Kratsios Calls Patchwork State AI Laws ‘Anti-Innovation’ at House Science AI Hearing
In a recent hearing before the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Michael Kratsios, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), discussed the Trump administration’s plans for artificial intelligence, focusing on international collaborations and regulatory approaches.
The hearing, held on January 14, highlighted the administration’s emphasis on AI as a central scientific priority since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. Kratsios outlined two key initiatives: “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan” and the Genesis Mission.
Winning the AI Race
This initiative aims to frame AI within the context of innovation, infrastructure, and international diplomacy. Kratsios referred to the Genesis Mission as a means to promote AI as a tool for scientific discovery, leveraging partnerships with the private sector to pool federal scientific data and advanced computing resources. The Department of Energy, along with its 17 national labs, leads this program.
Expanding Genesis
Kratsios indicated that the next step for Genesis is to include data from various government agencies, such as healthcare and the National Science Foundation, to enhance research capabilities. The goal is to expedite research processes that currently take years, aiming instead for durations of months, weeks, or even days.
International Collaboration
Recruiting international partners is also a priority. Kratsios noted that tech ministers globally have expressed interest in joining the initiative, emphasizing that working with allies is essential for maintaining the U.S.’s leading position in AI development.
Workforce Development and Education
Another significant goal for the OSTP is to expand AI talent in the workforce and education systems. Kratsios described the U.S. Tech Force initiative, which aims to attract AI and technology specialists to the public sector, with approximately 35,000 individuals already showing interest.
To improve AI literacy, the White House’s AI Education Task Force has partnered with over 200 companies and organizations to provide AI resources at no cost to students and educators.
Concerns Raised
During the hearing, members raised issues surrounding xAI’s chatbot Grok, which faced criticism for allowing users to create nonconsensual sexual images, including those involving minors. Concerns also arose regarding the impact of data centers on local communities.
In addressing worries about potential layoffs at agencies such as NIST, Kratsios stated that a thorough review of organizational structures is underway to enhance service delivery for Americans. However, Representative Suhas Subramanyam expressed disagreement on this matter.
Criticism of Executive Orders
Representative Zoe Lofgren criticized a recent executive order directing the Department of Justice to sue states with certain AI laws, labeling it as unconstitutional. Kratsios countered that requiring compliance with multiple state-level AI regulations could stifle innovation.
He emphasized that developing a sensible national policy framework is crucial, even as the executive order allows exceptions for child safety, data center infrastructure, and state procurement of AI technologies.
In conclusion, the hearing underscored the administration’s commitment to fostering AI development while navigating the complex landscape of regulation and innovation.
