen (D-NY) - passed by voice vote
Supports regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science, engineering, and technology.
Amendment #072 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Amo (D-RI) – passed by voice vote
Supports the application of quantum information science for oceans and ocean science.
Amendment #161 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Self (R-TX) – passed by voice vote
Adds quantum software security, interoperability, and supply chain provisions by directing NIST to establish software standards and best practices, expanding testbed and QUEST program requirements, and requiring a report to Congress.
Amendment #055 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) – passed by voice vote
Supports the transition of state and local governments to post-quantum cryptography standards.
Amendment #055 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Harrigan (R-NC) – passed by voice vote
Includes small businesses within the scope of NIST Quantum Acceleration Centers.
Amendment #159 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Self (R-TX) – withdrawn
Strikes all references to "Underrepresented Groups."
Amendment #006 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Menefee (D-TX) – passed by voice vote
Amends purposes for the Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education to account for the importance of foundational research and public-private partnerships.
Amendment #048 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Whitesides (D-CA) – passed by voice vote
Adds language about looking at opportunities to advance measurements of Earth in the NASA strategy in subsection [501(c)(2)].
Amendment #063 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) – passed by voice vote
Improves coordination between the DOE and the NSF on activities carried out under the NQI Program and establishes a public-private partnership for near-term quantum application development and acceleration.
Amendment # 036 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Webster (R-FL) – passed by voice vote
Strengthens interagency coordination to identify helium-3 needs for quantum computing, improve information sharing on supply risks, and assess how the domestic helium-3 supply chain affects U.S. industry competitiveness.
Amendment #112 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Subramanyam (D-VA) – passed by voice vote
Includes the rest of the standalone bill H.R. 4942, the Quantum Encryption Readiness and Resilience Act, which would require a report on mitigating the cybersecurity and national security risks posed by quantum computers.
Amendment #008 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Van Epps (R-TN) – passed by voice vote
Studies related to the National Quantum Initiative Program.
Amendment #064 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Obernolte (R-CA) – withdrawn
Authorizes Federal entities to purchase interim post-quantum cryptographic software.
Amendment #054 to H.R. 8462, offered by Rep. Foushee (D-NC) – passed by voice vote
Reauthorizes the Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program.

Chairman Babin, Subcommittee Chairman Weber Applaud Committee Passage of National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, at a full committee markup. The bipartisan legislation strengthens U.S. leadership in quantum research and development and supports continued innovation in this critical field.

"Quantum technology is not a distant concept—it is a foundational capability that will shape the future of computing, communications, and national security," said Chairman Brian Babin. "I’m proud to see this forward-looking legislation pass out of Committee. It takes an important step toward strengthening American leadership, advancing real-world quantum capabilities, and helping secure our nation’s long-term economic strength and strategic advantage."

"This is a big win for America and a sign we are firing on all cylinders," said Energy Subcommittee Chairman Randy Weber. "I was proud to lead this bill, and the bipartisan momentum behind it shows real resolve to keep America leading in the technologies that will shape the future as we push this legislation closer to the finish line. This bill helps ensure the next breakthroughs in quantum science are written by the United States of America, not our foreign adversaries. As we write another proud chapter in our Nation’s storybook, we remind the world America’s greatest chapters are still ahead.”

Highlights of H.R. 8462:

Modernizes and reauthorizes federal quantum research programs
Strengthens coordination across key federal agencies, including the addition of NASA as a formal quantum research partner
Supports workforce development to meet growing quantum industry demands
Expands collaboration with allies to maintain U.S. competitiveness

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at Full Committee Markup of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Wed, 119 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

I would like to welcome everyone to this morning’s full committee markup of a bill critical to the advancement of nearly every sector essential to America’s future standing on the world stage, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.

This legislation builds on the original 2018 law to modernize federal quantum research and development, strengthen coordination across agencies, and accelerate the transition of quantum technologies into real-world applications.

It also invests in workforce development, expands partnerships with allies, and supports a competitive domestic quantum industry.

Quantum technology is not a distant concept—it is a foundational capability that will shape the future of computing, communications, energy, and national security.

From securing our communications networks to enabling next-generation materials and breakthroughs in energy systems, quantum innovation will define which nations lead—and which fall behind.

