The bill aims to bolster U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and other critical technologies by promoting U.S. participation in international standards development through support for industry-led efforts, a new web portal, and a pilot program for hosting standards meetings in the U.S.
Marsha Blackburn
Senator
TN
The "Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. influence in the development of technical standards for artificial intelligence and other critical technologies. It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of State to support U.S. participation in international standards-setting bodies through information sharing and a grant program for hosting standards meetings in the U.S. The Act requires briefings to Congress, the creation of a web portal, and the establishment of a pilot program to support these efforts.
Bill Proposes NIST, State Dept Push to Boost US Influence on AI and Tech Standards, Includes $5M Pilot Program
This bill, the "Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025," is basically about making sure the U.S. has a strong voice when the global rulebook gets written for new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). It directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of State to step up efforts encouraging American companies and government agencies to participate in developing these crucial technical standards.
Getting Our Tech Ducks in a Row
So, how does it plan to do this? First, within a year, NIST and the State Department need to brief Congress on the current landscape – who's doing what in standards development, which standards matter most, and where the U.S. government can best support industry efforts (Sec. 3). Think of it as mapping the territory. The bill also requires federal agencies already involved in these tech standard discussions to report their activities, aiming for better coordination across the government.
To keep U.S. businesses and agencies in the loop, the bill mandates the creation of a web portal. This online hub will provide regularly updated information on international standard-setting efforts and opportunities for Americans to get involved (Sec. 3). The idea is to make it easier for U.S. players, big and small, to know where the key conversations are happening and how to join them.
Hosting the Future: The $5 Million Meeting Plan
One concrete step is a new five-year pilot program, backed by a $5 million authorization (Sec. 4). This program aims to bring more international standards meetings to the U.S. It will offer grants to organizations hosting these meetings, covering up to 50% of the costs for things like venue rentals and logistical support. The goal here is pretty straightforward: hosting meetings domestically makes it easier for U.S. experts and companies to attend and influence the outcomes. NIST will set up guidelines for who gets these grants, looking at factors like an organization's track record and participant base. After a few years, they'll report back to Congress on whether this pilot should become permanent.
Why Tech Standards Matter (Even If You Don't Think They Do)
Technical standards might sound dry, but they're the invisible rules that make our modern tech work together – think Wi-Fi protocols or USB connectors. For AI and emerging tech, these standards will shape everything from safety and interoperability (making sure different AI systems can talk to each other) to market access for U.S. products globally. This bill is essentially a strategic move to ensure U.S. perspectives and innovations are baked into the foundations of future technologies, rather than playing catch-up to rules set elsewhere. It focuses on improving coordination, information sharing, and providing practical support to get more U.S. voices in the room where critical tech decisions are made.