WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) adopted Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06) and Congressman Ami Bera’s (CA-07) legislation to require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to commission a study on China’s influence in setting global standards for emerging technologies. This legislation will be included as an amendment to the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). 

“I am pleased to hear my bipartisan legislation will be included in the House’s annual Defense Authorization,” said Congressman Schweikert. “The adoption of this amendment in the NDAA will ensure the United States and our allies will continue to remain a leader in advancing technical standards for the next generation of technologies coming to market. As technology standards continue to be debated, this amendment will ensure that international standards setting continues in a transparent and democratic manner. I would like to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for helping to get this amendment across the finish line and be included in the NDAA.”

“I’d like to thank Rep. Stefanik for offering Rep. Schweikert and my bill during the markup for the National Defense Authorization Act,” said Congressman Bera. “As technologies like artificial intelligence, 5G, and quantum computing develop, we need to be setting fair, transparent, and democratic standards for their use. We cannot allow countries, like China, to write these rules and standards. As Vice Chair of the Science Space and Technology Committee, and Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Asia Subcommittee, I know this legislation will strengthen America’s leadership in these areas and ensure durable standards that meet our values.”



Background:

To read text of the amendment, click HERE. 

To learn more about this amendment, click HERE. 

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