▶ 0:11:39I guess we're about ready. We got a quorum here. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will now come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recesses of the committee at any time. Pursuant to committee rule 2F, the House rule 11 recorded votes may be postponed.
▶ 0:12:06And today we meet to consider HR 390, the Acero Act, HR 3259, the Postquantum Cyber Security Standards Act, HR 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, and finally, HR 3705, the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting Act.
▶ 0:12:31I now recognize myself for an opening Thank you for joining us this afternoon as we mark up four strong bipartisan committee bills. It's been a busy week and I truly appreciate everyone's collaboration helping our team navigate numerous scheduling conflicts.
▶ 0:12:52Given the need to also coordinate with the House voting schedule, we selected this particular set of bills today to ensure sufficient time for thorough consideration and passage. And that said, we'll continue working with your teams in the coming weeks to review legislation that we didn't address today for future markups. And with that, let's get right to it. The first bill that we will consider is HR 390.
▶ 0:13:19Uh the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act, Asero, sponsored by Reps Fong and Mlen. This legislation builds upon NASA's existing Acero project to improve aerial responses to wildfires. Federal and state officials too often rely on outdated systems and face poor communication breakdowns during aerial response efforts.
▶ 0:13:44HR390 leverages NASA's advanced drone and aviation technologies to assist firefighters, streamline coordination between multiple agencies, and ensure safer, more efficient uh op operations. As we enter fire season, this is a practical and forwardthinking use of American innovation to protect our communities, our public lands, and first responders.
▶ 0:14:09I want to thank Representatives Fong and Mlullen for their work on this important bill and for utilizing NASA's, excuse me, using NASA's cutting edge research and technology to enhance emergency response efforts. Next, we turn to two bills that reflect a national imperative, strengthening America's edge in quantum computing and artificial intelligence, two arenas where global adversaries are actively trying to outpace us.
▶ 0:14:37The first is HR 3259, the postquantum cyber security standards act led by representatives Stevens and Tenny. The bill directs NIST to provide guidance and support for the voluntary adoption of quantum resistant cryptographic especially to high-risisk sectors and to lead a national transition to stronger postquantum security. As quantum computing progresses, current encryption methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
▶ 0:15:07This bill ensures America is never and not going to be caught flat-footed. It promotes smart planning, informs necessary updates and cryptography, and increases coordination across the sectors to secure our digital infrastructure before threats do emerge, not after. Many thanks to Representative Stevens and Tenny for prioritizing this issue and taking a proactive approach to securing our quantum future.
▶ 0:15:34Our third bill, HR 36-79, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, is another common sense proposal by Representatives Collins and Stevens. We all know that small businesses are truly the backbone of the American economy, a fact that resonates deeply with many of our districts. But as AI becomes more central to productivity and growth, small businesses are at risk of falling behind the big players.
▶ 0:16:02HR 3679 directs NIST to create practical, accessible resources to assist small businesses in understanding, utilizing, and integrating AI technologies into their daily operations without the massive overhead or confusion. We want to ensure that Main Street, not just Silicon Valley, uh can benefit from the AI revolution.
▶ 0:16:25This bill empowers small business owners to innovate, stay competitive, and to keep and continue uh creating jobs. Thanks to Representatives Collins and Stevens for their support in prioritizing America's job creators. Our last bill will that we will consider today is HR 3705. Uh the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecast Act, which I am proud to sponsor alongside ranking member Loofrren.
▶ 0:16:53I'm unfortunately all too familiar with the safety risk and and economic impact of coastal marine fog on ports and coastal communities. Just a few months ago, Port Houston and my district suffered the massive delays due to dense fog leading to billions in economic losses.
▶ 0:17:12This bill requires Noah to develop a targeted project to improve the accuracy of fog forecasting along our coasts, enhancing maritime safety, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and reducing the associated economic impacts of fog events.
▶ 0:17:30This initiative would foster dynamic collaboration with both commercial and academic partners while leveraging and enhancing existing Noah tools for successful HR 3705 is a focused strategic investment in safety, commerce, and economic resilience. Thank you to ranking ranking member Lofrren for your partnership in this effort.
▶ 0:17:54And in closing, I want to express my appreciation again to all of our members for their participation and attendance. And I look forward to a productive markup of these four important bills. And now I would like to recognize the ranking member for five minutes for your opening state. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman, and um I thank you for holding today's markup. And first, before saying anything else, I'd like to commend uh you, Mr. chairman for your continued commitment to bipartisanship in this committee.
▶ 0:18:25Uh most of these bills uh today are standalone components of bigger packaged bills. Uh but I've got to say I think this moment calls for a more drastic response from this legislative body to the administration's absolute gutting of the federal research enterprise. And time is of the essence.
▶ 0:18:46Uh, every week the administration announces some new assault on America's scientific prowess that robs us of our national strengths and jeopardizes our collective future. I believe I can speak on behalf of my caucus in this committee in saying that we ought to be showing that these efforts are not in keeping with Congress's intent. And I believe some of my Republican colleagues would agree with me if asked behind closed doors.