The United States has long been a global leader in the theoretical science that underpins quantum technologies.

But leadership in theory alone is not enough. Across the globe, our competitors are investing heavily in turning that science into real-world capabilities.

In particular, the Chinese Communist Party has identified quantum as a mission-critical technology and is moving aggressively to deploy quantum systems across communications, sensing, and computing applications.

If we fail to keep pace, the consequences will be significant. Quantum advancements have direct implications for cybersecurity, military readiness, and economic competitiveness.

The nation that leads in quantum will help set the rules of the road for the next generation of technological innovation.

That is why this legislation takes a comprehensive approach to strengthening America’s quantum ecosystem. It ensures federal research programs move beyond basic science to applied research, demonstration, and commercialization.

It reinforces partnerships between government, industry, and academia, recognizing that innovation does not happen in silos. It also invests in the workforce needed to sustain long-term leadership in this field.

This bill reflects the breadth of this Committee’s jurisdiction. Quantum capabilities intersect directly with our work on space, energy, and advanced computing.

By formally incorporating NASA into the National Quantum Initiative, we are ensuring that space-based research and applications are part of our broader strategy.

At the Department of Energy and our national laboratories, quantum research is already playing a role in advancing high-performance computing and next-generation energy systems.

These are not isolated efforts—they are part of a coordinated national strategy to maintain American leadership.

Importantly, this legislation strengthens collaboration with our allies. In a global technology race, the United States is strongest when it leads a coalition of like-minded nations.

By promoting international partnerships, we can expand research capabilities, set high standards, and counter the influence of adversarial actors seeking to control these technologies to their advantage.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the constructive conversations I have had with Ranking Member Lofgren as we have worked through this legislation.

In particular, we have agreed that authorization levels will be addressed once we get more detailed information from the Administration’s FY27 budget request for quantum-specific activities. This approach allows us to move forward on policy while ensuring funding decisions are made in the appropriate context and aligned with the ongoing appropriations process. By doing so, we can help ensure that all agencies are properly funded to achieve their ambitious goals.

At its core, this bill is about ensuring the United States remains the world’s leading technological and economic power.

It is about making the investments necessary today to secure our national security and prosperity tomorrow. It also reflects the reality that leadership in emerging technologies like quantum is not guaranteed—it must be earned and sustained.

I look forward to advancing this legislation today and welcome thoughtful amendments as we work together to ensure this legislation is as strong and effective as possible.

Environment Subcommittee Hearing - A Review of the President's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tue, 118 Apr 2026 09:00:00 EST

Opening Statement of Chairman Scott Franklin at A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tue, 118 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning, and welcome to our hearing on NOAA’s Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year 2027.

I’d like to welcome NOAA Administrator Dr. Neil Jacobs as our witness this morning to discuss the President’s proposed budget for the agency.

The President requested $4.4 billion for NOAA’s budget in FY27; this request represents a $1.1 billion decrease from the discretionary and mandatory funding that NOAA was appropriated last year, aligning with this Administration’s goals of reining in the excess spending of the previous administration.

As the budget request accurately describes, NOAA provides the environmental science, information, and services needed to protect the lives, property, and livelihoods of all Americans. Therefore, when making budget decisions, we should be guided by a simple question: Does this program, project, or activity advance that mission?

This year’s budget includes several initiatives that I support. Expanded procurement of commercially available data is a steadfast position of this Committee for many years. This is reflected in the bipartisan Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025. The Committee also believes NOAA provides the federal backbone of our forecasting tools, and by increasing our commercial data-buy efforts, we can rapidly expand the pool of available data to improve the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts.

I’m pleased to see modest increases to the National Weather Service and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. This budget proposal and restructuring efforts at NWS reflect the goal of both the Administration and Congress to create a more nimble and flexible workforce. The transition of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System, or AWIPS, to the cloud will enable forecasters to live and work all across the country while still maintaining 24/7 coverage. These two offices are at the forefront of innovation and forecasting that can save lives.

Florida’s 18^th District knows this firsthand; it is home to the Aircraft Operations Center. Aircraft based there, such as the Hurricane Hunters, are on the frontlines of tracking and monitoring severe storms like hurricanes. I’ve had the pleasure of taking a ride on a P-3, and while it is a distinguished aircraft, we must continue modernizing the fleet.

