Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Chris Coons, Deb Fischer, and John Hickenlooper have reintroduced a legislative bill aimed at enhancing America's role in technological innovation. The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act is designed to create a nonprofit foundation to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The initiative seeks to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness in the fields of science and technology. Similar foundations have been established by Congress to aid other federal agencies.

Senator Todd Young spoke on the importance of this legislation, stating, "Maintaining and encouraging research and development in the U.S. is critical to winning the technological race against China and other adversaries. 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."

Senator Chris Coons underscored the economic impact of the Act, saying, "America’s economic strength depends on technological leadership, and NIST has long been an engine of innovation for our country. 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."

Senator Deb Fischer emphasized competitiveness, noting, "Our nation’s technological innovation is what keeps us globally competitive. 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."

Senator John Hickenlooper highlighted the necessity for proactive measures, commenting, "Whether it’s AI or quantum computing, the United States is pushing the boundaries of technological innovation on all fronts. There are no second chances with technologies this powerful; NIST needs every tool at its disposal to ensure responsible R&D from the start."

The proposed EPIC Act would create a nonprofit Foundation for Standards and Metrology to assist NIST in its goals. In addition, Representatives Haley Stevens and Jay Obernolte have introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. The full text of the bill is available for public viewing.