▶ 0:19:14Regardless, all of this is not to say that the bills before us today wouldn't make good and necessary laws. They certainly would, and I support all of these bills, and I look forward to their ultimate passage. It is only my sincerest hope uh that in this room we can meet the moment to do what is necessary to prevent losing primacy and resign ourselves to spend decades of rebuilding or at a minimum signal our joint disapproval. All of that being said, the first bill, as you've noted, Mr.
▶ 0:19:44Chairman, is the Asero Act. The uh this bill uh is being led uh the existing advanced capabilities for emergency response operations project is being led by NASA as that is near but not in my district and is focused on wildland fire response applications. The project is particularly important to me and my colleagues in the California delegation and obviously Mr.
▶ 0:20:10Fong as the leader uh on your side of the aisle uh because of the fire responses from local, state, and federal agencies uh which now deploy numerous diverse aerial assets in order to combat wildfires. As you can imagine, with numerous activities in the air, a system is really necessary to remotely manage these operations. in this act defines the goals of this project in law and is a good step in ensuring its long-term sustainability. And I want to thank Mr.
▶ 0:20:40Fong as well as Miss McClullen and Mr. Whitesides for their leadership on this bill. The next bill as you've mentioned sponsored by Miss Stevens and Miss Tenny is the postquantum cyber security standards act. Cyber security is a race. We have our encryption and our adversaries or criminals come up with new cyber attacks. Then we come up with better fortifications. We always have to stay a few steps ahead.
▶ 0:21:06A future in which quantum computing is reality exponentially increases the threat. And we do know that some of our adversaries are storing storing encrypted communication in anticipation of being able to break through uh when quantum is a reality.
▶ 0:21:25uh we need to promote the timely deployment and adoption of postquantum encryption standards across all high-risk sectors and critical infrastructure and the sooner we do so the better. The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, again sponsored by Mr. Collins and Miss Stevens, would help small businesses incorporate the numerous commercial advantages that AI can provide.
▶ 0:21:50Often these companies don't have the capacity to do the challenging work of evaluating AI tools that could boost their operations and the bill would direct NIS to create or identify AI technical standards, best practices and case studies for small businesses. I would note however that giving this assignment to NIST while it is being drastically reduced I think in violation of the empoundment act is a real challenge.
▶ 0:22:17The last bill, as you've mentioned, is the Fog Observations in Geographic Forecasting Act that I was honored to co-sponsor with you, Mr. Chairman, and I'll speak more about that bill when it's called up. I look forward to it uh when we as a committee can consider the bigger packages these bills will eventually uh make up. And again, I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh and I yield back. Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much.
▶ 0:22:43and other members are invited to uh submit opening statements into the record if you so choose. Okay. The uh consideration of HR 390 pursuant to notice I now call up HR 390 the Aero Act and the clerk will report the bill.
▶ 0:23:06HR 390 a bill to utilize objection the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I now recognize Representative Fong of California for five minutes to speak on his bill. Uh thank you Mr. Chair and to the ranking member. Uh thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of my bill HR 390, the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act, better known as the Aero Act.
▶ 0:23:32As catastrophic wildfires continue to burn across the nation and especially in my home state of California, it's clear we need modern solutions to meet this escalating crisis and protect our communities. Right now, our federal and state agencies are facing outdated and fragmented communication systems when coordinating aerial wildfire responses. The Assero Act offers a way forward by leveraging NASA's cutting edge technologies to revolutionize how we combat these disasters.
▶ 0:24:00My proposed legislation focuses on four critical areas. First, it modernizes wildfire response capabilities by directing NASA to enhance aeros airspace management and integrate advanced technologies through improved realtime information sharing and multi- agency coordination. Firefighters will have the tools they need to act faster and more effectively. Second, it fosters collaboration by promoting partnerships with other agencies, research institutions, and private industry.
▶ 0:24:28The Assero Act avoids duplication and drives innovation across the board. Third, it ensures accountability by requiring annual progress reports to Congress through 2030. These reports will provide transparency, enable us to measure measure outcomes, and ensure the responsible use of these funds. Finally, it protects our national security. The ASERO Act prohibits NASA from procuring drones for this program from foreign adversaries like China, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used to support innovation here at home.
▶ 0:24:57exceptions will be granted only when absolutely necessary and and in our nation's best Um this bill, Mr. Chairman, the act represents a rare intersection of urgency, innovation, and bipartisan cooperation. By advancing this legislation, we not only uh improve our ability to respond to wildfires, but also protect the lives and livelihoods of countless Americans.
▶ 0:25:20I would like to thank Representative Mlen for her partnership in this bill and I urge you to support this this legislation and help deliver the solutions our nation desperately needs to deal with catastrophic wildfires. Thank you and I yield back. Thank you very much. And now I'd like to recognize the uh Representative Whiteside from California. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I I have spent many years studying wildfires, how they spread, why they're so destructive, what we can do to prevent them, and how to make our communities more resilient.
▶ 0:25:48I also served as chief of staff of NASA working to take our country to the forefront of space development in Southern California. I'm neighbors with Congressman Fong and deeply grateful to his leadership on this subject and especially in the Santa Clita Valley, the Analopee Valley, and Northern San Fernando. Uh wildfire risk is a constant threat. We need every tool that we can get to equip our wildland firefighters and emergency responders with the technology they need to save lives and protect our communities. Airspace over wildfires can be chaotic.
