Congressional Update: Senate Holds Hearing on the Nomination of Michael Kratsios as Director of the Office of Science and Technology (OSTP)
On February 25, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Committee held a nomination hearing for Michael Kratsios to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology (OSTP) and for Michael Meador to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner. The hearing, led by Chairman Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), covered a variety of issues addressing technology advancement and innovation, including spectrum repurposing, quantum policy, artificial intelligence (AI), and workforce development. Despite criticisms from Democrats on the panel against some of the Administration’s cuts to science agencies, no Members expressed direct opposition to Kratsios’ nomination, and his previous work as Chief Technology Officer under the previous Trump Administration was generally appreciated by the Committee.
American Technology and Innovation
Kratsios emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain leadership in emerging technologies. His remarks largely focused on AI, quantum, nuclear fusion, spectrum, and 5G, especially in the face of competition from China. He committed to fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia to achieve this. Kratsios also frequently referred to four categories that should define the federal government’s role in technology policy: research & development, lowering regulations/barriers to research, international partnerships, and workforce development.
Generally, Kratsios was supportive of policies and initiatives aimed at advancing American technology innovation. He was asked various times about his support for the CHIPS and Science Act, to which he expressed support for the law’s mission, but punted to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick when pressed about specifics, such as honoring existing contracts. Similarly, he expressed support for the reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act. Throughout the hearing, he emphasized his desire to make sure that OSTP fosters collaboration between federal agencies, the private sector and academia. Several Members, including Chairman Cruz, expressed interest in repurposing federal spectrum for commercial use, and Kratsios was on board with efforts to work with Congress to better examine ways to utilize federal spectrum without compromising national security. He also spoke to the importance of “federally funded early stage, basic pre-competitive research” but deferred to the President and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on most budgetary questions.
Other major topics of interest covered during the hearing include:
- Workforce and Development: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), asked Kratsios if he believes in “improving the workforce.” He replied in the affirmative. She then asked how Kratsios, as Director of OSTP, would increase the emerging tech workforce. He replied that he believes the federal government’s role in the tech industry is categorized by the previously mentioned four pillars and how he will build upon them. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) raised concerns about the recent firings and layoffs of scientists employed by the federal government. Kratsios acknowledged the importance of retaining talent but recognized that a new Administration has the need to “evaluate” staff including and beyond the scientific enterprise. Senator John Hickenlooper later emphasized OSTP’s role in representing a “variety of voices” in the science and technology community. Kratsios agreed and said that he will build a team that will meet the office’s varying needs. When Senator Tammy Bladwin (D-WI) asked Kratsios about the broadening provisions in CHIPS and Science Act, he responded that they do not conflict with President Trump’s executive order (EO) on DEI. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) stressed the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce, especially in AI, to which Kratsios agreed.
- Quantum Policy: Quantum was a recurring theme throughout the hearing. During his opening statement, Chairman Cruz discussed quantum reauthorization and his desired to see it move forward. He noted that Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is leading the effort for the committee. Later, Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) asked Kratsios about the reauthorization of theNational Quantum Initiative Act. Kratsios expressed his support for the bill and affirmed that he would work with the Committee. He also highlighted the role that national labs play in quantum research and advocated for continued investment and development. He also discussed the need for “a whole government approach” to effectively leverage quantum technology and maintain leadership in this sector.
- AI: AI was mentioned frequently, specifically in relation to China. Various senators raised concerns about global competition and China as the U.S.’ biggest competitor. Kratsios emphasized the need to “promote and protect” AI innovation. During his questioning, Chairman Cruz asked Kratsios about how he thinks the Trump Administration will build on his past work to ensure American leadership and dominance in AI. Kratsios replied that he believes the best approach is interagency, in other words, it is crucial to look at the individual missions of each agency and align policy actions according to their mission. He highlighted the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as an example. NIST has a long history of conducting measurement science with is integral to advancing AI. Similar to quantum, Kratsios favored more of a “whole of government” approach to AI policy and clarified that NIST, which currently has a large role in AI policy, should target its focus on important standardization work. There was also a brief mention of how AI could benefit the nation’s healthcare system and be a “tool” to improve current medical operations and functions.
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