USA Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9326
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-29T18:37:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in developing technical standards for artificial intelligence and other critical emerging technologies. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support industry-led efforts, promote open international standards processes, and increase U.S. participation in global standards activities.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 10245 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require NIST to advance principles of openness, transparency, due process, and consensus in international standards development.
- Mandates NIST to promote voluntary consensus standards developed through private-sector processes and to coordinate with other federal agencies to support private-sector stakeholders.
- Requires NIST to deliver a congressional briefing within one year on standards activities, including key technical standards, participating bodies, and federal involvement; the briefing must also analyze barriers to U.S. participation and recommend ways to increase involvement.
- Directs NIST to create a public web portal listing ongoing international standards efforts, participation opportunities, and access to standards documents.
- Establishes a five-year pilot grant program (starting within 180 days) to help eligible organizations host standards meetings in the United States; grants may cover up to 50 percent of costs, with a maximum amount set by NIST.
- Requires periodic briefings to Congress on the pilot program’s effectiveness and, if successful, recommendations for making it permanent.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill updates an existing subsection in the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act by expanding NIST’s responsibilities to include more explicit coordination across federal agencies and stronger support for U.S. industry in emerging-technology standards. It adds entirely new requirements for a briefing, web portal, and grant pilot program that did not previously exist in this section.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: NIST takes the lead role, with increased coordination duties for agencies participating in standards work; the Office of Management and Budget helps develop reporting mechanisms.
- Citizens and industry: U.S. companies and experts gain better information and possible financial support to attend or host standards meetings domestically, potentially improving their influence on global rules.
- International relations: The measure seeks to boost U.S. presence in standards bodies, which could affect how global technical rules for AI and related technologies are shaped.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NIST and other federal agencies involved in technology standards.
- U.S. private-sector companies and experts participating in standards development.
- International and domestic standards organizations hosting meetings on AI and critical technologies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill operates within existing NIST authority under the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act and emphasizes voluntary, private-sector-led processes. It contains no new regulatory mandates on private parties and raises no apparent constitutional concerns. The pilot grant program is time-limited and subject to available appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-15: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-15: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Utilize Standards for All Act — issued 2026-06-15 — PDF (12 pages)