▶ 0:26:18We learned that firsthand during the devastating fires earlier this year when a civilian drone collided with a Canadian plane that was dropping water on active fires. Thankfully, there were no injuries from this collision, but the impact of the event was nothing short of severe. It caused the grounding of all aircraft that were responding to the fire and damaged the wing of the plane, which grounded the plane for repairs for several days.
▶ 0:26:43People in our districts, uh, Congressman Fongs and mine, know all too well that every second counts while fighting back wildfires. And as fires become more frequent, more intense, and year round, now more than ever, we need to improve how we respond to wildfires from the sky. And the Acero Act does just that. Uh, this bill, which I'm very proud proud to co-lead with Mr.
▶ 0:27:04Fong and Miss McClen will help bring order to the potential chaos in our airspace during emergencies by advancing R&D for a muchneeded system that will coordinate and improve aerial aerial responses to wildfires. We'll accomplish this by leveraging the unique tools and capabilities of NASA.
▶ 0:27:21Asero sets out a technology framework that will not only make aerial suppression safer and more effective in the near term, but will also establish a pathway for a midterm vision in which autonomous or semi-autonomous aircraft can suppress fires within five minutes of their start, even on the worst days. This is the capability that we would need uh to put out these fires on the absolute worst days.
▶ 0:27:45Through other bills, we must complement ASERO with important efforts in remote sensing from space, air, and land, further development of capable aerial firefighting platforms, as well as workforce provisions to keep the brave firefighters safe and supported in their crucial work. Asera is another example of the incredible range our federal science agencies have, especially when it comes to keeping Americans safe and improving their lives.
▶ 0:28:10As members of this committee, we must ensure these agencies like NASA are well supported to take on efforts like the crucial national challenge of wildfire. Thank you and I yield back. There's u is there any other members who wish to speak on this bill? Yes, ma'am. Gentleoman from Oregon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to speak in favor of this bill uh in support.
▶ 0:28:37Uh and I'm I have comments that will be applicable to the other bills as well, but I won't repeat them. Uh I want to align myself with the ranking member uh thanking you, Mr. Chairman, for continuing the bipartisan work in this committee.
▶ 0:28:51Uh, I'm glad that we're passing these bipartisan bills, but at the same time, we have to have a conversation about the very deep cuts at the very agencies that will be implementing and doing the research for these bills, whether it be NASA, NSF, NIST, very deep cuts at Noah. The administration just announced another hundred million dollar cut at NASA just the other day.
▶ 0:29:14So, while we're passing these bipartisan bills, I agree with ranking member Lofrren that we must must hopefully bipartisan push back on these serious cuts to uh to the research to the work that we need done at these very important science agencies which this committee has has typically been uh supportive of. So, again, thank you for the bipartisan work.
▶ 0:29:35Thank you for all uh the the work getting these four bills uh to the markup, but let's not forget how important it is to actually have the funding to implement them. And thank you and I yield back. Yes, ma'am. And if there's no further discussion on the excuse me, any other member want to speak on this bill? No. Okay. Uh if there's no further discussion on the underlying bill, we'll proceed with amendments in the order listed on the Okay. Okay.
▶ 0:30:03The first amendment on the roster is an amendment in the nature of a substitute offered by Representative Fong of California. The clerk shall report the amendment. Amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 390 offered by Mr. Fong of California. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Fong of California for five minutes to explain the amendment. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to thank Mr. Whiteside for his partnership as well on this bill.
▶ 0:30:31My amendment in the nature of a substitute align the text of my bill with language that was included in the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 which passed out of this committee unanimously. I want to thank the ranking member and her staff for working with me on this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Thank you and I yield back. Thank you. Is there any further discussion on this amendment? Okay. Hearing none, uh, the question is on the adoption of the amendment of the nature of a substitute offered by Representative Fong of California.
▶ 0:31:02All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say nay. None. The eyes have it and the opinion of the chair and the amendment and the nature of a substitute is adopted. Uh, a roll. Nope. No. No. Okay. All right. Uh, a reporting quorum being present. And I move that the committee report HR 390 the Asero Act is amendment is amended to the house with with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved.
▶ 0:31:29The question is on favorably reporting HR 390 to the house. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. The eyes have it and the bill is ordered favorably reported. Mr. Chairman, I'd like recorded vote. I have a roll call has been requested here. So pursuant to committee rule 2F and rule and and house rule 11, the proceedings of this vote will be postponed. Thank you. Okay.
▶ 0:31:59Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3259, the Postquantum Cyber Security Standards Act. The clerk will report the bill. Please, ma'am. HR 3259, a bill to amend the National Quantum Initiative. Without objection, the bill is considered as read and uh open for amendment at any point. I now recognize Representative Stevens of Michigan for five minutes speak on the bill.
▶ 0:32:27Well, thank you so very much uh Mr. Chair. Um I am delighted to uh be here to introduce uh my bill HR 3259, the Postquantum Cyber Security Standards Act.
