[House Hearing, 116 Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ======================================================================= HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION __________ MARCH 11, 2020 __________ Serial No. 116-72 __________ Printed for the use of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] Available via the World Wide Web: http://science.house.gov __________ U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 39-991PDF WASHINGTON : 2021 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND TECHNOLOGY HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, Texas, Chairwoman ZOE LOFGREN, California FRANK D. LUCAS, Oklahoma, DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois Ranking Member SUZANNE BONAMICI, Oregon MO BROOKS, Alabama AMI BERA, California, BILL POSEY, Florida Vice Chair RANDY WEBER, Texas LIZZIE FLETCHER, Texas BRIAN BABIN, Texas HALEY STEVENS, Michigan ANDY BIGGS, Arizona KENDRA HORN, Oklahoma ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey RALPH NORMAN, South Carolina BRAD SHERMAN, California MICHAEL CLOUD, Texas STEVE COHEN, Tennessee TROY BALDERSON, Ohio JERRY McNERNEY, California PETE OLSON, Texas ED PERLMUTTER, Colorado ANTHONY GONZALEZ, Ohio PAUL TONKO, New York MICHAEL WALTZ, Florida BILL FOSTER, Illinois JIM BAIRD, Indiana DON BEYER, Virginia FRANCIS ROONEY, Florida CHARLIE CRIST, Florida GREGORY F. MURPHY, North Carolina SEAN CASTEN, Illinois VACANCY BEN McADAMS, Utah JENNIFER WEXTON, Virginia CONOR LAMB, Pennsylvania VACANCY ------ Subcommittee on Research and Technology HON. HALEY STEVENS, Michigan, Chairwoman DANIEL LIPINSKI, Illinois JIM BAIRD, Indiana, Ranking Member MIKIE SHERRILL, New Jersey ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas BRAD SHERMAN, California TROY BALDERSON, Ohio PAUL TONKO, New York ANTHONY GONZALEZ, Ohio BEN McADAMS, Utah VACANCY STEVE COHEN, Tennessee BILL FOSTER, Illinois C O N T E N T S March 11, 2020 Page Hearing Charter.................................................. 2 Opening Statements Statement by Representative Haley Stevens, Chairwoman, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives........... 8 Written Statement............................................ 9 Statement by Representative Jim Baird, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives........... 10 Written Statement............................................ 11 Statement by Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives................................................ 12 Written Statement............................................ 13 Statement by Representative Frank D. Lucas, Ranking Member, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives................................................ 14 Written Statement............................................ 15 Witnesses: The Honorable Walter G. Copan, Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology Oral Statement............................................... 16 Written Statement............................................ 18 Discussion....................................................... 30 Appendix: Answers to Post-Hearing Questions The Honorable Walter G. Copan, Undersecretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, and Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology....................................... 48 REAUTHORIZATION OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY ---------- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 House of Representatives, Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, D.C. The Subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:18 a.m., in room 2318, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Haley Stevens [Chairwoman of the Subcommittee] presiding. [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] Chairwoman Stevens. This hearing will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare recess at any time. Good morning, and welcome to the hearing of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology to explore the major areas of research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). We are delighted to have Dr. Walter Copan here today, and we look forward to learning more about how Congress can help this agency in its mission to advance U.S. competitiveness. Thank you again, Dr. Copan, for joining us today, and we're most looking forward also to your testimony. As many of you know, I am a big fan of NIST. This agency plays a key role in promoting U.S. innovation and competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. Many of you have also heard of NIST's essential work in important industries of the future like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and the bioeconomy and its notable work to improve cybersecurity across the Nation. We are all indebted to NIST for their great work in these areas. However, the agency has played an essential role over the last century in dozens of activities that are sometimes less- attention grabbing but also just as important. NIST's reference materials, technical standards, measurement and calibration services, and technical guidance help validate the safety and function of most of the objects around us, most of the objects around us, in both our homes and our businesses. One of the many important functions of NIST is managing the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership or MEP program, which is a Federal-State-industry partnership that works with local manufacturing communities to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, an MEP Center located in my district in Plymouth, Michigan, run by the tremendous Mike Coast, has helped its small and medium manufacturing clients create and retain nearly 11,000 jobs. This center is a national leader in helping manufacturers establish cybersecurity programs, which are critical for manufacturers to protect both their operations and the devices they produce. Another valuable manufacturing program managed by NIST is the Manufacturing USA program that we were able to reauthorize in December. And I am pleased that NIST is ready to support a new institute in Fiscal Year 2021. It is because of the great work that goes on at NIST that--and here's where we get to the tough part--we're disappointed by the President's destructive budget request, which proposes over a 30 percent cut to NIST's programs. So, this budget would entirely eliminate the MEP program--I can't even believe I'm saying these words--and cutoff funding for the Manufacturing USA NIIMBL institute in Delaware, NIIMBL, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals. This budget is demoralizing to the dedicated public servants at NIST. It is harmful to our security, our health, and our environment, as many of the proposed cuts target these essential mission areas. And it is going to be crippling to U.S. competitiveness, as the Administration is putting on the line billions of dollars in economic growth for U.S. companies to ``save,'' quote/unquote, $316 million in a spreadsheet. But today, I don't want to dwell on a proposal that we know Congress is going to reject. This is what our role is here today. Today, I would like this Committee to focus on improving NIST and getting the agency the tools it needs to do better to do its job. For example, NIST has aging buildings on its campuses in Maryland and Colorado and faces a substantial backlog in construction and maintenance. We should discuss how to fix these issues so the scientists and engineers who work at NIST have modern and safe laboratories and equipment to do their important work. In April 2019, NIST released a green paper about how to enhance return on investment for Federal science agencies by increasing technology transfer. This is such a great report by the way, and so we look forward to hearing NIST's other recommendations on how to enhance these efforts. I couldn't think of a better partner in today's hearing than my colleague Dr. Jim Baird. I want to thank Dr. Copan again for being here. [The statement of Chairwoman Stevens follows:] Good morning and welcome to this hearing of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology to explore the major areas of research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We look forward to learning more about how Congress can help the agency in its mission to advance U.S. competitiveness. A special welcome to our distinguished witness, the Honorable Dr. Walter Copan, for joining us here today. I'm looking forward to hearing your testimony. As many of you may know, I am a big fan of NIST. This small agency plays a key role in promoting U.S. innovation and competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. Many of you may have heard of NIST's essential work in important industries of the future, like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and the bioeconomy, or its notable work to improve cybersecurity across the nation. However, the agency has played an essential role over the last century in dozens of activities that are less-attention grabbing but just as important. NIST's reference materials, technical standards, measurement and calibration services, and technical guidance help validate the safety and function of most of the objects around us, in both our homes and businesses. One of the many important functions of NIST is managing the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership or MEP program, which is a federal-state-industry partnership that works with local manufacturing communities to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, an MEP center in my district, has helped its small and medium manufacturing clients create and retain nearly 11,000 jobs. The Center is a national leader in helping manufacturers establish cybersecurity programs, which are critical for manufacturers to protect both their operations and the devices they produce. Another valuable manufacturing program managed by NIST is the Manufacturing USA program that we were able to reauthorize in December. I am pleased that NIST is ready to support a new institute in FY 2021. It is because of the great work that goes on at NIST that I am deeply disappointed by the President's destructive budget request, which proposes over a 30 percent cut to NIST's programs. The budget would entirely eliminate the MEP program and cut off funding for the Manufacturing USA NIIMBL institute in Delaware. This budget is demoralizing to the dedicated public servants at NIST. It is harmful to our security, our health, and our environment, as many of the proposed cuts target these essential mission areas. And it is crippling to U.S. competitiveness, as the Administration is putting on the line billions of dollars in economic growth for U.S. companies to ``save'' $316 million in a spread sheet. But today, I do not want to dwell on a proposal that is my hope this Congress will reject. Today, I would like this Committee to focus on improving NIST and getting the agency the tools that it needs to better do its job. For example, NIST has aging buildings on its campuses in Maryland and Colorado and faces a substantial backlog in construction and maintenance. We should discuss how to fix these issues so the scientists and engineers that