Congress has laid its marker down, and I look forward to hearing about the progress of our new C-130 and G550 aircraft from Administrator Jacobs.

I am also encouraged to see NOAA’s budget reflect the President’s order to establish maritime dominance. The budget requests an increase of $60 million to accelerate the acquisition of Class C vessels and a $75 million increase to advance a fleet of autonomous research vessels. We have held multiple hearings on data gaps in the ocean, including one just weeks ago on deep-sea mining. We know there are substantial areas of the ocean where data is lacking, and these activities will significantly improve our understanding of ocean conditions to support surface maritime commerce, forecasting, and mining activities.

These two programs are strong examples of how NOAA can supplement and even improve its data inventory by partnering with industry to ensure high-quality data that is cheaper to obtain through the private sector than for NOAA to attempt collection on its own. If we’re looking to save taxpayer money, it seems logical to bolster these programs rather than have NOAA try to collect data on its own through expensive buildouts and federally owned instruments.

Nonetheless, I remain optimistic about NOAA’s future. Congress consistently reinforces NOAA’s core mission -- protecting lives and property – and I appreciate Administrator Jacobs’ engagement on this proposal. I’m confident we will continue working together to advance NOAA’s mission.

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Tue, 118 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning. Thank you to our Subcommittee Chairman, Mr. Franklin, for presiding over this important hearing, and thank you, Administrator Jacobs, for being here today.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a unique agency that sits at the intersection of science, operations, and regulations. From daily forecasts, severe storm warnings, and Earth monitoring, NOAA is on the frontlines of protecting Americans by providing essential information needed to take preventive measures against life-threatening weather events. The products and services NOAA provides to support fisheries, coastal restoration, and marine commerce impact more than one-third of our gross domestic product.

Since becoming Chairman of this Committee, we have held numerous hearings focused on NOAA, from ocean technologies and deep-sea mining to weather forecasting and the importance of weather satellites to our national security.

Last September, we passed the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, clarifying the Committee’s priorities for NOAA’s weather, monitoring, and science activities. We are closely following the Senate’s movements on this legislation, and I am encouraged to see that the language in these two bills is not far apart.

The FY27 budget request is remarkably similar to the FY26 proposal. The enacted levels in the FY26 appropriations package signaled that Congress did not support the proposed direction for NOAA. The Appropriations Committee is marking up its bill tomorrow, and it will likely reflect the same position.

While I appreciate the work the Administrator has done on this budget, it is time to work together to find common ground.

NOAA’s science activities are at the core of its success, and I am keenly aware of the challenges of transitioning research to operations. That’s why Congress must ensure that NOAA’s reorganization preserves critical research capabilities and does not dilute operational effectiveness. NOAA’s research activities are essential to its mission of protecting life and property.

NOAA does not have the budget of some larger agencies, so it needs focused operational offices to provide the products and services that are vital to this country’s safety and economic prosperity.

I am pleased to see that the budget request included robust support for the National Weather Service. Ensuring the National Weather Service is funded and fully staffed has been one of my top priorities since becoming Chairman. However, I question the proposal to eliminate research grants related to streamflow and rainfall.

These grants support improving precipitation forecasts, linking atmospheric and hydrologic models, reducing errors in extreme events such as flash floods and atmospheric rivers, and helping develop flash flood guidance and other flood risk products. After the catastrophic events in Kerr County last July 4, I am particularly sensitive to efforts to improve flash flood watches, warnings, and decision support products that inform timely evacuations. The National Weather Service performed well in forecasting those events last summer, and I am concerned that eliminating these grants would stymie future improvements. Let us not forget that NOAA’s primary mission is to protect lives and property. I do not believe this budget request meets the President’s expectations for that core mission.

Again, I want to thank the Administrator for being here to discuss with the Committee what NOAA’s priorities should be, and I hope we can find a workable path forward that best serves the American people.

I yield back the balance of my time.

