From staff reports WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas last week warned the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee that the United States’ development of semiconductor and artificial intelligence research “should not be rushed.”
Lucas, who chairs the Committee, emphasized the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the importance of implementing crucial research and investments in the CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) and Science Act. The hearing examines NIST’s priorities for 2025 and beyond.
“The CHIPS and Science Act provided $50 billion in federal funding for the Department of Commerce to strengthen the U.S. position in semiconductor research, development and manufacturing. NIST is home to the CHIPS Program Office and is responsible for overseeing how this funding is allocated and awarded,” Lucas said.
“We in Congress have a responsibility to ensure this effort is a success and that our tax dollars are used effectively. If we burden local governments and industry partners with regulatory requirements and long review timelines, we risk wasting billions in taxpayer funding and weakening our competitive advantage over our adversaries.”
Lucas noted that NIST is a small agency and its resources are spread thin, especially when it comes to doing research into artificial intelligence.
“I am concerned that some of these additional responsibilities may end up taking focus away from core NIST programs,” he said. “Given the short timelines proved by the Administration in the E.O. (Executive Order), NIST is under a lot of pressure to deliver and can’t afford to fumble. But this work should not be rushed at the expense of doing it right.”