work at NIST have modern and safe laboratories and equipment to do their important work. Furthermore, in April 2019, NIST released a green paper about how to enhance return on investment for federal science agencies by increasing technology transfer. I look forward to hearing about these and other recommendations to enhance NIST's work. I want to again thank Dr. Copan for being here today to discuss NIST's role and in what areas Congress can help NIST build on its incredible work. Chairwoman Stevens. And at this time the Chair would like to recognize Mr. Baird for an opening statement. Mr. Baird. Well, good morning, Chairwoman Stevens. And I appreciate the opportunity to be here with you. I do appreciate you convening today's hearing and let us examine some of these major research activities that you mentioned that are supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, better known as NIST, in order to inform this Committee's reauthorization of the institute. I would also like to thank Dr. Copan for making the time and being here with us this morning, so thank you. I'm looking forward to hearing your testimony. Since 1901, NIST has been at the forefront of setting the standards for weights and measures for the United States and for the world really because of the quality of the product, so almost every Federal agency and U.S. industry sector uses the standards. They use the measurements and the certification services that NIST labs provide. As these new technologies develop and evolve, then NIST provides the services that are extremely critical for the growth and development of those industries. NIST plays a key role in the development of the industries of the future, including artificial intelligence, 5G networks, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. In the last year, NIST has been a key contributor to developing a national strategy for AI, participating in interagency coordination and building the foundation for trustworthy AI systems. As global competition grows, it is essential that the United States invest in the research and development (R&D) programs that focus on these critical technologies. I was pleased to see that the President's budget request prioritizes investments in these key areas, including nearly doubling NIST's investments in AI. These investments will launch discoveries and advances that will significantly affect America's economy in the coming decades. I look forward to hearing more about them today. I am proud to have recently introduced H.R. 6145, the Industries of the Future Act. And I've joined with Representative Foster, Ranking Member Lucas, and Chairwoman Stevens on that bill. H.R. 6145 would require the executive branch, including NIST, to develop a plan to double the baseline investments in industries of the future by 2022. It would also require a plan to increase civilian spending on future industries to $10 billion by fiscal year 2025. Our country needs to make the necessary investments in industries like AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing so our workers can continue to lead in the jobs of the future. In January, I cosponsored H.R. 5685, the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act, which provides a long-term strategy for investment in basic research to combat threats to American competitiveness. H.R. 5685 authorizes a doubling of the fundamental research activities supported through NIST's labs over the next 10 years to drive the next generation of technological breakthroughs. It provides NIST with the mechanisms to address its crippling facilities maintenance backlog and provides funding for the infrastructure needed to conduct cutting-edge science. Lastly, it capitalizes on the great work that NIST did in developing a Return on Investment Green Paper that the Chairlady referred to and provides some technology transfer reform in order to enhance our Nation's return on investment of federally funded research. It is my hope that this Committee moves forward in considering a reauthorization of NIST, and it will take some time to consider the proposals included in H.R. 5685 and H.R. 6145. This Committee has a long history of supporting NIST's work, and I believe there are many provisions that can have bipartisan support within this Committee. I again would like to thank you, Dr. Copan, for being here this morning, and I yield back the balance of my time. [The statement of Mr. Baird follows:] Good morning Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you for convening today's hearing to examine the major research activities being supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in order to inform this Committee's reauthorization of the Institute. I would also like to thank Director Copan for being here this morning. I am looking forward to hearing your testimony. Since 1901, NIST has been at the forefront of setting the standards of weight and measures for the United States, and the world. Almost every federal agency and U.S. industry sector uses the standards, measurements, and certification services that NIST labs provide. This work is fundamental to our economy and national security. As new technologies develop and evolve, NIST's services are critical. NIST plays a key role in the development of the industries of the future, including Artificial Intelligence, 5- G networks, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. In the last year, NIST has been a key contributor in developing a national strategy for AI, participating in interagency coordination and building the foundation for trustworthy AI systems. As global competition grows, it is essential that the U.S. invest in the research and development programs that focus on these critical technologies. I was pleased to see that the President's budget request prioritizes investments in these key areas, including nearly doubling NIST's investments in AI. These investments will launch discoveries and advances that will significantly affect America's economy in the coming decades. I look forward to hearing more about them today. I am proud to have recently introduced H.R. 6145, the Industries of the Future Act with Representative Foster, Ranking Member Lucas, and Chairwoman Stevens. H.R. 6145 would require the executive branch, including NIST, to develop a plan to double the baseline investments in industries of the future by 2022. It would also require a plan to increase civilian spending on future industries to $10 billion by fiscal year 2025. Our country needs to make the necessary investments in industries like AI, quantum, advanced manufacturing so our workers can continue to lead in the jobs of the future. In January, I cosponsored H.R. 5685, the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act, which provides a long-term strategy for investment in basic research to combat threats to American competitiveness. H.R. 5685 authorizes a doubling of fundamental research activities supported through NIST's labs over the next ten years, to drive the next generation of technological breakthroughs. It provides NIST with the mechanisms to address its crippling facilities maintenance backlog and provides funding for the infrastructure needed to conduct cutting-edge science. Lastly, it capitalizes on the great work that NIST did in developing a Return on Investment Green Paper and provides some technology transfer reform in order to enhance our nation's return on investment of federally funded research. It is my hope that as this Committee moves forward in considering a reauthorization of NIST, it will take some time to consider the proposals included in both H.R. 5685 and H.R. 6145. This Committee has a long history of supporting NIST's work and I believe there are many provisions that can have bipartisan support within this Committee. I again would like to thank you, Dr. Copan, for being here this morning and I yield back the balance of my time. Chairwoman Stevens. The Chair now recognizes the Chairwoman of the Full Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Chairwoman Johnson, for an opening statement. Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much, Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird, for holding this morning's hearing to inform our reauthorization of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and I want to welcome and thank Dr. Copan for his testimony. We recognize it can be challenging for the heads of our Nation's great science agencies to come before Congress to defend indefensible budgets. The purpose of this hearing is not to dissect the Administration's myopic and harmful budget request for NIST. Rather, it is to highlight the critical work of NIST to advance our Nation's economic competitiveness, national security, and wellbeing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology plays a critical role across so many aspects of our economy and society. Many of the efforts that this budget seeks to reduce or eliminate are activities that our constituents have never heard of but that are essential nonetheless. This includes everything from improving the reliability of forensic evidence used to prosecute dangerous criminals, to ensuring our healthcare providers have accurate information about our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) when giving us life-and-death medical advice, to protecting factory floor workers from malfunctioning equipment. NIST's support for research and standards for disaster resilience also helps protect communities across the Nation. Through its Urban Dome program, the agency is developing methods to reliably measure greenhouse gas emissions so we can develop smart climate mitigation strategies. I am sure many of you have heard of NIST's work in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. NIST also does important work to develop digital identity management systems, protect voting machines, enable the deployment of smart electricity grids, and secure our manufacturing supply chains. One of the important programs that I want to highlight is NIST's work operating the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network, or NASCTN. For the last few years, this Committee has been conducting oversight of FCC (Federal Communications Commission) plans for the 24 gigahertz band that could degrade the accuracy of weather forecasting. The dispute between NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and the FCC is largely due to disagreement over the methodologies of competing studies. It is my belief that NIST, with its reputation for neutrality and scientific rigor, could use NASCTN to help other government agencies better understand spectrum interference. Finally, I echo the comments of my colleagues that NIST cannot be expected to carry out any of this work in decades-old facilities, some of which are unsafe, none of which are worthy of the world-class scientists who populate them. It speaks to their dedication to the mission of NIST that these scientists remain at the agency instead of moving to modern labs and higher salaries in industry. I want to express my gratitude to all of NIST's employees and Dr. Copan, whose leadership has helped to prop up the agency morale through challenging times. As this Committee considers a reauthorization for NIST, we