A measure that would put into law a key federal office focused on artificial intelligence advanced Thursday out of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, as part of a slate of AI-focused and data center bills.
The committee advanced the bills on a bipartisan basis, but put off potential changes regarding funding levels for the Center on AI Standards and Innovation within the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The center was previously known as the AI Safety Institute under the Biden administration. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the bill that would codify the center, which would see its name changed to the Center for AI Security and Innovation, according to the bill text.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Brian Babin, R-Texas, acknowledged the question of funding. The bipartisan-backed bill, by Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., would authorize $20 million per year for the center for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. Babin said he supported increasing that level.
For fiscal 2026, Congress appropriated up to $10 million for the center.
