Bill Summary
The "Utilize Standards for All Act" (USA Act) proposes amendments to the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to enhance the development of international standards by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The bill emphasizes the importance of principles such as openness, transparency, due process, appeals, and consensus in standard development. It mandates NIST to promote voluntary consensus standards created through a private sector-led process, which are vital for the U.S. standardization system and economic competitiveness. Additionally, the Act calls for strengthened public-private partnerships and improved coordination among federal agencies to support the private sector in developing standards for emerging technologies. Overall, the legislation aims to fortify the United States’ role in international standardization, thereby boosting its economic standing and global market access.
Possible Impacts
The "Utilize Standards for All Act" (USA Act) could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Enhanced Consumer Safety and Protection**: By advancing openness and transparency in the development of international standards, the USA Act could lead to the creation of more robust safety standards for products and services. Consumers may benefit from better quality assurance, as businesses adhere to voluntary consensus standards that prioritize safety and efficacy. This could reduce the incidence of unsafe products in the market, ultimately protecting consumers from harm.
2. **Increased Economic Competitiveness**: The emphasis on public-private partnerships in standards development could provide businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with better access to international markets. By aligning with established international standards, these businesses may find it easier to export their products and services, leading to increased sales and job creation. This could foster innovation and growth within the U.S. economy, benefiting workers and their communities.
3. **Empowerment in Technological Advancements**: The act encourages coordination among federal agencies and private sector stakeholders in developing standards for emerging technologies. This could ensure that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy solutions, are developed with a clear framework that addresses ethical, legal, and social implications. Individuals and communities may feel more secure knowing that emerging technologies are being developed responsibly and in a manner that considers public interests, leading to greater acceptance and integration of these innovations in daily life.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4906 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4906
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to advance the principles of openness, transparency, due
process, appeals, and consensus in the development of international
standards, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 5, 2025
Mr. Webster of Florida (for himself and Mr. Self) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to advance the principles of openness, transparency, due
process, appeals, and consensus in the development of international
standards, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Utilize Standards for All Act'' or
the ``USA Act''.
SEC. 2. IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT.
Section 10245 of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 18951) is amended by
amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) Importance of International Standards Development.--The
Director shall carry out the following:
``(1) Advance the principles of openness, transparency, due
process, appeals, and consensus in the development of
international standards.
``(2) Shall promote voluntary consensus standards,
developed through a private sector-led process (domestically
and internationally) in accordance with the National Institute
of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 271 et seq.), as in
effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this
subsection, which are the cornerstone of the United States
standardization system and serve as the basis for a sound
national economy and the key to global market access.
``(3) Strengthen the unique United States public-private
partnerships approach to advance United States interests in
standards development, as such is critical to United States
economic competitiveness.
``(4) In coordination with the heads of relevant Federal
agencies, ensure cooperation and coordination across Federal
agencies to partner with and support private sector
stakeholders regarding standards development for emerging
technologies.''.
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