Senate Commerce Committee questions Michael Kratios on AI, quantum, NSF funding and spectrum policy

WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Michael Kratios, told the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Feb. 12 that he would work to preserve U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other emerging technologies while coordinating federal agencies on research and deployment.

Kratios, appearing before a committee chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said OSTP’s role is to align the missions of agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation so federal actions advance both national security and commercial competitiveness. “I am committed to American leadership in emerging technologies,” Kratios said in his opening statement.

Why it matters: OSTP advises the president on science and technology priorities, including federal R&D spending, laboratory networks, and standards. Committee members pressed Kratios on several high-profile policy areas — budget priorities enacted under the CHIPS and Science Act, proposed cuts to the National Science Foundation, spectrum reallocation for 5G and…