must ensure that the understandable excitement around industries of the future does not overshadow all of the other important work going on at NIST and the critical facilities that enable that work. In closing, I want to thank you, Dr. Copan, once again, and I look forward to the discussion. Thank you. [The statement of Chairwoman Johnson follows:] Thank you Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird for holding this morning's hearing to inform our reauthorization of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. I want to welcome and thank Dr. Copan for his testimony. We recognize that it can be challenging for the heads of our nation's great science agencies to come before Congress to defend indefensible budgets. The purpose of this hearing is not to dissect the Administration's myopic and harmful budget request for NIST. Rather, it is to highlight the critical work of NIST to advance our nation's economic competitiveness, national security, and wellbeing. The National Institute of Standards and Technology plays a critical role across so many aspects of our economy and society. Many of the efforts that this budget seeks to reduce or eliminate are activities that our constituents have never heard of, but that are essential nonetheless. This includes everything from improving the reliability of forensic evidence used to prosecute dangerous criminals, to ensuring our health care providers have accurate information about our DNA when giving us life and death medical advice, to protecting factory floor workers from malfunctioning equipment. NIST's support for research and standards for disaster resilience also helps protect communities across the nation.Through its Urban Dome program, the agency is developing methods to reliably measure greenhouse gas emissions so we can develop smart climate mitigation strategies. I am sure many of you have heard of NIST's work in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. NIST also does important work to develop digital identity management systems, protect voting machines, enable the deployment of smart electricity grids, and secure our manufacturing supply chains. One of the important programs that I want to highlight is NIST's work operating the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network. For the last few years, this Committee has been conducting oversight of FCC plans for the 24 Gigahertz band that could degrade the accuracy of weather forecasting. The dispute between NOAA, NASA, and FCC is largely due to disagreement over the methodologies of competing studies. It is my belief that NIST, with its reputation for neutrality and scientific rigor, could use NASTCN to help other government agencies better understand spectrum interference. Finally, I echo the comments of my colleagues that NIST cannot be expected to carry out any of this work in decades-old facilities, some of which are unsafe, none of which are worthy of the world class scientists who populate them. It speaks to their dedication to the mission of NIST that these scientists remain at the agency instead of moving to the modern labs and higher salaries in industry. I want to express my gratitude to all of NIST's employees and to Dr. Copan, whose leadership has helped to prop up agency morale through challenging times. As this Committee considers a reauthorization for NIST, we must ensure that the understandable excitement around industries of the future does not overshadow all of the other important work going on at NIST and the critical facilities that enable that work. In closing, I want to thank Dr. Copan once again and I look forward to the discussion. Chairwoman Stevens. And at this time I now recognize Ranking Member Lucas for an opening statement. Mr. Lucas. Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird, for holding today's hearing on reauthorizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST as we all know it. American businesses and consumers depend on the work done by NIST, and I appreciate that Dr. Copan is here today to give us a greater insight into that. NIST is unusual in that it doesn't have the same name recognition of bigger government agencies, and yet its work touches the lives of every American, every day. Standardized, accurate, trustworthy weights and measurements are critical to everything from medical tests to accurate GPS (Global Positioning System) directions and from auto manufacturing to cybersecurity. They impact roughly half of the U.S. GNP (gross national product). Essentially, NIST's work is the foundation on which U.S. competitiveness grows. NIST's core measurement science programs aid American businesses in overcoming technical obstacles, fulfilling an essential role that companies cannot do themselves. For example, they provide calibrations and standards for industry broadly from oil and gas to agriculture, aerospace, medicine. That's why this Committee has a long history of bipartisan support for NIST. And it's why I'm hopeful that we can work together on legislation that will give NIST the resources it needs to support our continued economic growth. For America to compete globally, we not only need to do effective and be efficient in our current industries, we also need to lead the way to emerging technologies and industries of the future. China has made it an explicit goal to surpass the United States and become the world leader in critical technologies like quantum information science, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing. By investing in our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workforce, world- class facilities, and the research needed to develop state-of- the-art technologies, we'll secure our R&D and drive progress. NIST is critical to U.S. leadership in AI, quantum technologies, and other emerging technologies. In January I introduced the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act to address the challenges to American competitiveness. It will double funding for basic research over the next 10 years, which includes doubling funding for NIST labs. It provides infrastructure updates and prioritizes research in industries of the future. As critical technologies are developing for global deployment, it is critical that the United States and its allies continue to shape standards that underpin the technologies themselves and the future international governance of these technologies for generations to come. NIST plays an important role in this arena by developing and disseminating the standards that allow technology to work seamlessly and businesses to operate smoothly. My legislation also takes steps to improve how NIST engages in international standards development. As the reauthorization of NIST is considered by this Committee, I hope we can work together to address these issues. And I want to again thank Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird for holding today's hearing. And thank you, Dr. Copan, for your leadership of NIST and for your testimony today. And with that, I yield back the balance of my time, Madam Chair. [The statement of Mr. Lucas follows:] Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird for holding today's hearing on reauthorizing the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NIST. American businesses and consumers depend on the work done by NIST, and I appreciate that Dr. Copan is here today to give us greater insight into that. NIST is unusual in that it doesn't have the same name recognition of bigger government agencies, and yet its work touches the lives of every American, every day. Standardized, accurate, and trustworthy weights and measurements are crucial to everything from medical tests to accurate GPS directions and from auto manufacturing to cybersecurity. They impact roughly half of U.S. GDP. Essentially, NIST's work is the foundation on which U.S. competitiveness grows. NIST's core measurement science programs aid American businesses in overcoming technical obstacles, fulfilling an essential role that companies cannot do themselves. For example, they provide calibrations and standards for industry broadly--from oil and agriculture to aerospace and medicine. That's why this Committee has a long history of bipartisan support for NIST. And it's why I'm hopeful that we can work together on legislation that will give NIST the resources it needs to support our continued economic growth. For America to compete globally, we not only need to be effective and efficient in our current industries, but we also need to lead the way in emerging technologies and industries of the future. China has made it an explicit goal to surpass the U.S. and become the world leader in critical technologies like quantum information science, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. By investing in our STEM workforce, world-class facilities, and the research needed to develop state-of-the-art technologies, we'll secure our R&D and drive progress. NIST is critical to U.S. leadership in AI, quantum technologies, and other emerging technologies. In January I introduced the Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act to address challenges to American competitiveness. It will double funding for basic research over the next 10 years, which includes doubling funding for NIST labs. It provides infrastructure updates and prioritizes research in industries of the future. As critical technologies are developed for global deployment, it is critical that the United States and its allies continue to shape standards that underpin the technologies themselves, and the future international governance of these technologies for generations to come. NIST plays an important role in this arena by developing and disseminating the standards that allow technology to work seamlessly and businesses to operate smoothly. My legislation also takes steps to improve how NIST engages in international standards development. As the reauthorization of NIST is considered by this Committee, I hope we can work together to address these issues. I want to again thank Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird for holding today's hearing. And thank you Dr. Copan for your leadership of NIST and for your testimony today. I yield back the balance of my time. Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you. If there are Members who wish to submit additional opening statements, your statements will be added to the record at this point. And at this time I'd like to introduce our witness. Dr. Walter Copan is the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST, arguably, the coolest job in the beltway, positions he has held since 2017 by the way. So, as NIST Director, Dr. Copan provides high-level oversight and direction for the agency. Prior to joining NIST, Dr. Copan founded and served in leadership positions for several innovation and technology transfer organizations and companies. Dr. Copan was formerly a managing Director of Technology Commercialization and partnerships at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Principal Licensing Executive for Technology Transfer at DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Dr. Copan earned dual B.S./B.A. degrees in chemistry and music, and his Ph.D. is in physical chemistry, all from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Copan, you will have 5 minutes for your spoken testimony. Your written testimony will be included in the record for this hearing. And when you've completed your spoken testimony, we will begin questions. And, as you know, each member will have 5 minutes for questions. Thank you. TESTIMONY OF THE HONORABLE WALTER G. COPAN, UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, AND DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY Dr. Copan. Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Lucas, and Members of the Subcommittee, I am so grateful to have this opportunity to be with you to testify today on the programs, priorities, and the goals of NIST. NIST targets our research programs toward emerging technologies that will have the greatest impact in advancing innovation and the competitive position of the United States. To continue to be a bedrock of innovation, NIST must reinforce its core competencies and grow new capabilities year over year. The Administration has identified quantum information science, artificial intelligence, advance communications including 5G, advanced manufacturing, and the bioeconomy as domains that have potential to transform U.S. industry. These areas present NIST new challenges and opportunities to develop new measurement capabilities, technologies, tools, and standards to secure and protect the Nation's economic and national security. Today, I look forward to highlighting NIST's plans and accomplishments in each of these critical technology domains. NIST is a recognized world leader in the field of quantum science and technology, as was recognized in the National Quantum Initiative. The expertise of NIST scientists and the unique capabilities of our facilities are leveraged closely with partners in academia through NIST's network of joint institutes in Colorado and Maryland. Last year, NIST established the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, the QEDC, in partnership with SRI International. QEDC brings together industry to expand U.S. leadership in quantum R&D and the emerging quantum industry in computing, communications, and sensing, an important goal for NIST to develop the foundation for confidence and trust in artificial intelligence toward new research outcomes and an expanded commercial marketplace. Today, NIST's efforts in artificial intelligence are focused along three primary thrust areas: first, addressing the fundamental questions about the use of AI to ensure that it's trustworthy and explainable. Secondly, NIST is broadly engaging in using AI across its research portfolios in areas including biometrics, imaging, advanced materials discovery, smart manufacturing, and the design and characterization of engineered biological systems. Finally, we're working with industry, government, and academia to establish governing principles, standards, tools, and best practices for the design, construction, and use of artificial intelligence systems. NIST programs in advance communications support reliable, secure, high-speed wireless and wireline communications critical to U.S. economic competitiveness, safety, and security. NIST measurement science research and support for the development of standards accelerates the deployment of next- generation communications technologies, including 5G. NIST is committed to solving the measurement and deployment challenges of this fast-moving field to help the United States achieve and maintain global leadership in these areas and to help U.S. industry establish manufacturing capabilities needed for domestic market supply. Our broad portfolio of activities in advance communications includes the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network, NASCTN, as mentioned by Committee Chairwoman Johnson, and also the Public Safety Research program, the PSCR (Public Safety Communications Research Division) program that's supported by spectrum auction funds. NIST measurement research in manufacturing processes, robotics, and advanced materials provides the foundation that helps the Nation's manufacturers to invent, innovate, and create new processes, products, and services more rapidly and more efficiently than our global competitors. The NIST laboratory programs invest heavily in support of advanced manufacturing, and Manufacturing USA helps U.S. industry to develop and implement new technologies, making them more competitive in the global economy. To support the U.S. bioeconomy, NIST is building next-generation measurement science capabilities and engineering biology laboratories to accelerate biotech innovation. Along with basic R&D, NIST facilitates the translation of technologies to scale through global standardization through technology transfer and industry partnerships. The Manufacturing USA institutes and participants benefit directly from this work. We have launched the NIST Living Measurements Systems Foundry to advanced U.S. synthetic and engineering biology efforts. The Genome in a Bottle Consortium, Gene Editing Consortium, and support for the regenerative medicine industry are examples of our important collaborative work. So, again, thank you for the opportunity to highlight these critical technologies and the role that NIST is playing to enhance U.S. innovation and economic competitiveness. I'm happy to answer any questions the Committee may have. And, as I close my comments right on time I'd like to invite this Committee to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the National Bureau of Standards and the National Institute of Standards and Technology next year, from March 3, 1901. As many of you know, the foundation of NIST goes back to the foundation of America and article I of our U.S. Constitution. And we're achieving a great milestone for this important, storied institute. Thank you for your support. Thank you. [The statement of Dr. Copan follows:] [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] Chairwoman Stevens. Well, at this point we're going to begin our first round of questions, and the Chair is going to recognize herself for 5 minutes and start by saying invitation accepted, to the chagrin of my team that likes to review those things and maybe to the chagrin of the future, but we're delighted to hear about that milestone and always eager to celebrate with our colleagues over at NIST and see what's happening. I think one of the most significant things about the agency that you run, Dr. Copan, is how much you do with how little, particularly as we get into sub-departments who, you know, maybe have $6 million for different standards programs, if it's election security or cybersecurity, I mean, you can run the gamut. And there are strategic partnerships, there's collaboration throughout industry, and there's this real commitment to almost setting the pace, right? And particularly as you had touched on and with your vast background in technology transfer, the Lab-to-Market initiative that NIST runs, which, again, is an initiative set forward to conduct tech transfer initiatives throughout the Federal Government, we recognize there's been some proposed cuts but was wondering if you could give us a little bit of an update on the program, talk about the budget considerations and anything else that you might want to share on the Lab-to-Market initiative. Dr. Copan. Thank you so much for that question and for your comments. The Lab-to-Market program and the Return on Investment initiative is a top priority for the Administration. It's recognized also as a CAP goal nationally, a Cross Agency Priority, to ensure that the United States, as it invests in science and technology, can create the greatest value for the American people, and for the American economy as a result. We are excited to be advancing a legislative package with the Department of Commerce, the Administration, and external stakeholders to address the issues around the Stevenson-Wydler Act and the Bayh-Dole Act, which are 40 years old this year. And important modernization to streamline U.S. innovation is called for in the green paper findings that were referred earlier in this hearing. The kind of reforms that are important, which we anticipate also working with the Committee in the reauthorization language for NIST, includes addressing regulatory impediments and implementing administrative improvements to enhance the agility of the Federal laboratory system in engaging with industry, the ability also to have broader rights in intellectual property protections, including software copyright, which is so important for the U.S. innovation economy in our digital age. Finding ways of increasing engagement with the private sector, more flexible tools for partnership, building a more entrepreneurial R&D workforce, we know that so much job creation in this country and globally is created by the entrepreneurs, of which I am a member of that cadre, providing more innovative tools and services to make technologies easier to find, to reduce the administrative burden on our universities and our Federal institutes through modernizing information technology (IT) tools and systems such as iEdison, which NIST has committed to work on a transition from the National Institutes of Health to reduce the administrative burden and improve the productivity of that tool's use. And lastly, to continue to benchmark globally to ensure that we're measuring the impacts of our Federal science and technology investment on the U.S. economy. There are many more things that I can cover that relate to the Return on Investment initiative, as well as the other implications to the NIST budget. Chairwoman Stevens. Yes. And does the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) plan to release guidance based on the green paper on Return on Investment? Are we waiting for them to give us some guidance? Dr. Copan. We are in the midst now of advancing the draft legislative proposal that this Committee will be considering, together with the sister Committee in the Senate, and we look forward to providing updates as soon as that's available. Chairwoman Stevens. OK. And the green paper was also giving NIST a singular authority to propagate the rules under Stevenson-Wydler. So, would this change enable NIST to accomplish more for the Federal R&D enterprise? Is that---- Dr. Copan. Yes. It's been recognized actually by all of the Federal interagency the importance of having a coordinated approach, and the view that is shared across the interagency, including the Lab-to-Market Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council is that the role that NIST plays is one that's valued. It's a teambuilding approach across the Federal sector, which is appreciated, and it allows us to achieve greater harmonization in technology transfer tools, practices, approaches, and sharing and implementing best practices across the Federal interagency. Chairwoman Stevens. We're all about efficiency. And with that, my time is up, and I will go to Dr. Baird for 5 minutes of questioning. Mr. Baird. