DelBene, Pfluger, Blackburn, Warner Introduce Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Immersive Technology Leadership

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and August Pfluger (TX-11), and Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN) and Mark Warner (VA) introduced the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, legislation that would establish an advisory panel tasked with creating a national immersive technology strategy.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), collectively known as immersive technology (XR), allow us to blend the digital and physical worlds into one integrated experience. From automatically generated closed captions of live conversations for the hearing impaired to creating personalized, hands-on training modules for students, the benefits of XR are limitless.

Despite being home to some of the world's largest XR content and hardware producers, the U.S. lags behind other countries in creating a clear roadmap for applying them to commercial and personal use. Already, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China have strategies that allow them to embrace immersive technologies. The U.S. is relinquishing its role on the international stage to guide the creation of XR standards without a strategy.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be left behind in the burgeoning XR field," said DelBene, who serves as Co-chair of the Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Caucus. "As our world becomes increasingly technological, it is crucial that we prepare to compete effectively on the global stage while protecting our interests. This legislation will help us catch up to other global leaders and regain our foothold in creating national standards."

"Immersive Technology is an essential technological tool utilized by thousands of Americans, businesses, and our military for enhanced simulation and training capabilities. Recently, China has been aggressively investing in XR technology, posing a potential threat to our economic and national security interests," said Pfluger. "Our legislation will ensure the United States maintains global leadership through a national strategy in this emerging technology."

"We need to stay two steps ahead of our adversaries when it comes to applying immersive technology in American industries and stimulating economic growth," said Blackburn. "Our United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act would make certain we can compete with adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party and safeguard national security as virtual reality and augmented reality become more prevalent on the world stage."

"The global technology landscape is rapidly changing. In order to take full advantage of the possibilities of XR, remain competitive globally, and protect our national interests, it's crucial that we have industry and government leaders working together on the same page. This legislation will help to do just that by creating a national strategy for XR," said Warner.

The bill:

• Directs the Department of Commerce to create an advisory panel to advise the president on how to utilize XR in commerce, trade, and economic competitiveness, in consultation with relevant Congressional committees.
• Directs the advisory panel to study the state of XR and the effects of XR on our national security.

The legislation is endorsed by the XR Association and The George Washington University's Digital Trade and Data Governance Hub.

"Recognizing the growing impact of immersive technology on the economy and all sectors from healthcare and education, to manufacturing and national defense, countries around the world, including our global competitors, are enacting strategic initiatives to advance immersive technology," said Elizabeth Hyman, CEO, XR Association. "This legislation represents a pivotal moment for the U.S. to take the lead in propelling immersive technologies forward, fostering innovation and societal progress. Establishing this advisory panel will be instrumental in harnessing expertise and steering the industry towards a future where immersive technology delivers widespread benefits."

The full text of the legislation can be found here.