▶ 0:32:43Um a as you know um cyber security is absolutely paramount to our nation's um competitiveness and success and emerging technologies like quantum technologies will revolutionize how we solve our nation's problems. Um and they will create incredible benefits from drug discovery and supply chain optimization to advanced materials.
▶ 0:33:08And in fact, if it appears as though everywhere I go, people are talking about quantum. Um, but certainly a pressing risk for quantum technologies is the use of quant quantum computing systems to attack our nation's cyber infrastructure. These supercharged hacking machines could crack the encryption we use to protect everything from our own personal passwords to our nation's most sensitive systems in national security and energy sectors.
▶ 0:33:37As we continue to move toward fault tolerant quantum computers, we must act proactively to secure our digital infrastructure, including the critical energy grids, hospitals, and automotive manufacturing hubs that of course exist throughout the great state of Michigan. However, uh mitigating the entire nation's infrastructure to new uh uh cryptographic uh standards is no easy task.
▶ 0:34:06The last major migration took uh place nearly seven years ago. It took it took nearly seven years to complete and required minimal hardware upgrades and public education for quantum. We need to educate the public on what quantum computing is which I'm very delighted to do and I'm glad we have this committee to do so.
▶ 0:34:28uh we need to support um potential hardware upgrades and move before an adversary successfully launches a uh a quantum powered hack. Since 2016, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has diligently worked with the quantum and cyber uh security community to develop and test a logorithms designed to withstand cyber attacks by quantum computers.
▶ 0:34:51Last year, NIST published the world's first approved postquantum cryptography standard, a critical step in securing our future cyber infrastructure. Now we have to deploy HR 3259 the mo the postquantum cyber security standards act um puts forward uh proactively the accelerated adoption of cryp cryptographic standards um particularly in our most vulnerable and critical sectors
▶ 0:35:22and it's bipartisan legislation uh that directs NIST to support organizations in expeditiously adopting postquantum cyber security through educ education, guidance, technical assistance, and grants. We all know how much the NIST MEP network also does and and provides um uh for small businesses across our country.
▶ 0:35:44And so I see this legislation as ensuring uh Michigan businesses, energy providers, hospitals, and manufacturers will be cyber secure for our postquantum future. However, cyber security is also an everm moving target requiring constant innovation and cyber defenses. So currently the US is falling behind not only our allies but also adversaries in some critical fields of this sector.
▶ 0:36:11Therefore it is paramount that the United States invests in the necessary research and development in postquantum cryptography. The bipartisan legislation that we're discussing here today and marking up will direct the National Science Foundation to support more research programs and through investing in these programs like the one that we have in my district at the Oakland University Center for Cyber Security and theory of Computation Lab at also
▶ 0:36:41at the University of Michigan. This expanded R&D will ensure that the United States is closing our gap. Um, so through both deployment and further research, HR 3259, the postquantum cyber security standards act will ensure that Michigan's critical infrastructure, manufacturers, and health systems remain cyber secure in our postquantum world. I want to urge my colleagues to join me in passing this bill.
▶ 0:37:08I want to thank uh my Republican colleague, Congresswoman Tenny, and thank you, Mr. Chair, for the time. I yield. Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much. Any other member wish to be recognized here? Uh, Representative Ross from North Carolina for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'm pleased to speak in support of the postquantum cyber security standards act.
▶ 0:37:30Common sense legislation designed to help organizations, including federal agencies and businesses, adopt and implement postquantum cryptography standards faster. This bill addresses a looming threat to our national security and digital infrastructure, the eventual ability of quantum computers to break current encryption methods.
▶ 0:37:55It also supports research into quantum computing and cryptography to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of this technology. By adopting and implementing quantum resistance standards early, the United States can set the global benchmark for postquantum cyber security and remain a leader in secure technology and cyber policy.
▶ 0:38:21Our adversaries may already be stealing encrypted data today with the plan to decrypt decrypt it in the future when quantum computers become capable. Sensitive government, defense, and personal data could be exposed This act mandates that the US federal agencies begin transitioning to quantum resistant cryptographic standards developed by NIST.
▶ 0:38:52This proactive shift will ensure that our government does not fall behind and we remain secure as the quantum era approaches. I strongly support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back. Yes, ma'am. any further discussion here, Mr. Foster from Illinois? Sure.
▶ 0:39:15Well, first off, I I just um it feels good to be back on this committee here, and I I really appreciate the chance, even though I I guess I don't know yet exactly which subcommittee I will be on. Um this uh the issue of of what's called postquantum cryptography has been had the whole scientific community on high alert for, you know, more than a decade since we finally realized that you had a real shot at quantum computing. But interestingly, one of the biggest threats isn't necessarily quantum computing.
▶ 0:39:44Uh that when NIST uh propagate, I think they had a contest and I think they came up with four of the four candidate algorithms and quite rapidly one and maybe two of those were were hacked. Uh and they were broken not with quantum anything but with And the problem is that a lot of these are very arcane areas of mathematics with not many experts on earth about it.
