National Commission on Robotics Act
Sponsored By: Representative Obernolte
Introduced
Summary
Would create a national Commission on Robotics to examine how robotics affects U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. It would sit in the Department of Commerce and produce expert recommendations for Congress and the President.
Show full summary
- Industry and research institutions would gain a formal forum to shape federal robotics strategy and foster investments and partnerships with government and academia.
- Workers and educators would see focused study of workforce incentives to attract robotics and related STEM talent.
- Policymakers would receive an interim report within one year and a final report within two years to guide law and funding choices.
- The commission would be 18 recognized experts appointed by congressional leaders and the President, and federal agencies must provide cooperation, liaisons, and access to research centers.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Create a national robotics commission
This bill would create the Commission on American Leadership in Robotics. The Secretary of Commerce would set it up within 30 days of enactment. The Commission would study robotics, U.S. competitiveness, and national security and would recommend actions to Congress and the President. It would file an interim report within one year and a final report within two years. The Commission would end 18 months after it files its final report.
How members are picked and governed
This bill would make the Commission an 18‑member body with appointments split between the President and congressional leaders. Appointments would be due within 45 days after the Commission is set up. If leaders fail to appoint, their authority expires and the Commission is reduced. Members would serve for the life of the Commission. The Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader would jointly name the Chair.
Staffing, consultants, and agency support
This bill would let the Commission hire an Executive Director and staff and set their pay under 5 U.S.C. 3161(d). The Commission would be allowed to hire experts and pay travel and per diem, but daily consultant pay could not exceed the Executive Schedule level IV daily rate. Federal agencies would have to provide information, detailees without reimbursement, and a Commerce liaison. GSA would try to provide excess space or the Commission could lease space if funds allow. The Commission could accept gifts of goods, services, and property but not money; gifts must be documented and avoid conflicts of interest.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Obernolte
CA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
VA • D
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Latta
OH • R
Sponsored 2/3/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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