Security Industry Association Applauds Senate Passage and Prioritization of U.S. Innovation and Competition Act

The bipartisan bill promotes U.S. leadership in technological advancements, including biometrics, artificial intelligence and robotics.  

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) commends the U.S. Senate for its passage of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (S. 1260), which significantly increases investment in research and development, education and training, supply chain security and the broader U.S. innovation ecosystem.

SIA previously expressed its strong support for the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act – formerly the Endless Frontier Act – when it was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.). Notably, the bill aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in critical technologies through research in key focus areas including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, high-performance computing, advanced computer hardware and software and robotics. Additionally, prior to passing in the Senate, the bill was amended to include “data storage, data management, distributed ledger technologies and cybersecurity, including biometrics” as key focus areas, an addition supported by SIA and proposed by Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).

“The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act promotes valuable investment in federal R&D in areas like biometrics, AI and machine learning – emerging technologies that have a robust array of applications in security and life safety,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “SIA has long supported U.S. and allied leadership in innovation and applauds Sens. Schumer and Young for their bipartisan leadership on this beneficial legislation.”

SIA is committed to promoting policies that support innovation in security and life safety technologies, and supports U.S. leadership in key technology areas, including biometrics. SIA recently sent a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris urging the administration and Congress to consider policies that enable American leadership in developing biometric technologies; issued policy principles that guide the commercial sector, government agencies and law enforcement on how to use facial recognition in a responsible and ethical manner; released comprehensive public polling on  support of facial recognition use across specific applications; and published a list of successful uses of the technology.  

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,100 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through learning and development, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.