House Science Committee Members Introduce Bill to Reauthorize NIST

House Science Committee’s Subcommittee on Research and Technology Chairwoman Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Ranking Member Mike Waltz (R-FL), together with full Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Ranking Member Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the “NIST for the Future Act.” The bill provides a comprehensive reauthorization of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). ASME strongly advocates for many of NIST’s programs that aim to advance measurement science and engineering at the most fundamental levels.

The bill’s primary sponsor, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, commented on the legislation, stating that “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. 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.”

Representative Stevens works closely with ASME on engineering issues. In June 2020, Rep. Stevens participated in a virtual Town Hall hosted by ASME where she spoke with ASME’s Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile about challenges facing the healthcare and manufacturing sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding additive manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE); federal funding for research and development; and standards and regulations in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI).

To watch the full virtual town hall, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5er9HNgJ_t0&t=0s.

To read the full NIST for the Future Act, visit: https://science.house.gov/imo/media/doc/NIST_21_xml.pdf.