Wicker proposes bipartisan bill to drive America’s technological breakthroughs

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Jan. 14 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would increase the nation’s research and development capacities around future industries to drive technological breakthroughs across the federal government, academia and industry that promote scientific discovery.

“The United States must identify key research infrastructure investments that enable these technological breakthroughs and establish the domestic capabilities necessary for the United States to lead in the industries of the future,” according to the bill’s text.

Sen. Wicker sponsored the Industries of the Future Act of 2020, S. 3191, with cosponsors including U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to advance U.S. global leadership in industries including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, quantum information science, synthetic biology, and next-generation wireless networks and infrastructure.

“Our investments in research, development, and innovation have made the United States a global leader in science and technology,” said Sen. Wicker, chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. “This legislation would support and promote the advancement of next-generation technologies that will drive Industries of the Future.”

If enacted, the bill would require the administration to report on the research and development programs of the federal government that focus on future industries; require a plan for doubling investments in such industries by 2022 and a plan for increasing civilian spending on such industries to $10 billion by fiscal year 2025; and would call for a coordination council to focus on how existing entities could advance these industries, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s office.

“As technology continues to evolve, bringing new opportunities and challenges along with it, it’s critical the United States plan ahead for the Industries of the Future,” Sen. Gardner said. “This bill will help America prepare for new innovations and technologies that will change the world and increase the quality of life for people everywhere. I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan legislation to help ensure we remain a global leader in technology.”