ACT | The App Association released a statement through its president, Morgan Reed, responding to the announcement of the reintroduction of the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act in Congress. The act, proposed by Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Todd Young, Rep. Haley Stevens, and Rep. Jay Obernolte, aims to enhance the role of small businesses in the app economy while addressing standards development.
Reed emphasized the advantages small businesses hold in terms of agility over their larger counterparts within the app economy. "They are leading the way in developing, adapting, and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools across virtually all industries," he said, underscoring the role robust standards play in maintaining this leadership.
The legislation, described as bicameral and bipartisan, echoes a bill from the previous Congress that was unanimously approved by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Reed highlighted the importance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the development of standards, emphasizing its role as a convener, contributor, and facilitator of metrology. He expressed concerns over NIST's current funding situation, pointing to the bill as a potential solution.
Reed concluded with a call to action: “We urge Congress to pass this bill and support the facilitation and advancement of technical standards development through a well-funded and effective NIST.”
ACT | The App Association supports a global network of small and medium-sized technology companies. It advocates for a policy environment that fosters innovation and provides necessary resources for its members.
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