U.S. Senator Ted Budd chaired a Senate Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing, and Competitiveness hearing on July 23 to discuss how the United States can better align its scientific research, federal science agencies, and private sector efforts to compete with China. The hearing, titled ‘Measuring What Matters: Science, Standards, and Strategic Competition,’ focused on strategies for strengthening American competitiveness in global science and technology.
In his opening remarks, Budd identified three main priorities: prioritizing outcome-based metrics for measuring scientific impact and competitiveness; streamlining federal science agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation; and addressing Chinese intellectual property theft that he said undermines national security.
Budd said, “For 250 years, the American economy has told a single, consistent story: one of relentless innovation and bold risk-taking, and an unmatched ability to turn ideas into industries. The secret sauce in that formula for continued growth and expanded American prosperity is innovation.” He added that while the Vannevar Bush model of government-funded basic research through universities has served the nation well since World War II, current competition from China is unprecedented.
Budd cited a Congressional Research Service report describing China’s 15th Five-Year Plan aimed at building self-reliance by advancing manufacturing capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, semiconductors, software development—and noted concerns about systematic intellectual property theft. He said China now joins the U.S. as one of only two countries spending more than $1 trillion annually on research and development (R&D), accounting for 30% of global R&D flows by 2024 compared to a declining U.S. share.
The senator called for clear metrics to define scientific success—including leadership in international standards-setting—and stronger public-private partnerships to drive applied research priorities. He referenced recommendations from Dr. Copan’s white paper at NIST about improving tech transfer processes between federal R&D assets and businesses.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee—which oversees issues related to commerce, science policy initiatives such as those discussed at this hearing—reviews relevant legislation during congressional sessions under bipartisan leadership, according to its official website.