H.R. 8462, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Thu, 113 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

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H.R. 8462, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

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Endorsed by:

Stanford Research Institute (SRI)

Quantinuum

Rice University

Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative

Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

CJW Quantum

PsiQuantum

Nokia

SEEQC

Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)

SandboxAQ

Maybell Quantum

Anametric

Hyperion Research

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)

University of Maryland

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA)

Quantum Industry Coalition

D-Wave

Optica

Carnegie Mellon University

Google Quantum AI

EPB Quantum

Full Committee Hearing - A Review of the President’s Budget Request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Fiscal Year 2027

Wed, 112 Apr 2026 10:00:00 EST

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at A Review of the President’s Budget Request for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for Fiscal Year 2027

Wed, 112 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Just three weeks ago, the world watched as Artemis II lifted off from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Over the course of nearly 10 days, the mission carried four astronauts around the Moon and back—taking them deeper into space than any humans have traveled before.

I was proud to be in Florida for this awe-inspiring launch. I was also honored to be in Houston to welcome the crew home.

This mission was the result of years of planning and was almost flawless in its execution.

For more than two decades, this Committee has advocated for continuity of purpose, specifically to enable NASA to carry out programs of this size and complexity.

In February, this Committee unanimously reported a bipartisan NASA reauthorization bill to the House that maintains that continuity of purpose across the agency. I look forward to working with Ranking Member Lofgren and our counterparts in the Senate to get a bill to the President’s desk soon.

Last month, NASA hosted an event called “Ignition,” where the agency made several announcements regarding changes to the Artemis architecture and other agency initiatives. Among these announcements was a commitment to develop a crewed base at the Moon’s south pole, to significantly increase the cadence of robotic lunar missions, and to conduct a nuclear demonstration mission to Mars.

Several of these initiatives represent an exciting future for our space program. But we would not fulfill our role as authorizers if we did not gain an understanding of the purpose and price of such missions, as well as their impacts on other programs within the NASA portfolio.

During NASA’s Ignition event, the agency announced its intention to build and install a new government module on the International Space Station. It would then encourage commercial companies to attach to this new module.

This is a significant departure from the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development program that NASA has pursued to date. This new proposal must be supported by budget, technical, and policy analysis, as well as discussions with international and commercial partners. We also must understand the timeline over which this new approach will unfold, and how that impacts NASA’s presence in low Earth orbit.

The Office of Management and Budget’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 requests $18.8 billion for NASA, roughly a 23% cut from amounts appropriated by Congress in fiscal year 2026. Many of the proposed budget cuts were rejected by Congress previously, and I am confident they will be rejected again.

Both the President and Congress have provided explicit direction for NASA to undertake a range of activities, from exploration and science to aeronautics research. We must ensure that NASA is funded at a level that allows it to pursue those missions.

I simply do not believe this budget proposal is capable of supporting what President Trump has directed the agency to accomplish over the course of his two terms, nor what Congress directed by law.

To be clear, I am a budget hawk. Our nation is nearly $39 trillion in debt, and we must address this alarming situation soon. But we must be smart in how we do so. Shortchanging NASA is simply not smart.

We face competition from China across all aspects of space activity. China aims to send astronauts to the lunar surface before the end of the decade. If we do not carefully address the future of NASA’s activities in low Earth orbit, the Chinese space station could become the only human-tended platform—and the only option for countries seeking to collaborate on microgravity research. China also conducted several impressive science missions and plans for more. We must ask whether this proposed budget maintains United States civil and commercial space dominance, or if we risk ceding that leadership to China.

Only through Congress, our commercial space sector, and the Administration working together can we ensure continued U.S. leadership in space.

I look forward to learning more about the Administrator’s plans, including what he discussed at NASA’s Ignition event last month.

I thank you for appearing before us today, Administrator Isaacman, and look forward to your testimony.

Research and Technology Subcommittee Hearing - Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation

Tue, 111 Apr 2026 10:00:00 EST

SST Leaders Request Information from NASEM on Attribution Committee and Conflict-of-Interest Policies

Tue, 111 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, along with Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Scott Franklin, sent a letter to Dr. Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), requesting information related to NASEM’s Committee on Attribution of Extreme Weather and Climate Events and Their Impacts (“the Attribution Committee”).

In the letter, the Chairmen express concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving members of the Attribution Committee, stating that “publicly available information suggests a troubling pattern” in which committee members are affiliated with nonprofits that support climate accountability lawsuits, “raising the appearance of impropriety and member bias.”