▶ 0:40:11And so that when you give the experts uh the focus on one specific algorithm, it's not terribly surprising that they found weaknesses in it. Now the the thing that worries me right now is is artificial intelligence. You know, we're at the point now that artificial intelligence algorithms are almost as good as the be best mathematicians at a variety of math problems. And the trajectory is such that they will actually be better than any human within perhaps just even a couple years.
▶ 0:40:41At that point, the most effective way to break these algorithms may be through mathematics developed by AI rather than quantum. All right? And this could happen before quantum computers. So I just it I guess this um really underscores the importance of keeping NIST well resourced. That is really the bottom line. We can authorize anything we want here, but if you don't have a well- resource NIST, we're going to be in deep trouble.
▶ 0:41:07And there are things that we can do in the coming weeks and months um to keep NIST adequately uh funded. And I hope everyone participates in that. Thank you. Yes, sir. Thank you very much. Uh if any anyone else would like to speak on this bill hearing none, um no amendments. We will proceed with amendments in the order listed on the on the roster, but no amendments were pre-filed for this bill.
▶ 0:41:37Does any member wish to offer an amendment at this time? Seeing none, a reporting Bill Foster, I do. Yes, sir. Yeah. Don't don't worry, I won't use a lot of time. I have an amendment at the desk or I I do I do not I do not have an amendment at the desk. I have one not on this one. Wrong. I'm on the wrong bill. Okay, fine. Sorry. He's saving time. I'm out of shape here. All right.
▶ 0:42:05Um hearing none and reporting quorum being present, I move that the committee report HR 3259, the postquantum cyber security standards act to the house with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved. The question is on favorably reporting HR 3259 to the house. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say nay. Mr. Chair, recorded vote has been uh requested. A roll call has been requested.
▶ 0:42:35Pursuant to committee rule 2F and House rule 11, proceedings on this vote will be All right. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act. The clerk will report the bill. HR 3679, a bill to require the director of the national Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
▶ 0:43:06You're doing a great job, Joyce. Um, I now recognize Representative Collins of Georgia for five minutes to speak on the bill. Thank you, Chairman Babin, for bringing this important legislation, HR 3679, the Small Business AI Advancement Act, up for consideration today. Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy, representing 43.5% of the US GDP and employing 45.9% of the workforce.
▶ 0:43:35As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, it is Congress's responsibility to ensure that small businesses are not left behind. Artificial intelligence is no longer an emergency technology. It is now one of the most transformative digital technologies of our era. But the benefits of AI must be accessible to more than just large corporations.
▶ 0:44:00AI technology has the potential to improve small businesses efficiency, bandwidth, and competitiveness, allowing them to handle the work more quickly and But uh too often smaller firms lack the technical expertise or f financial capacity to adopt AI tools, leaving them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital world. The opportunities it creates should extend to every corner of our economy.
▶ 0:44:28That's why I introduced HR 3679 along with side my colleague Miss Stevens. This uh this legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop voluntary resources to educate small businesses on best practices and methodology when integrating AI systems into their business. Through this legislation, we can help level the playing field, ensuring small businesses can modernize, make smarter decisions, and remain competitive.
▶ 0:44:58Leaving Main Street behind us is not an option. So, I'm grateful to my colleague from Michigan, Miss Stevens, for her partnership in moving this bill forward on a bipartisan basis. I urge all my colleagues to support this common sense, forward-looking legislation, and I thank you and I yield back the balance of my And uh, Representative Stevens from Michigan, five minutes, please. Thank you, Mr.
▶ 0:45:26chairman and what a delight to uh introduce this legislation al alongside my colleague Mr. Collins who uh background in uh small business I respect and appreciate so much and he's uh helped to be a a leader on this topic and particularly this legislation in a way that will really help our country.
▶ 0:45:51Um, and we've got to think about this in terms of assisting small businesses to minimize some of the risks of artificial intelligence while maximizing the rewards of this revolutionary technology. And as we all know, um, AI is a powerful tool that can improve efficiency and spur innovations through complex computational calculations.
▶ 0:46:18And I've seen this in Michigan existing for a long time. We've got um some very large uh software supplier companies, Deso Systems, which just expanded into my district, Autodesk, and uh they're using artificial intelligence day in and day out as they work uh alongside a very integrated and complex web of automotive suppliers.
▶ 0:46:42And I've seen firsthand how these applications can really improve that efficiency, production capability, and deployment throughout places like Michigan, uh, where our country relies so much on the engine of our economic activity. And so we want to make sure that all small businesses can benefit, can have uh, access and not be hampered by a too high of costs.
▶ 0:47:11uh and and in particular uh lowering barriers to entry to continue to bolster our competitive advantage. And so we all know that uh we we can see these benefits, but some firms are just going to struggle to understand and implement AI. And we also recognize that data privacy is a concern.
▶ 0:47:33And um I've heard this time and time again from Michigan small businesses and manufacturers who feel resource constrained, who feel talent constrained, although absolutely we are focused on growing the the the next generation of engineering and technology talent from a place called Michigan.
▶ 0:47:51Uh but uh it's it's also uh important to recognize that um the surges in entrepreneurship that have really boomed since 2021 are intersecting very rapidly with artificial intelligence.
▶ 0:48:07And um we we also want to make sure that um programs like the small business cyber security corner program at NIST are fully exercised and involved in the technological training and guidance for small businesses to help them identify those risks and manage them.
