McMorris Rodgers’ COMPETE Act advances to Senate for action

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) applauded passage this week by the U.S. House of Representatives of her bipartisan bill that aims to restore American global competitiveness in emerging technologies. 

“In order for America to win the future, beat China, create jobs, and raise our standard of living, we need to lead the world in emerging technologies,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “This legislation will unleash free-market American ingenuity by reducing regulatory and bureaucratic barriers to the development of next-gen tech and develop strategies to enhance U.S. competitiveness in these areas.” 

The American Competitiveness on More Productive Emerging Tech Economy (COMPETE) Act, H.R. 8132, which Rep. McMorris Rodgers sponsored on Aug. 28 with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), would require the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Commerce Secretary to conduct almost a dozen studies and reports on the impact of artificial intelligence and other technologies on America’s businesses conducting interstate commerce, according to the text of the bill.

If enacted, H.R. 8132 is a package of eight bills that would reduce regulatory and bureaucratic barriers to the development and deployment of next-generation technologies in specific areas, including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, unmanned delivery services, and advanced quantum computing, among others, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman’s office.

H.R. 8132 also would ensure that U.S. supply chains remain secure.

“The American COMPETE Act will help us regain our global competitive edge and lead us into the future on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, Internet of Things, and more,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

Following the House voice vote to pass H.R. 8132 on Sept. 29, the chamber on Wednesday advanced the bill to the U.S. Senate, which referred it to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.