Rep. Glenn Ivey Questions Commerce Sec. Lutnick on Science Cuts and Quantum Computing

Concerns Over Budget Detail and Small Business Impact

• 📌 Representative Ivey emphasizes the critical need for detailed budgets, drawing a parallel to a CEO's demand for thorough information in corporate decision-making.
• ⚠️ He highlights the precarious situation of small businesses, stating they are "up against the wall" and at risk of closure due to economic pressures, urging attention to their plight.
• ⏳ The resolution of trade issues, particularly tariffs, is seen as urgent for these struggling businesses, with July 9th mentioned as a key date.

NIST Funding and Innovation Concerns

• 🔬 Ivey expresses concern over a proposed $325 million reduction to NIST in the "skinny budget," questioning the source of these cuts.
• 💡 He cites industry leaders' concerns that downsizing NIST or eliminating initiatives could jeopardize American leadership in AI and quantum computing.
• 🚀 The importance of NIST's work is framed as a direct investment in American innovation, competitiveness, and global technological leadership.
• ⚠️ A warning is issued that cutting NIST's work, especially in cyber and quantum, is ill-timed given the critical nature of these fields for US competition.

Quantum and AI Competition

• 🎯 Ivey stresses the need for "all hands on deck" in the quantum competition, highlighting it as a critical time for the United States.
• 🚫 He questions the justification for any cuts to NIST, particularly in areas like quantum and AI, given their strategic importance.
• 💰 The Secretary notes that while there are no cuts in quantum or AI specifically, older programs are being re-examined to reallocate funds more effectively.

Tariffs and Domestic Manufacturing

• 🇺🇸 The discussion touches on tariffs, with the point made that businesses that "build in America" are protected by them, benefiting domestic small businesses.
• 📊 It's noted that not all businesses build in America, implying a distinction between domestic manufacturers and importers.