▶ 0:48:27So utilizing a widely successful model, HR directs NIST to establish and disseminate guidance for how small businesses can adopt artificial intelligence tools and riskmanagement practices.
▶ 0:48:42I mean, honest to goodness, this is a bipartisan bill that I'd love to see get done in this country, and I I'm uh, you know, half compelled to just go and work on its implementation because it just sounds so neat to be able to work with small businesses on that I exact uh uh challenge and opportunity for them.
▶ 0:49:02Um, and so we do see this legislation as an opportunity and I'm very excited at the prospect of NIST helping to provide our small business owners in Michigan and across the country the resources they need to thrive. And so with that, Mr. Chairman, I I of course urging all of my colleagues to support this incredible bill alongside um Congressman Collins uh to to to to pass it and to see it get done. And with that, I yield back. Thank you.
▶ 0:49:32Uh any further discussion on this Uh hearing none, um we will proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster. Uh the first amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by Mr. Foster. The clerk shall report the Foster amendment 037. Amendment to HR 3679 offered by Mr. Foster of Illinois. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read.
▶ 0:49:59I now recognize Representative Foster of Illinois for five minutes to explain his amendment. Sure. Well, thank you and and thank you to the sponsors of this bill for bringing it forward. You know, there's a raging debate about whether the effect of AI will be to make the rich richer and the poor poorer, and that applies to businesses as well. Um, and so I think it's really important that we do everything we can to not make uh not increase the disparity of resources between small businesses and large. And so this is a push in the right direction. and I really appreciate it.
▶ 0:50:29Um now the this legislation um so that's but the one of the um things that we can do to help them is that small businesses won't naturally pay a lot of attention uh to privacy and cyber security. The same thing that happens in real life even when AI is involved. Um they will it's just the first thing is get it working for my business and the second thing is well we'll worry about cyber security later.
▶ 0:50:55Fortunately, NIST has already done a significant amount of work in developing uh voluntary standards for privacy and cyber security. Um they provide guidance on issues like uh identity management in maintaining privacy, something that's not obvious to a firsttime user of this technology. Um, and so I'm offering this amendment to include NIS privacy and cyber security standards as an additional potential source that small businesses resources created by this bill could draw from.
▶ 0:51:25I think it's um you know I hope and I you can already see it happening that a number of com companies are providing products tailored to small businesses uh that will do their market research that will do their um their books for them all sorts of things that that really are um sort of disproportionate burden on small businesses but um but if they're pointed to the great work that NIST has done on things like identity management it's really going to make a better product that will avoid have small businesses um better
▶ 0:51:55able to avoid avoid some of the pitfalls they may fall into. So I encourage my colleagues to support this and yield back. Thank you very much. Does any other member wish to be recognized speak on the amendment? The ranking member. Thank you. Uh first I want to welcome uh Representative Foster back to the committee and uh thank him for this amendment.
▶ 0:52:18Uh this amendment would ensure that NIST includes cyber security and privacy guidance as he has indicated when developing AI best practices. The privacy and cyber security frameworks that have been developed by NIST are really the gold standard and are relevant for AI adoption. So this is a common sense amendment. I hope that we will all support it and again welcome back Bill and I yield to the chairman. Thank you. Uh any other discussion on this amendment?
▶ 0:52:48There's no further discussion on the amendment. The question is on on agreeing to the foster amendment 037. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The amendment is agreed to. The next amendment on the roster is offered by Representative Fushi of North Carolina. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I would clerk I'm sorry. Yeah.
▶ 0:53:15The clerk shall report Fushi amendment 011 amendment to HR 3679 off offered by Mrs. Fushi of North Carolina. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read and I now recognize Representative Fushi of North Carolina to explain your amendment for five minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would first like to begin by commending the work of my colleagues, Congresswoman Stevens and Congressman Collins, for authoring this bipartisan bill.
▶ 0:53:45I was proud to serve on our bipartisan AI task force with many of my colleagues here and I believe our nation's small businesses will play a fundamental role in advancing economic opportunities here at home and help ensure that the United States leads the globe in artificial intelligence.
▶ 0:54:04However, I would be remiss if I did not mention the very real concerns I have about this administration's political attacks against jurisdictions across this country, like my own um district, North Carolina's force, that refuses to abandon values, our values, and turn our backs on the people and communities we were elected to protect and serve.
▶ 0:54:26Last month, the administration and the Department of Homeland Security targeted counties in my district on the so-called sanctuary jurisdictions list, a list that has since been removed due to push back from local municipalities. And just last week, the House passed a bill that would relocate SBA offices from so-called sanctuary jurisdictions like my district has been described as.
▶ 0:54:52And yet neither DHS's announcement nor recent executive orders define the term sanctuary or provide guidelines on what it considers compliance. So, while I support this bill and the AR AI resources that will it will create for our small business owners, I am concerned that if the bill that passed the House last week is enacted, will the SBA prevent small businesses in my district, a global leader in emerging technologies and
▶ 0:55:23in other innovation hubs across this country, from access to these resources. My amendment prevents SBA and NIST from prohibiting access to the distribution of or use of AI resources by small businesses located in a jurisdiction DHS determines to be a so-called sanctuary jurisdiction.
