ACT | The App Association today released a statement from President Morgan Reed following the introduction of the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act by Senators Chris Coons, Todd Young, John Hickenlooper, and Deb Fischer on July 9, 2024.

"As small businesses in the app economy, ACT | The App Association’s members have a comparative advantage in agility over their larger counterparts. They are leading the way in developing, adapting, and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools across virtually all industries. Robust standards are an important part of the foundation that enables small businesses to continue leading and creating jobs across the nation and around the world. It is essential for Congress to ensure the federal government, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has the resources necessary to carry out its contributory role in standards development. In view of these considerations, the App Association supports the Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness (EPIC) Act."

"This companion bill in the Senate mirrors a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Congressman Jay Obernolte, which was unanimously cleared by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. This bipartisan support underscores both the critical need for comprehensive standards and the vital role of NIST."

"While NIST’s role is not to set standards themselves or make judgments about which standards are better than others for any particular purpose, it is indispensable as a convener, contributor, and facilitator of metrology. Unfortunately, NIST is underfunded. This legislation provides a creative solution to help secure necessary funding for NIST initiatives while upholding ethical standards."

"With the introduction of this companion bill in the Senate, we see a promising step toward ensuring that both chambers of Congress recognize the importance of this initiative. We urge Congress to pass this bill and support the facilitation and advancement of technical standards development through a well-funded and effective NIST."