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Copan, you mentioned in August of 2019 that the President named bioeconomy as an R&D priority for 2021. Could you elaborate on what work NIST is doing and engaged in to support that U.S. bioeconomy? Dr. Copan. Indeed. Thank you so much. The bioeconomy is absolutely central to the work that NIST does. It is the central theme of our materials measurements laboratory that supports underlying technologies and measurements for precision medicine, for medical imaging to accelerate our understanding in synthetic biology and genomics. NIST is also building next- generation measurement science capabilities and engineering biology laboratories to accelerate responsible biotech innovations. We mentioned earlier on--and Chairwoman Johnson actually mentioned some of the work that NIST is doing that relates to forensics and DNA testing--in providing a foundation of trust in the analysis of DNA for a wide range of purposes, including to support our justice system in this Nation. NIST is also the sponsoring agency for the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, or NIIMBL, with the University of Delaware. It's an institute that is seen as wildly successful and it has broad support from industry and from academia, as well as the community of donors that cares deeply about the future of the bioeconomy. And of course, as we know, NIIMBL is one of the 14 institutes within the Manufacturing USA network that's such an important part of this Nation's efforts in advanced manufacturing, including the translation of technologies from the laboratory into the bioeconomy marketplace. Mr. Baird. Thank you. Over 1/4 of Indiana's total gross State product, $102 billion a year, comes from manufacturing. Could you tell us what NIST is doing to help these small and medium manufacturers like those found in my home State to adopt and implement these new technologies such as smart manufacturing systems? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much, Ranking Member Baird. The work of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the work of the Manufacturing USA institutes, and indeed the coordination between those advanced manufacturing programs focuses on the needs of U.S. small- and medium-sized manufacturers, focuses on the support for the entrepreneurs of America that drive so much translation of new technologies from the laboratory into the commercial marketplace, including in Indiana. It's so important that we look at the provision of new technologies through these types of programs and systems to enable industry, our small- and medium-size manufacturers to have access to techniques such as digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and focus on the quality of the products that come from the additive manufacturing enterprise. We're in the era of the digital economy, and certainly digital manufacturing is absolutely essential to what's sometimes been called industry 4.0 as we look at the intersection between robotics and artificial intelligence with the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership and NIST directly work closely with our Nation's small manufacturers, including in Indiana, to provide them access to these tools, capabilities, and shared services. And the other element that's so important is to provide security, cybersecurity to the small manufacturers of this Nation because we know that the probability of failure of those small enterprises if they are the victim of a cyber attack is very, very high indeed, as statistics show us. Mr. Baird. So, thank you. I've got about 29 seconds, and I don't know whether you want to make a comment about advanced manufacturing. Maybe I just share with you that I'm impressed, as I tour the facilities in my district, of the capabilities in the manufacturing. And I guess I'll just say thank you and I yield back. Dr. Copan. Thank you. Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you. At this time we'll recognize Chairwoman Johnson for 5 minutes of questions. Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much. Doctor, in 2019 NOAA, NASA, and the Navy all claimed that the FCC's plan for the 24 gigahertz band could degrade the accuracy of weather forecasting. The FCC denied these claims. Part of the reason for this was disagreement over methodologies of completing--competing studies that showed these results. NIST has a communication technology lab and operates the National Advanced Spectrum and Communication Testing Network. Is it correct that NASCTN did not do any studies about spectrum emissions in the 24 gigahertz band? Or how could NIST's spectrum studies have helped to resolve some of these interagency disagreements? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much for that question, Chairwoman Johnson. NASCTN as we know it, the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network, is a national resource to address questions such as the one that's been posed by our Federal partners in regard to the 24 gigahertz band. NIST has met with colleagues at NASA, colleagues at our sister agency NOAA, with the Department of Defense, and with other stakeholders to work toward outlining a definitive test program that could be conducted at NASCTN. The value that an independent test facility such as that provides is unbiased analysis using a test methodology that's broadly agreed and communicated to the entire public of practice that cares about these types of issues to ensure that the work is done in the light of day, that it's open, it's transparent, the results that are expected are highlighted and made broadly available to the community. So, we look forward to the work with the sister agencies and also with the input of the FCC as we look to the future of intelligent data to guide spectrum allocation decisions. Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you. I noticed that the President's fiscal year 2021 budget request called for the doubling of funding for artificial intelligence research at NIST. What are NIST's plans for this additional funding? Dr. Copan. As I've said I believe before this Committee in the past, NIST can always do more with more. Chairwoman Johnson. Yes. Dr. Copan. And it's actually wonderful that NIST has such a deep experience in the applications of artificial intelligence. It is broadly applied across all of our laboratories to improve the productivity of what we do. One very simple example is we used to have postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and principal investigators aligning by hand the laser tables that we use for the next- generation atomic clock research. That is now done by artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols. It saves our researchers time and allows them to focus on the big questions. Artificial intelligence is clearly a strategic priority for us at NIST. There's much work to be done in developing tools to provide insights into artificial intelligence programs, as we've done also with facial recognition technology in which this Committee has had great interest. It's provided insight into statistical bias that comes from training sets and data sets that are used to establish artificial intelligence protocols. There's important work to be done in standardization so that the United States can lead the world in the application of artificial intelligence in a trustworthy and ethical manner. And we are at the early stages of the world focusing on the power of AI and also needing to understand its limitations and biases. Our goal is to ensure that we'll continue our fundamental research into AI systems, understand the performance of algorithms, providing testbeds for things that relate to the industrial Internet of Things, to autonomous vehicles and how they perform with advanced sensor systems on the roads of America in the future. We are going to continue to apply AI to our research programs to increase productivity of our labs, and to translate them, those learnings, for U.S. industry to continue to lead the world as we seek to capture the value of industrial productivity from artificial intelligence. Chairwoman Johnson. Thank you very much. I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. And now we recognize Mr. Lucas for 5 minutes. Mr. Lucas. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I appreciate the opportunity to visit with Dr. Copan. Before I ask my one question, though, I have to note there's been lots of discussion about the President's budget. And when I enthusiastically see the Majority's budget, I know a lot of these issues will be addressed whenever it's available. Whenever it's available. That said, let's focus for a moment on an issue that I am very concerned about, Doctor, and that's the moves China is making in the 5G wireless technology, particularly in trying to dominate the global market. How do you think the United States stands on 5G, and what do we need to do not just to compete but to lead in that area? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much, Ranking Member Lucas. That's a very, very important question. And we have entered in the United States, as we know, a hypercompetitive environment with China. As a lead in activities related to standardization, we see that in some ways the standardization process has been weaponized where the free market economy that is represented by the United States, a private-sector-led process that's coordinated by our sister organization the American National Standards Institute, ANSI, which brings together many of the key players in the private sector, are looking now at more effective coordination within the United States, looking to incentivize also the engagement by U.S. industry in the standards process. We know that these are long-term investments that are made by U.S. industry, as well as by the Federal sector led by and coordinated by NIST. We know that there are important rules for the standardization process, and we have seen that at times other players have bent or indeed broken the rules of fair play in standards. The United States needs to continue to utilize the standardization process to lead in the future. That includes more effective coordination, the use of tools so that standardization processes can be accelerated, and that greater information-sharing amongst these standards players can lead to more effective consensus development around the standards that would benefit the United States and its private-sector players, as well as others in the global economy. We want the best technologies in the world to win, and we want the United States to continue to be the leader in not only delivering those technologies but securing the intellectual properties behind them and translating those into market value. The work that NIST is doing also involves a coordination across the Federal interagency. We have been called upon by this Committee and by others to continue our work to step forward to provide greater coordination, greater training, and to work collaboratively across the entire Federal interagency to ensure that the United States leads in standards for the future. We've already spoken briefly about artificial intelligence standards and the importance for the future, and NIST has responded to the President's executive order on maintaining American leadership in AI through the standards process. I believe that that's a very powerful document that NIST has developed in collaboration with participants from the private sector and across the Federal Government, as well as with academia. That same process also focuses on the United States being able to sit at the table in the United States and globally with the global standards development organizations to ensure that U.S. industry, U.S. Government, U.S. stakeholders are present at the standards negotiating tables around the world. Mr. Lucas. Thank you, Dr. Copan. And, surprisingly, Madam Chair, I'll yield back a little time. Chairwoman Stevens. And now we'll recognize Congressman Lipinski for 5 minutes of questioning. Mr. Lipinski. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Copan, I was proud to have passed the American Manufacturing and Competitiveness Act in 2014 as part of a broader manufacturing legislation package requiring publication of a strategy for American leadership in advanced manufacturing. And I was excited to see the first strategy published in October of 2018. And I note that you are the Co- Chair of the Committee on Technology that worked on that strategy, and I sincerely thank you for your efforts. I have to admit I had some concerns about what it was going to--what was going to wind up being in there, but you did an excellent job in putting this together. As my colleagues are well aware, I have long been interested in programs to encourage research coordination and facilitate tech transfer, so it's no surprise that I was particularly interested in the recommendations within the report, the report section entitled ``Encourage Ecosystems of Manufacturing Innovation.'' In response to these recommendations, I recently introduced H.R. 5978, the MADE HERE Act. This bill aims to create new regional manufacturing innovation clusters by bringing together educational institutions, private-sector companies, labor organizations, and government-funded entities such as the Manufacturing Institutes and Manufacturing Extension Partnerships. Through the three-phase funding model, the program would place an emphasis on entrepreneurial training and business plan formation to meet regional need. So, this is all very much in keeping with the recommendations of the report. So, Dr. Copan, can you please describe the value of regional entrepreneurial manufacturing cluster programs like the one that I described? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much, Congressman Lipinski, and thank you for your great support for America's manufacturers. We know that entrepreneurship drives value, and we are in an era of networks where bringing together the key players in the ecosystem is critical to establishing new or strengthening existing industry-driven consortia such as the Manufacturing USA institutes and their connections broadly with entrepreneurs, accessing also the capabilities of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which supports small- to medium-size enterprise, as well as the Nation's entrepreneurs. There are high-priority challenges that need to be addressed to grow advanced manufacturing across the United States. The United States needs to continue to lead the world in advanced manufacturing, including the applications in the digital economy and the bioeconomy. The value in technology- based ecosystems facilitate interactions between manufacturers, leverage Federal funding much more broadly, much more efficiently, and promote cross-sector collaboration. These activities also create new important connections for the value of America's supply chain and for the resilience of the supply chain. That's an area that the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership has focused on greatly. In particular, as we look at the threat of the coronavirus, COVID-19, of which we are all aware. The resilience models for U.S. industry and U.S. small companies as well is something that's top of mind, and the resilience focus of NIST and the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships can utilize these ecosystems across our Nation to ensure that our supply chain and our advanced manufacturing programs remain strong and lead the world. Mr. Lipinski. Thank you. And I would appreciate--this is something that--the MADE HERE Act is something you could take a look at and perhaps the--help to build some support for this, and hopefully the Administration could really embrace this because it really is in keeping with the strategy that was-- that you had put together. Dr. Copan. Yes. Mr. Lipinski. Do you have any other thoughts to share about other recommendations of the--of that strategy that we should consider as we prepare for the NIST reauthorization? Dr. Copan. Thanks so much for that question. I am very familiar with the MADE HERE Act, and I'm delighted that NIST has been engaged in providing feedback. The Nation's strategic plan for advanced manufacturing provides us with an important roadmap. There are important elements for the future of building out a manufacturing workforce for America that is supported by the Manufacturing USA institutes, and we are collaborating much more broadly now across the Federal interagency to ensure that we focus on the workforce needs of the future. I look forward to working with you and with Members of this Committee to ensure that the legislation that's needed for the future and the robustness of U.S. manufacturing that will build upon the national advanced manufacturing strategy and the great work of the interagency program is continued. Mr. Lipinski. Thank you for your work, and I appreciate our work together and look forward to continuing to work with you. Dr. Copan. Thank you. Mr. Lipinski. I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. All right. Congressman Balderson, 5 minutes of questioning. Mr. Balderson. Thank you very much, Madam Chair Stevens. Dr. Copan, good to see you, sir. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of Chairwoman Stevens' bill, the American Manufacturing Leadership Act, which passed the House in July of last year. This bill would strengthen our Nation's largest investment in advanced manufacturing, the Manufacturing USA program. I am pleased to see that in the President's budget request the Manufacturing USA program was given a 60 percent funding increase. Could you speak to what new opportunities NIST could pursue with this increased funding for the Manufacturing USA program? And what could this increased funding level mean for small and midsize manufacturers? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much, Congressman Balderson. The advanced manufacturing focus of the budget proposal for 2021 is really authorizing NIST to begin the competition for a new advanced manufacturing institute. We are excited about that potential. We're also excited about the new model that NIST has in the reauthorization of the Manufacturing USA program because it provides us much greater flexibility in how we bring new centers and new partnerships together as part of the broader initiative for U.S. advanced manufacturing and Manufacturing USA. We would look specifically to begin in this fiscal year the competition process, which we anticipate to be a year-long journey to bring an open competition together that the best possible opportunity for a new U.S. manufacturing cluster can be established. We know that this is a highly competitive process, but competition is a great thing because it brings together new collaborators, new partners, and looking at the most important problems for U.S. manufacturing to be addressed. So, it's really looking to continue NIST's great work in coordinating of the interagency process, the National Science and Technology Council's Advanced Manufacturing Subcommittee, which NIST co- chairs. And we're looking forward to that broad engagement in the process, the continuation and the increase of funding that allows us to do even more for America in the future. Mr. Balderson. Thank you for that answer. My follow-up question would be--and you spoke a little bit about the competition, but given the rise of the international competition in the field of advanced manufacturing, what could it mean for the United States if another country were to gain dominance in these techniques? Dr. Copan. We know that the rest of the world is watching what we do and in many cases are emulating what we do in the United States. Having recently visited in Brazil for the Joint Commission on Science and Technology cooperation between the United States and Brazil, it's very clear that there's been close collaborative efforts between the economies of the United States and Brazil in imagining what the advanced manufacturing systems of our respective nations will look like. We'll continue to benchmark globally to ensure that the United States continues to have the information that we need to build the advanced manufacturing infrastructure of the future. Very clearly, we're pleased at the opportunity to increase funding in these areas, but we know that there are commitments that have been made, for example, by China as part of their Made in China 2025 program that calls for the buildout of 40 advanced manufacturing institutes. And this in itself provides us an opportunity to see what China is doing. They have in many cases duplicated the types of institutes that we have in the United States, including the same names for the institutes. And it's been something that we are keeping our finger on the pulse. We do know that our sustained investment for this Nation, as well as utilizing American creativity to ensure that we're addressing the greatest opportunities of the industries of the future, recognizing that, as we make, we learn. We know also that measurement science is absolutely essential to the future of manufacturing and also that standardization is essential for the adoption of the new products that come from our advanced manufacturing programs across the Nation. Mr. Balderson. Thank you very much. Madam Chair, I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you. I tell everyone back home when we got this American Manufacturing Leadership Act, Congressman from Ohio, Congresswoman for Michigan, it's the only time Michigan and Ohio have ever come together to win anything, but we do it for manufacturing. And that's where our region in the Midwest shines. And, you know, certainly delighted to see that, the Administration agrees with the investments and we want to continue to support NIST in that process as well. So, thank you for those thoughtful comments, Dr. Copan. And now we're going to recognize Congressman Cohen for 5 minutes of questioning. Mr. Cohen. Thank you. I appreciate it, Madam Chairman. Dr. Copan, thank you for your testimony. In light of all the news around Clearview AI and its secretive facial recognition system, I wanted to discuss NIST's important work in accuracy benchmarking for facial recognition technology through its Face Recognition Vendor Test program. As the debacle around Clearview AI shows us, this technology poses significant societal risks, and understanding their accuracy is paramount. In its most recent test last December, NIST found vast differences between the accuracy of algorithms with the top 17 performing algorithms being nearly perfect across demographics while the bottom-performing algorithms showed significant false-negative and false-positive rates. Doctor, what accounts for the significant differences in accuracy between the top-performing face recognition algorithms and the lowest-performing algorithms? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much for that question, Congressman Cohen. NIST is excited to provide the insights into the direct performance of facial recognition and other artificial intelligence programs, including the performance validation and the performance testing in an unbiased way as NIST does. Congress appreciates the work, I know, from the discussions that we've had in this Committee and elsewhere by the clear testing protocols that NIST utilizes. So often, the building of algorithms is enhanced or we see detriment based on the selection of the training sets. NIST provides the validation testing. And we don't give the answers to the test. That is, we don't allow the artificial intelligence producers to actually game the tests by providing them the tools to validate them. We do that on an independent basis. And it's a very important relationship of trust that NIST has with the community of practice in AI. It's important to provide ongoing reports to policymakers to understand the strengths and the weaknesses of various systems, but it's also very important feedback to industry so that they can develop algorithms and training sets that are much more robust in the future, tools that can utilize cloud- based solutions for artificial intelligence to take advantage of massively parallel computing. And so we look forward to continue to provide unbiased insights into the performance of facial recognition technologies and are delighted to partner with Congress, as well as with industry to provide these insights. Mr. Cohen. Well, I'm not sure if I understood exactly what accounted for the differences in the low-and the higher-rated algorithms. Dr. Copan. Yes. Mr. Cohen. Did I miss that or did you miss it? Dr. Copan. Well, the performance is really based on the algorithms themselves, as well as the training sets that are utilized to establish the algorithms. Sometimes, the performance is enhanced by the actual computing architecture that's used, a cloud-based solution, for example. And so it really comes down to the--we're not the ones who actually tell people how to fix their problems, but we are there to advise when it comes to the design of their algorithms and their tools. But we can certainly provide insights into what's working well and what's not. Mr. Cohen. Well, is the problem--so you're saying the problem is in the standards that they use, it's not in the inability to accurately assess people based on their personal or similarly related characteristics? Dr. Copan. Yes. It really is a combination of the actual sort of mathematical model, the algorithm tool that's utilized, the training set that allows the initial performance to be established by the vendor, and then ultimately it's affected by the toolset of technology, including cloud-based solutions, that can give greater computing power to the decisionmaking. Mr. Cohen. So, do you think scientifically they can get it right and not have low-performing algorithms? It's just a matter of them getting it right? Dr. Copan. Indeed. It's a matter of time. This is a field that's emerging. Tools are being improved all the time. And now that the problems are more apparent to the developers, NIST will continue to provide testing and feedback so that industry can refine its tools, its systems for better performance in the future. Mr. Cohen. I yield back the balance of my time. Chairwoman Stevens. The Chair now recognizes Congressman Gonzalez for 5 minutes of questioning. Mr. Gonzalez. Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens and Ranking Member Baird. I also want to thank Dr. Copan. Thanks for coming back and for your testimony. As you know, last August NIST released a plan for prioritizing Federal agency engagement in the development of standards for AI. A few of my colleagues and I wrote a letter to you in December urging NIST to work collaboratively with industry and stakeholders in developing useful frameworks. In your response you mentioned NIST was considering follow-on workshops to bring together the government, industry, and academia. Just a quick status update, how are things progressing on the front? What next steps are imminent? Dr. Copan. Yes. Thanks very much. And, as you know, NIST works collaboratively with industry and across the Federal sector, with academia as well to convene the stakeholder community. We've held actually a series of programs and workshops very recently. NIST was also at the RSA conference in California that allowed the community of practice to talk about the development of tools and systems for the future. We look forward to continue to hold programs and workshops and also providing the testing tools as well on an increasingly focused basis. We know that this is something that NIST is called upon to do from the executive order, and also having a broad range of tools for the broad range of applications. We've spoken at some length now about facial recognition technologies but biometrics more broadly. Mr. Gonzalez. Yes. Dr. Copan. Our utilization of systems for positive identification and so many applications also in the biological laboratory and also our ability to utilize protocols such as machine learning to quickly identify deepfakes, which are becoming an increasing concern for our Nation, as we also look to the election process coming ahead. Mr. Gonzalez. Yes. Thank you. And we look forward to following your progress on that. Dr. Copan. Thanks. Mr. Gonzalez. Another thing that you've mentioned is the notion of international standards and participating in international standard-setting organizations. I think that's critical. The book Tools and Weapons by Brad Smith that came out recently I think frames technology well, right? Dr. Copan. Yes. Mr. Gonzalez. It's not good or bad. It's how do we apply it. Dr. Copan. Right. Mr. Gonzalez. And, as I look at the technologies of the future and the incredible powerful technologies of the future, I think we all know that it's incumbent that Western values, Western democratic values ultimately dictate the standards for that future. That being said, how have we progressed within the international community? What steps do we need to take, and how important is it that we are the dominant player economically or technologically in being able to set those standards or influence the dialog? Dr. Copan. Yes. Thank you so much, Congressman Gonzalez. It's an exciting time, as we know. Standards drive commerce and global trade. It's important for the United States to be at the leadership table. I'm delighted that the principles for artificial intelligence, for example, that were communicated through the Office of Science and Technology Policy. NIST has been a contributor in the development of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) guidelines for the appropriate use of artificial intelligence. It's important for the United States to understand the competitive dynamic globally in which we work. It requires us to organize more efficiently, recognizing that we are still a private-sector-led standards process and that we respect the role of the private sector. But it's important for the government--in this case, the role of NIST is being called out time and again, that we need to stand up even more strongly as a close partner to industry at the standards tables. And I'm delighted to say that NIST is involved in standards organizations globally, each of the key ones. Nearly 1,500 standards committees has representation from NIST and support from NIST. It represents a major investment by our community, and we recognize that that's something we need to continue to step up to to assure American leadership globally. Mr. Gonzalez. Great. And we look forward to continuing to support your work in that endeavor, critically important. And with that, I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. At this time Congressman Foster, 5 minutes of questions. Mr. Foster. Thank you, Chairwoman Stevens, Ranking Member Baird, and Dr. Copan for joining us today. Dr. Copan, I'd like to start by thanking NIST for its tremendous work on digital identity and to encourage you to expand this effort both nationally and internationally. The issue of digital identity and the need to reliably authenticate yourself online is becoming increasingly critical as more and more of our lives are lived online from how we purchase goods to how we communicate with our loved ones or how we get our news. And fraudulent activity in these areas from identity theft to inauthentic bots on social media to fraudulent transactions online can only be prevented by providing citizens who wish one with a means of privately and securely authenticating their identities as a specific human being. And the secure digital ID will also be crucial to the implementation of digital dollars, which is something that I think our country is going to have to get into to answer the Chinese competitive threat from digital Chinese currency. And, as you know, NIST published the digital identity guidelines in 2017. These guidelines provide technical requirements for Federal agencies implementing digital identity services. These guidelines cover identity proofing, authentication of users interacting with government IT systems over open networks. They define technical requirements each of the areas of identity proofing, registration, authenticators, management processes, authentication protocols, federation, and related assertions. You know, this is really high-quality work, and I want to thank you for it. Dr. Copan. Thank you. Mr. Foster. In addition, in 2015 NIST founded the Trusted Identities Group, TIG, which aims to convene, facilitate, and catalyze a private-sector-led implementation approach to advance trusted digital identity solutions built upon four guiding principles, which I thought were well-thought-out and also to enable government adoption of these by continually involving a risk-based guidance and to encourage adoption of innovative technologies in the market. The four principles are that identity solutions should be, first, privacy-enhancing and voluntary; secondly, secure and resilient; third, interoperable--and this is where standards are crucial--and fourth, cost-effective and easy to use. Now, my office is working on legislation to direct NIST to create standards for online authentication. And can you talk about how your digital identity guidelines might help you in that project? Dr. Copan. Thank you so much, Congressman Foster. We are very proud of the work indeed that NIST has done. You refer to also NIST's special publication 800-63, which has been updated. There's new information actually available online from NIST that provides new insights and addresses frequently asked questions on digital identity. To the point that you've made, digital identities are such an important component of our modern lives, and it turns out that they're complicated by the fact that we are multiple personalities online if you will. People have multiple identities when it comes to their email, to their online banking, to how they interact with social media. And these identities are so important to be