▶ 0:55:46This outrageous list is nothing more than a politically motivated stunt designed to intimidate and punish local governments that refuse to be complicit in this cruel anti-immigrant agenda. Rather than pursue humane immigration policies or meaningful pathways to citizenship, the Trump administration continues to vilify immigrant communities, erode public trust, and sow fear and division.
▶ 0:56:16This amendment ensures that innovation centers across the country are not penalized by this administration's efforts to politicize the Small Business Administration and other essential government services. These actions run counter to the bipartisan vision laid out in our AI task force report last Congress and threatens the fabric and innovative spirit of our nation's diverse communities.
▶ 0:56:42While I do believe that these additions in my amendment are important, I understand that including them today would complicate this markup and affect moving this bill forward. And because of this, I respectfully withdraw my amendment. I plan to support the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act when it comes to a vote in this committee.
▶ 0:57:07Thank you again to the chairwoman Stevens and Congressman Collins for your leadership on this bill. Mr. Chair, I yield back. So the amendment is withdrawn. There were no other amendments pre-filed for this bill. Are there any further amen amendments? Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present.
▶ 0:57:27I move that the committee report HR 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Act, um, as amended to the House with the recommendation that the bill be approved. Those in favor say I. I, yes, Okay. Those opposed say nay. Okay. A roll call has been requested.
▶ 0:57:51Pursuant to committee rule 2F and the house rule 11 proceedings of this vote will be Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 3705, the fog observations and geographic forecasting act. The clerk will report the bill, please. HR 3705, a bill to require the under secretary of commerce. Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point.
▶ 0:58:19I now recognize myself for five minutes to speak in support of this bill. This past February, traffic in and out of Port of Houston was substantially disrupted on 14 separate days due to fog.
▶ 0:58:34These weather events reduced visibility so much that they brought one of America's busiest ports, in fact the busiest port in the country, to a impeding shipments, choking supply chains, costing our economy billions of dollars. Year after year, fog related closures cause ripple effects across our supply chain, delaying goods, driving up costs, and weakening our economic resilience.
▶ 0:59:03HR 3705, the fog observations and ge and geographic forecasting act directs the administrator of Noah to conduct a project to improve forecasts of coastal marine fog.
▶ 0:59:17The project aims to safeguard both lives and livelihoods by strengthening vessel safety and reducing the economic impact of coastal marine fog events by increasing the number of marine-based observations through existing government instruments and commercially obtained data. Advancing the geographic coverage and accuracy of marine fog modeling.
▶ 0:59:41Improving the communication of marine fog advisories by Noah, better conveying the risks posed by hazardous marine fog events and providing decision support services for risk managers and for port oper operators.
▶ 1:00:00Additionally, HR 3705 directs the administrator of Noah to develop a project plan that outlines specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as the resources and timelines needed to achieve the goal of enhancing vessel safety and mitigating the economic impact of coastal marine fog events.
▶ 1:00:21This bill highlights the need for a focused response to the challenges caused by coastal marine fog and transmits Congress's intent that a targeted effort to improve fog forecasting is both desirable and highly beneficial to the operations of our nation's ports. I'm very pleased that ranking member Lofkran agreed to co-lead HR 3705 as the need for better forecasting and safer operations is all important to Americans.
▶ 1:00:51Another leader on this issue is Senator Ted Cruz who has authored a companion bill in the Senate. I urge all of my colleagues to support this smart targeted solution that puts safety, economic strength, and common sense first. Does any member, the ranking member, you're recognized for Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm happy to be a co-sponsor of this bill with you.
▶ 1:01:13Um, fog is notoriously difficult to forecast because it forms in very localized areas shaped by sometimes subtle interactions between ocean conditions, topography, and weather patterns. Actually predicting its formation and movement requires more observations, better modeling, and clear communication. In my district, coastal marine fog often pushes inland, affecting visibility on major roads.
▶ 1:01:41And outside my district, uh fog often delays flights at the San Francisco airport. Uh these routine impacts highlight the importance of improving our forecasting tools to keep residents safe and minimize disruption to daily life. This bipartisan bill directs Noah to expand marine-based fog observations, improve fog modeling accuracy, and enhance communication of fog advisories to better protect communities and transportation.
▶ 1:02:11The legislation helps Noah close critical gaps in fog science. It calls for increased use of remote sensing technologies, advanced modeling of fog behavior, and improved stakeholder outreach to ensure that forecasts reach the people and sectors that need them most.
▶ 1:02:28Now, while I'm a co-sponsor of this bill to expand Noah's research capacity, we can't ignore the reality that an agency that was already underfunded and stretch stretched a thin has now been ripped apart uh by impoundments, layoffs, and the administration's budget proposals would make it worse.
▶ 1:02:51Uh the budget would drastically cut Noah's scientific research programs and staffing at a time when accurate forecasting is more essential than ever. So I urge my colleagues to support this bill to strengthen our national weather infrastructure and help protect communities like mine and yours from persistent challenges of marine fog. And I look forward to some solidarity uh across party lines and protecting Noah as our appropriations process continues. And with that, Mr.
