Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Help NIST Lead in the Race for the Future

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act. This legislation would establish the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, a non-profit foundation to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology, making the path to commercialization easier for NIST-developed technology. Passing this legislation would make it easier for NIST to utilize public-private partnerships in advancing measurement science foundational to the race for the AI future. U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. 

“Now more than ever, our federal science agencies need every tool to drive U.S. technology leadership,” said Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI). “The reintroduction of the EPIC Act ensures that NIST—a vital agency in emerging technology, standards, and manufacturing—has the resources to secure American leadership in the mid-21st century. By establishing the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, this bill will accelerate technology commercialization, strengthen international collaborations, and support NIST’s world-class workforce. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bipartisan, bicameral bill and unleash American innovation.”

“It is vital that America maintains its position as the world leader in science and technology,” said Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA). “The creation of the Foundation for Standards and Metrology will assist in ensuring industry, non-profits, and academia receive the resources that they need to establish cutting-edge standards that enhances the economic security and prosperity of the U.S., which is why I’m proud to be a Republican co-lead on this critical legislation.”

“America's economic strength depends on technological leadership, and NIST has long been an engine of innovation for our country,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). “The EPIC Act reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a nonprofit foundation that will mobilize resources to support U.S. leadership on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotech, and quantum computing. With strong bipartisan support across both chambers, this legislation represents a critical investment in America's technological future.”

“Maintaining and encouraging research and development in the U.S. is critical to winning the technological race against China and other adversaries,” said Sen. Todd Young (R-IN). “Our bipartisan legislation will support these efforts by establishing an independent foundation to identify and foster innovative public-private partnerships across the country and strengthen the American economy.”

“Whether it’s AI or quantum computing, the United States is pushing the boundaries of technological innovation on all fronts,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “There are no second chances with technologies this powerful; NIST needs every tool at its disposal to ensure responsible R&D from the start.”

“Our nation’s technological innovation is what keeps us globally competitive,” said Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE). “To stay ahead of our rapidly advancing adversaries, we must invest in emerging technologies and the metrics that underpin them. The EPIC Act is an effective, bipartisan way to help us generate more resources to do so without additional taxpayer costs.”

More than 50 visionaries, science organizations, and technology companies have endorsed this legislation, including four former directors of NIST. 

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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