preserved. Sometimes, it requires a surrendering of certain information to access services. And so we are very pleased at the foundational work that NIST has done regarding digital identities. The entire federation process as well that allows the conveyance of authentication across network systems is absolutely essential to get right. NIST looks forward to working with you and with this Committee as you seek to strengthen the protection of Americans' digital identities. And also as we look to the future, NIST's work in blockchain, for example, as we look to the future of cryptocurrencies and other---- Mr. Foster. I very much enjoyed attending your--one of your blockchain-related summits. Dr. Copan. Yes. Yes. Mr. Foster. And---- Dr. Copan. Thanks so much for your support. Mr. Foster. Also, I'd really like to encourage you to continue to work on this internationally as well. I mean, you know, just, for example, at the upcoming G7--I guess G6 now-- Summit there's going to be significant discussion---- Dr. Copan. Yes. Mr. Foster [continuing]. Of central bank digital currencies, and having an international digital ID will be, you know, at the very heart of that discussion. Dr. Copan. Yes. Mr. Foster. And then in my last 9 seconds--maybe I'll ask you a question for the record having to do with the strategic vision for the neutron science enterprise at NIST. Dr. Copan. Very good. I will--I'll look forward to addressing any questions for the record and, if time permits in the testimonies today, to be able to come back to both of those topics. Thank you so much. Mr. Foster. Thank you. I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you. And, Mr. Tonko, Congressman Tonko, recognizing you for 5 minutes of questions. Mr. Tonko. Thank you, Madam Chair. And welcome, Dr. Copan. As some may or may not know, today is International Plumbing Day. For decades, NIST led research efforts to inform the basis for U.S. plumbing structure, design, and construction standards. These efforts were ended in the 1970s and, as a result, today's plumbing standards do not fully account for technological advances that could enable us to meet our daily water needs while conserving resources and reducing utility bills. That is why I joined Representative Cartwright in cosponsoring the NIST Plumbing Research Act to reinvigorate these efforts. So, Dr. Copan, given NIST's history and its role in similar efforts related to energy efficiency and building codes, do you see a role for NIST in plumbing research? And what is standing in the way of NIST doing this important work? Dr. Copan. Yes, thank you so much, Congressman Tonko. I really appreciate your support and your interest in this important topic. Yes, plumbing is one of those things that is not seen as a glamour industry, but it's something that we rely upon for the quality of water that's delivered. And we know that with the low-flow appliances and devices that we need to take a fresh look at plumbing systems for the future. NIST has actually been meeting with the leadership of the industries, with the industry associations, as well as those who look at future building codes and standards that incorporate guidelines for plumbing systems. We have a plumbing tower that has been essentially mothballed at NIST. It's something that was very useful for the development of the previous set of guidelines. We've also been sharing with the plumbing and the built environment community some of the modern work that NIST has been doing as well in how we analyze flow. Some of the new techniques for microfluidics characterization and the work of our physical measurements, as well as our engineering laboratories is very focused on the ability to translate in the future some of these new technologies to help us understand and to do the work that's so necessary for the future of the plumbing industry. As mentioned earlier on, the appropriations that NIST receives, we will look forward to applying that appropriately to the important problems of the future, and we look forward to working with this Committee and appreciate your leadership in the legislation for the future of plumbing safety, for water quality in this Nation, and also to support the export markets of America's plumbing industry. We've seen by the work that NIST, ANSI has been involved in in global markets that has actually helped the U.S. export business for plumbing. And we look forward to that collaborative work that would open up the door to new markets for the American plumbing manufacturers. Mr. Tonko. Great. We think it's important to do, especially with this innovation economy. More and more Americans are living in crowded urban and suburban communities. Some communities are leveraging public- and private-sector dollars to invest in technologies to address challenges such as reducing traffic congestion, increasing efficiency of services, and fostering economic growth. I'm impressed by the terrific examples of smart cities in my district such as the city of Schenectady, a terrific example of what we can achieve when we use technology and data to better serve our communities. However, for many communities the risk of investment in smart technologies is still too great. There is still much work to be done to achieve greater implementation of smart city solutions. The Federal Government can play a role in addressing some of these risks, including barriers to interoperability and data-sharing among the different public and private stakeholders and between communities that are looking to develop smart city plans. NIST launched its Global City Teams Challenge in 2014 as an effort to encourage collaboration in standards in the development of smart city technologies. What is the status, sir, of that initiative? Dr. Copan. NIST is proud of the work that it's done in the Global Cities Challenge and smart communities directly. We have been doing some I think very important work also as part of our advanced communications efforts, the public safety communications program, which links together work in smart cities with intelligent new technologies that allow the creation of cost-effective solutions for industry and also for communities such as we've seen at the Boston Marathon. The challenge that was there was to deploy a low-cost solution that provide access to digital identification and so many elements of public safety. And so we look forward to working with you and also with this Committee toward the future of the smart cities program in the Nation and around the world. Mr. Tonko. Well, thank you. And I just hope that NIST will continue to contribute to the development of standards for smart and connected communities. And with that, Madam Chair, I yield back. Chairwoman Stevens. OK. Well, I---- Dr. Copan. Thank you so much. Chairwoman Stevens. The Chair doesn't think she's ever heard anyone talk so eloquently about plumbing in her life, so hats off to the Congressman and the Under Secretary. Before we bring this to a close, we are going to briefly open up for one more question on behalf of the Chair and the Ranking Member that we had for you, Dr. Copan, which is that the budget request made pretty clear that there are maintenance needs of facilities on both NIST campuses. And many of the agency's buildings were built in the 1950s and 1960s and are experiencing some of the similar deterioration, as the Nation's other major infrastructure is as well. And so NIST has a deferred maintenance backlog of over $700 million. And, Dr. Copan, I was just--we were just wondering if you could speak a little bit about how this significant construction and maintenance backlog impacts both the science and standards development at NIST, as well as NIST's ability to attract top scientists. Dr. Copan. Thanks very much for that very important question. And indeed the condition of NIST facilities are challenging. Over 55 percent of NIST's facilities are considered in poor to critical condition per Department of Commerce standards. And so it does provide some significant challenges for us. The latest number that I had is that the deferred maintenance backlog is over $775 million. It's always much more attractive to build something new than to maintain what one has. The infrastructure, including plumbing, is very, very important, but the kind of plumbing that we really care about is our IT infrastructure and the ability of our systems to have controlled climate. Temperature control is vital for many of the experiments that NIST metrology laboratories carry out. It's a testament to the resilience and the committed-ness of the NIST people that they can work in sometimes challenging outdated environments. And, once again, when you make a visit to NIST Boulder or NIST Gaithersburg, whether it's at our 120th anniversary or at any time, you'll see the good, the bad, and the embarrassingly bad. And--but we have wonderful people who care about the mission of NIST. They are true public servants. They're scientists. They're Nobel Prize winners who are working in these conditions. And people want to come to work to NIST. We are delighted at the commitment of our NIST people, the very strong collaboration that we have with the academic sector, with the industrial sector, but it becomes an increased challenge for us. As you know, there have been some creative solutions proposed, the development, for example, of a Federal capital revolving fund has been one of the proposals that's been made. But having some certainty for the future in our ability to plan, we have 20-year plans for the NIST facilities that have been prepared, communicated, and this Committee has also received information about those plans. We look forward to sharing more with you about those. We're also looking creatively at the combination of maintenance with lease options as well for some of our facilities so that we can move more rapidly to have people cycle out of laboratories, begin the rebuilding, renovation process. It's one of my top priorities as the NIST Director to have our NIST people work in 21st-century facilities that we can be proud of and that enable the important work of NIST for the Nation. Chairwoman Stevens. Thank you, Dr. Copan. Thank you for that additional question. And before we bring the hearing to a close, we want to thank you again. I think it's clear you have a committee of NIST enthusiasts and people who are appreciative and attracted to your work and your leadership. Today's robust dialog covered the gamut, but it also speaks I think to the power and the impact of NIST. So, on behalf of all of us, you know, we're, one, so proud of you and so proud of the team and the dedicated scientists and the people who have devoted their careers to making this world a better place through proven expertise and love of standards and measurement and good technology. So, the record is going to remain open for 2 weeks for any additional statements from Members and for additional questions that the Committee may have of you, Dr. Copan. And with that, Dr. Copan, you are excused, and the hearing is adjourned. Dr. Copan. Thank you so much. [Whereupon, at 11:43 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.] Appendix ---------- Answers to Post-Hearing Questions [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT] [all]