▶ 1:03:20Chairman, I yield back. Thank you. And now I'd like to recognize the uh representative from Oregon, Miss Bonamichi. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to speak in support of HR 3705, the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting or FOG Act, which I note is part of the Weather Act reauthorization, which I hope this committee will take up soon. And I thank the bipartisan sponsors of this bill for bringing it forward. I represent the very beautiful north coast of Oregon and the port of Atoria.
▶ 1:03:50The economy is focused on commercial and recreational fishing and also importantly tourism. Obviously, accurate forecasts are critical to the community and to the economy. And again, I'm grateful for this bill, but I want to note that hundreds, if not thousands of Noah staff have been terminated or threatened.
▶ 1:04:09the deep and drastic cuts at Noah are critical uh to reverse uh and that's why I support this bill, but again urge my colleagues on both sides of this aisle to restore funding and hopefully morale to Noah. Uh since I've been in Congress about a little more than a dozen years, two of the Noah administrators, the confirmed Noah administrators have been from Oregon, from Oregon State University.
▶ 1:04:35Noah is very important to our economy, to our state, but it's not just Oregon, it's across the country. So again, thank you for bringing this bill forward. It's really important, but please, I hope we can work together so that this bill can be implemented so they have the staff, so they have the research, so they have the resources to to actually make this effective. Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back. Thank you. Uh any other members would like to talk speak on this bill?
▶ 1:05:03Uh, no further discussion on this underlying bill. We'll proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster. No amendments were pre-filed for this bill. Does anyone wish to offer an amendment at this time? Okay. Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present, I move that the committee report HR 3705, the fog observations and geographic forecasting act to the house with a recommendation that the bill will be favorably approved. The question is on favor.
▶ 1:05:35Okay. Um, a roll call has been requested. Pursuant to committee rule 2F and house rule 11, the proceedings of this vote will be postponed. Okay, we are going to take a fivem minute recess. We'll come back after that and we will vote. Don't go far. The committee stands in recess subject to the call of the chair.
▶ 1:15:52Okay. The committee on science, space, and technology will now come to order. The unfinished business is a request for recorded votes on on favorably reporting the following bills. HR 390, the Aero Act as amended.
▶ 1:16:09HR 3259, the Postquantum Cyber Security Standards Act, HR 3679, the Small Business Artificial Intelligence Advancement Act, as amended, and HR 3705, the Fog Observations and Geographic Forecasting The members will record their votes using their electronic voting system which is in front of you there.
▶ 1:16:36The question is on favorably reporting HR390 as amended to the House. The clerk will now open the vote. It's coming up. Somehow we got the International Space Station there.
▶ 1:17:09The technology committee is failing us. All right. Thank you. It's not hidden agenda
▶ 1:17:40this works, right? Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change his vote? The clerk will now close the vote and make your report. Make your report, please.
▶ 1:18:10Do you have the tally? Are you supposed to report? Mr. Chairman, the vote is 34 A's and no Naz. Okay. Thank you. The eyes have it. HR 390 is amended. Is favorably reported to the House. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Okay.
▶ 1:18:39Question is on favorably reporting HR 3259 to the House. The clerk will open the vote. No, this is just too easy.
▶ 1:19:09If if I may, Mr. Chairman, while while the vote is going, I noticed that my colleague from Mr. uh from California, Mr. Isa, who's also serves on the judiciary committee, could encourage the chairman of that other committee to utilize such a helpful thing. It's really there's no you know with with with due respect you understand it's not articulated specifically in the constitution.
▶ 1:19:38So the judiciary committee cannot adopt it. You know if our if our founding fathers had wanted us to do that they clearly would have put it into that document. Now that's the official positionary committee. But I'm sure that we could make a difference. I just wanted to make that point. Lord, Lord, Lord knows I'd love to make a difference on a little digression there. They they also don't roll votes over there. Have all members Does any member wish to change their Okay.
▶ 1:20:08So, the clerk will now close the vote and report, please. Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the eyes are 35 and the nazs are zero. The eyes have it and the H and HR 3259 is already favorably reported to the house. Without objection, the motion is cons to reconsider is laid upon the table. The question now is on favorably reporting HR 3679 as amended to the House.
▶ 1:20:37Clerk will now open the vote. Okay. Have all members voted? Does any member wish to change their The clerk will close the vote and make your report, please.
▶ 1:21:10Mr. Chairman, on this vote, the eyes are 35 and the nazs are zero. Okay. Okay. The eyes have it and HR 3679 is amended is favorably reported to the House. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. The question is on favorably reporting HR 3705 to the House. The clerk will now open the vote.
▶ 1:21:54Okay, I saw one change their vote there. Okay, have all members voted. Does any member wish to change their Clerk will close the vote and report the eyes have and HR 3705 is ordered favorably reported to the house. Without objection, the motion is to reconsider is laid upon the table. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make any necessary technical and conforming changes to these bills. So ordered.
▶ 1:22:25Members will have two calendar days to submit supplemental minority or additional views on these measures. And so with no further uh business before the committee, the committee now stands adjourned. Thank you.