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Washington, D.C. - Representative Jim Baird (R-IN) along with his colleagues Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL), Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Haley Stevens (D- MI) introduced the Industries of the Future Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase the capacity for research and development programs of the federal government that focus on industries of the future such as: artificial intelligence, 5G networks, and advanced manufacturing.

The United States has the best workforce in the world and to remain being the global leader, it is vital that our country make the necessary investments in research and development programs in future industries, which in return will lead to the jobs of the future. The bill will require the executive branch to prepare a plan to double the baseline investments in such industries by 2022 and a plan to increase civilian spending on future industries to $10 billion by fiscal year 2025.

“Our country needs to lay the foundation and make the necessary investments in industries like artificial intelligence, quantum information science, biotechnology, 5G wireless networks, and advanced manufacturing so our workers can continue to lead in the jobs of the future,” Rep. Baird said.   

“We must do all that we can to maintain America’s competitiveness and leadership in the global economy,” Rep. Foster said. “We can’t do that if we don’t make significant investments in the research and development that will spur technological innovation and propel our ability to compete in industries of the future. This legislation will give us the ability to do just that.”

“I am proud to join Rep. Jim Baird and Rep. Bill Foster, the co-chairs of the House Research & Development Caucus, in introducing this legislation to set a course for the United States to maintain its global leadership in the industries of the future, like artificial intelligence and quantum information science. American investment in in science and technology is fundamental to our economic competitiveness, our national security, and our way of life,” Rep. Lucas said.

“As the Chair and Ranking Member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee, Congressman Baird and I have worked together to convene hearings focused on industries of the future including advanced manufacturing, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence,” said Rep. Stevens. “The federal government plays an important role in the growth of these new industries by investing in critical basic research, and I am proud to join Congressman Baird in this effort to ensure that American workers and business remain at the forefront of innovation.”

The Industries of the Future Act is supported by companies like IBM.

“IBM applauds Representatives Baird and Foster for introducing the Industries of the Future Act of 2020 that recognizes the immense economic opportunity that emerging technologies like quantum computing, AI and 5G hold for our country,” said Christopher Padilla, Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs for IBM. “We support this legislation because public and private investment in collaborative research and development will accelerate innovation, sustain our nation’s prosperity and create new opportunities for the U.S. workforce.”

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Congressman Jim Baird represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District. A lifelong Hoosier, he serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.