WASHINGTON — The House Science, Space and Technology Committee advanced two bills on June 26, 2026, targeting artificial intelligence. One bill codifies and renames the federal AI standards center, while the other puts the National AI Research Resource into statute.

The committee unanimously voted to advance the bill codifying the Center on AI Standards and Innovation. This bill renames the center as the Center for AI Security and Innovation (CAISI) and authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2032. The center was previously known as the AI Safety Institute under the Biden administration. Congress appropriated up to $10 million for the center for fiscal year 2026. The bill is sponsored by Representative Jay Obernolte, R-Calif.

Obernolte offered an amendment to increase the authorized funding level to $100 million per year but subsequently withdrew it. He also withdrew an amendment to remove a cap on the number of critical technical experts the center could hire. "Unfortunately, I acknowledge that it is not possible right now to know exactly how much money is required to allow CAISI to do its job," Obernolte said. He added, "I think when we finally get this bill ready for some floor action, we'll have a better idea of what the correct amount is." Committee Chairman Brian Babin supported increasing the funding level. "We should, however, ensure that we authorize CAISI in a manner that does not undermine future progress on the bill," Babin said. He added, "And I commit to working with the sponsors to ensure that we get that number right going forward."

The committee also voted 29-0 to advance a separate bill that puts the National AI Research Resource into statute. The National AI Research Resource was established as a pilot program in 2024. "The concern is that as those resources continue to increase, advanced AI research might only be done behind closed doors by large companies that have access to those resources," Obernolte said.

Representative Luz Rivas did not offer an amendment regarding data center impacts. "The majority threatened to pull the bill if I even offered this amendment," Rivas said. Chairman Babin stated that robust debate is encouraged but that offering an amendment does not guarantee its consideration or adoption. "It should never be assumed that by offering an amendment this idea will automatically be considered or adopted," Babin said.

The approved bills include requirements for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary guidelines for making federal data more accessible for training AI models. NIST is also required to establish a pilot program for developing voluntary resources to document AI models and a voluntary program to track AI vulnerabilities and flaws. Additionally, the bills direct NIST to support research and standards for determining the origin of digital content. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is called upon to expand AI education and workforce training programs, and to support training for developing a workforce capable of building trustworthy AI systems.