NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) delivered opening remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing titled “The Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Commerce Budget.”

"I would like to welcome everyone to today’s hearing where we will be examining and discussing the Department of Commerce’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request," Bilirakis stated. "I want to thank Secretary Raimondo for appearing before us and look forward to conducting important Congressional oversight of this agency as we look to fund ways to strengthen our economy and compete on the global stage."

Bilirakis highlighted recent legislative efforts aimed at bolstering U.S. economic resilience. "Last month, the House passed H.R. 6571, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, led by Reps. Bucshon and Blunt Rochester, which would establish a mapping program at the Department of Commerce to examine our supply chains to better prepare our economy for any future shocks that we may see," he said.

He emphasized the importance of monitoring supply chain trends: "Monitoring these trends will help protect us from reliance on our nation’s enemies and instead help industries to adapt quickly." He added that the Department should partner with the private sector to understand vulnerabilities in supply chains for emerging technologies.

Bilirakis also addressed issues related to global competition and tourism: "I’m interested to hear from you on these supply chain issues, as well as the state of our country’s global competition with China, and the status of our travel and tourism sector."

He noted bipartisan efforts in previous Congress sessions: "Last Congress, we worked on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Schakowsky to pass the Restoring Brand USA Act and the Visit America Act... I am concerned that the U.S. is starting to lag behind other top nations in the travel sector."

On emerging technologies, Bilirakis stressed American leadership: "Lastly, I hope to be able to discuss the continued importance of American leadership in emerging technologies, such as blockchain, A.I., and quantum computing." He mentioned H.R. 6572, the Deploying American Blockchains Act passed in May.

"We cannot cede American leadership in these fields," he asserted. He pointed out Rep. Miller Meeks’ bill aimed at increasing domestic manufacturing capacity for critical infrastructure necessary for developing emerging technologies.

Bilirakis concluded by emphasizing alignment with key priorities without excessive spending: "Secretary Raimondo, I look forward to hearing from you about how we can align these goals... The Budget needs to reflect these key priorities without breaking the bank."

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