Kratsios calls patchwork state AI laws ‘anti-innovation’ at House science AI hearing

White House wants AI fast lane

By Jenna Ahart Edited by Eric Sullivan

At a hearing before the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on January 14, Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), answered questions about the Trump administration’s plans for artificial intelligence, including its proposed approach to international cooperation and regulation. In a nearly two-hour hearing at the Rayburn House office building, Democrats also pressed him on budget cuts to science agencies and the administration’s pressure to limit state-level AI regulations.

Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, the administration has framed AI as a central scientific priority, and its approach to AI policy has emphasized two initiatives in particular. Kratsios pointed to what the White House says “Winning the AI ​​Race: America’s AI Action Plan“which is designed around innovation, infrastructure, and international diplomacy and security. He also highlighted the Genesis Mission, an initiative that the administration says will promote AI as a tool for scientific discovery. Through private industry partnerships, the program, led by the Department of Energy and its 17 national laboratories, will pool federal scientific data and advanced computing to accelerate research, Kratios said.

The next step for Genesis is to expand its reach to DOE and include other government agencies. “The underlying thesis of Genesis is that the government has extraordinary, valuable scientific data that, when put together, can lead to tremendous scientific discoveries,” Kratsios said. Genesys’ models can expand beyond DOE research, for example, by incorporating data from health care agencies, the National Science Foundation, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The ultimate goal, Kratsios said, is “for research that took years to now take months, weeks or even days.”

On supporting science journalism

If you enjoyed this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism Subscribing By purchasing a subscription, you are helping ensure a future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Another immediate task of the mission is to recruit international partners. Kratsios said that “tech ministers from around the world” have already expressed interest in joining the program. Working with allies to deploy American technology will be key to maintaining America’s “very distinct and very clear lead” in AI development, he said.

Another top goal of OSTP is to expand AI talent in the workforce and schools. Kratsios pointed to the administration’s US Tech Force, which he said is designed to bring AI and technology experts into the public sector. Nearly 35,000 people have expressed interest so far, he said. He said, “The fact that we have so many great Americans who want to come forward to solve these problems, move their families and their lives to (Washington) D.C. … it’s incredible.”

As far as education is concerned, the White House AI Education Task Force aims to teach AI literacy in K-12. So far, Kratsios said, more than 200 companies and organizations have committed to providing AI resources to students and teachers for free.

Members raised concerns about XAI’s chatbot Grok, which recently came under criticism for allowing users to generate non-consensual sexual images, including those of minors – and about the local impacts of data centres.

In response to concerns about mass firings at agencies like NIST, Kratsios said it was “a very appropriate look at how these organizations are structured and how we can deliver the best outcomes for everyday Americans.” Representative Suhas Subramaniam of Virginia responded, “We’ll agree to disagree.”

Representative Zoe Lofgren of California, ranking member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, criticized a recent executive order that directs the Justice Department to prosecute states over certain AI laws. “This order emphasizes that … the Administration should have the power to decide what types of state laws are too burdensome,” Lofgren said. “I think this order is unconstitutional.”

Kratsios said that forcing entrepreneurs “to follow 50 different sets of AI rules is really anti-innovation. And that’s something I don’t think anyone on this committee really supports.” He said he is tasked with developing a “sensible national policy framework,” even though the executive order includes exceptions including child safety, compute and data-center infrastructure, and state purchases of AI.

It’s time to stand up for science

If you enjoyed this article, I would like to ask for your support. scientific American He has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most important moment in that two-century history.

i have been one scientific American I’ve been a member since I was 12, and it’s helped shape the way I see the world. Science Always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does the same for you.

if you agree scientific AmericanYou help ensure that our coverage focuses on meaningful research and discovery; We have the resources to report on decisions that put laboratories across America at risk; And that we support both emerging and working scientists at a time when the value of science is too often recognised.

In return, you get the news you need, Captivating podcasts, great infographics, Don’t miss the newsletter, be sure to watch the video, Challenging games, and the best writing and reporting from the world of science. you can even Gift a membership to someone.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you will support us in that mission.