They emphasize that “taxpayer-funded and government-sponsored science is objective, transparent, and free from conflicts that could compromise its integrity,” and warn that these relationships raise questions about NASEM’s adherence to its own policies.

The letter also highlights concerns about NASEM’s conflict-of-interest and committee composition policies, particularly changes made in January 2025. While financial conflicts may disqualify members, the Chairmen note that non-financial conflicts—such as professional or legal affiliations—“need only be disclosed, with no protocol for mitigation,” which may undermine impartiality and public trust.

Additionally, the Chairmen question whether the Attribution Committee reflects an appropriate “range of perspectives,” and whether members can be “objective and open-minded in addressing the issues before it,” as required by NASEM policy.

The letter further points to concerns related to transparency, including limited public access to committee meetings, and raises questions about safeguards against potential sponsor influence.

To assess these issues, the Chairmen request detailed information on NASEM’s policies, committee selection process, and records related to the Attribution Committee’s formation and activities. They also ask that NASEM retain all relevant documents and respond by May 8, 2026.

To read the full letter, please click here.

Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation

Tue, 111 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Good morning. Thank you, Chairman Obernolte, for convening today's hearing. I also thank our witnesses for joining us to discuss the state of robotics research in the United States.

Robotics is not a new field. American engineers have built industrial robots since the mid-20th century, and today those machines are the backbone of U.S. manufacturing.

What is new is the convergence of artificial intelligence with robotics—opening the door to machines that can perceive, adapt, and operate in unstructured environments far beyond the factory floor.

This convergence matters for two reasons. First, it represents an enormous economic opportunity. From warehouses and logistics to agriculture, construction, and healthcare, intelligent robots have the potential to boost American productivity, fill labor gaps, and create entirely new industries.

Second, robotics is a domain of intense strategic competition. The Chinese Communist Party made robotics a national priority, committing over $100 billion to technologies including robotics and supporting roughly 140 firms focused on humanoid robots alone.

American companies are already driving innovation in robotics. Firms across the country are developing robots for everything from last-mile delivery to elder care and disaster response. Standard Bots’ industrial robots, Tesla's Optimus humanoid, Boston Dynamics' Atlas platform, and a growing ecosystem of startups show that American industry recognizes the opportunity at hand.

The question for Congress is whether our federal research and policy infrastructure is keeping pace with that private-sector ambition.

But we should also be clear-eyed about where our supply chains stand. Too many of the components that go into American robots—sensors, actuators, and chips—are sourced from abroad, including from adversary nations. If we want to build a strong domestic robotics industry, we need to understand where those vulnerabilities are and take steps to address them. The Trump Administration’s convening of robotics companies last month was a good start, and I look forward to hearing what came out of those discussions.

Furthermore, agencies within this Committee's jurisdiction are already doing important work. The Administration's AI Action Plan noted the link between AI, robotics, and American manufacturing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology researches collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles, and robotic perception and manipulation.

In fact, as robots move from controlled factory settings into less predictable environments—homes, hospitals, and public spaces—the need for safety standards will become even more critical. Getting the standards right early will help American companies lead globally rather than play catch-up to foreign regulatory frameworks, making NIST’s work all the more important.

These are encouraging steps from this Committee’s agencies. But as these technologies advance, so must our workforce. Building, programming, and maintaining intelligent robots requires skills spanning mechanical engineering, computer science, and AI. Our universities and technical colleges will be central to preparing the next generation of American workers for these jobs—and federal research partnerships with academia are a key part of that pipeline.

I'm interested in hearing from our witnesses about whether current training programs are keeping pace with what employers actually need on the factory floor.

But Congress must understand where the gaps are—in research, workforce development, standards, and policies that will determine whether the next generation of robotics is built in America or imported from abroad.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about the most promising areas of U.S. robotics research, the challenges facing innovators, and what role Congress should play in ensuring American leadership in this field.

I thank Chairman Obernolte for his support and efforts in advancing American robotics. Thank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Opening Statement of Chairman Jay Obernolte at Robots Made in America: Advancing U.S. Leadership in Manufacturing and Automation

Tue, 111 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

Robotics have catalyzed the American economy for over a century. Articulated robots, with joints like human arms, have long served as essential components for handling, welding, and assembly in industrial manufacturing. Robotics is critical to industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to space exploration and healthcare. The potential for robots to assist and enhance human capabilities is vast, and a new phase of advancement is underway.

