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Minibus Boosts Funding for Key Tech Agencies, Programs House passes approps bill boosting funding for NIST, NAIRR, BIS On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed legislation providing increased funding for key federal agencies and programs developing tech policy. Included in the funding bill is a major increase in appropriations for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The bill also provides $30 million in new appropriations for the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), a shared national research infrastructure that provides researchers and students with access to computational resources, datasets, and support for research on artificial intelligence. “Budgets are a statement of priorities, and what’s clear from this new funding is that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are prioritizing American leadership on AI,” said ARI President Brad Carson. “Developing new standards for AI risk evaluation, clamping down on chip smuggling, and expanding the pool of researchers able to drive AI innovation all require federal support. By funding research that will keep the U.S. at the global forefront of AI, this investment plants a seed that will grow a forest.” Last year, ARI led a coalition letter supporting increased NIST appropriations signed by two dozen advocacy organizations, academic institutions, and AI companies. ARI has also advocated for increased funding for BIS and for NAIRR. The FY2026 appropriations bill for Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies increases funding for NIST to $1.85 billion—up from $1.16 billion last year—and allots up to $55 million for NIST's AI research and measurement efforts. The bill also provides a 25 percent boost for BIS funding, increasing agency funding to $235 million for the coming fiscal year. Reports indicate the underfunding of BIS has contributed to the widespread smuggling of export-controlled American chips into China. ### Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy advocacy in the public interest, focused on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Learn more at ARI.us.
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