For many years, humanoid robots were seen as the stuff of science fiction. But with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), so-called “physical AI”—the integration of AI into robotic systems—may be the key to unlocking new ways to deploy robotics across the United States. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s AI Action Plan notes the importance of this intersection between AI and robotics. Physical AI could unleash a robotics renaissance, and America must remain at the forefront.

The United States must act decisively. The Chinese Communist Party has invested billions in its robotics industry and has pursued an aggressive strategy to dominate the global market. As technologies like physical AI advance, it is more important than ever for the United States to adopt a national robotics strategy to support manufacturing, bolster our economy, and assist the American worker.

That is why, earlier this year, I introduced the National Commission on Robotics Act. This bipartisan legislation would establish a national commission tasked with evaluating the United States’ competitiveness in robotics. The commission—comprised of experts from academia, industry, and the public sector—will provide policy recommendations to strengthen American leadership in robotics, helping Congress develop forward-looking policies that keep America competitive in this new era of innovation.

A new vision for robotics could help solve labor shortages, increase U.S. productivity in manufacturing, and support logistics. In the future, humanoid robots could serve as caretakers for the elderly or act as supplemental workers that assist humans in performing the most physically demanding tasks in factories, thereby protecting the health of American workers.

Academic institutions across the country play a central role in advancing robotics research. The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests in fundamental research in robotics through its Foundational Research in Robotics (FRR) program, which supports robotic systems with both computational capability and physical complexity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is also critical in developing standards for safety and innovation. Together, these efforts support key areas of research and development, including collaborative robots, dexterous manipulation, mobility, and industrial autonomous vehicles.

Robotics research and innovation are essential for maintaining America’s leadership in technological advancement. Understanding the current state of robotics in the United States will help inform the Committee’s work as we consider a national robotics strategy. I thank our witnesses for being here and appreciate their willingness to help the Subcommittee assess U.S. robotics research and development.

SST Leaders Request Information from NASEM on Greenhouse Gas Study and Committee Practices

Fri, 107 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin, along with Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Rich McCormick and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Scott Franklin, sent a letter to Dr. Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), requesting information related to NASEM’s report on Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases and U.S. Climate: Evidence and Impacts.

In the letter, the Chairmen note NASEM’s long history of providing valuable scientific advice to the federal government. They emphasize that NASEM’s credibility is contingent upon its objectivity, stating, “Congress has long relied on NASEM precisely because it is expected to operate free from political influence, financial entanglements, or institutional bias.” The Chairmen add that “when those standards are compromised—or appear to be compromised—the value of NASEM’s advice to policymakers and the public is correspondingly diminished.”

The Chairmen raise concerns about the formation, funding, and expedited timeline of the Greenhouse Gases Committee, which was assembled shortly after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rescinding its 2009 Endangerment Finding. NASEM itself acknowledged that “the impetus for this report was a notice of proposed rulemaking issued in August 2025 by the [EPA],” and the Committee produced a “fast-track[ed]” report within weeks that reaffirmed the Endangerment Finding.

They question whether the Committee’s work was conducted with sufficient transparency, balance, and independence, particularly given its compressed timeline and potential reliance on private funding sources.

The letter also highlights broader structural concerns related to NASEM’s exemption from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), noting that the exemption allows NASEM to operate outside many of the transparency, balance, and public accountability requirements that apply to other federal advisory committees. This exemption is particularly relevant as special interest groups have challenged other advisory reports related to the Endangerment Finding, citing FACA compliance concerns.

They also cite recent issues involving undisclosed conflicts of interest in NASEM-affiliated work, including the retraction of a climate science chapter in the Federal Judicial Center’s Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, as further indication of concerns regarding conflict-of-interest safeguards and institutional practices.

The letter requests information on NASEM’s communications with federal agencies, funding sources—including private donations—and its processes for ensuring objectivity, managing conflicts of interest, assembling committees, and initiating studies. It also seeks records related to the Committee’s work and broader data on NASEM’s funding and study practices, and asks that NASEM retain all relevant records and respond by May 1, 2026.

To read the full letter, please click here.