Michael Kratsios will advance U.S. technological dominance and national security
WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today appeared before a Senate Commerce Committee hearing to introduce Michael Kratsios, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Today, I am privileged to introduce Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The OSTP Director advises the President on key “industries of the future,” including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and more. Indeed, Michael and I worked closely together on 5G and our telecommunications infrastructure when I served in my previous role as U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
Now, more than ever, emerging technologies present us with immense opportunities to maintain America’s global dominance. At such a critical time, we cannot afford to make policy errors here in Washington.
That’s exactly why we need a leader of Michael’s caliber serving in this vital role.
While AI has rapidly ascended to become one America’s most important policy priorities, Michael had the foresight to see this technology’s potential nearly a decade ago. And he has been working tirelessly on the issue ever since.
His impressive record of public service in the field of science and technology policy include his past service as Chief Technology Officer of the United States and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. In these roles and others, he coordinated public-private partnerships and served as the architect of national strategies on AI and quantum technologies.
After leaving public service, he served as Managing Director of Scale AI, helping it become one of the most valuable and well respected privately held AI companies in the world.
Michael’s research outside of the government provided the first quantifiable evidence of how banned Chinese technologies were still procured by state and local governments across the country. He also brought to light the significant risks posed by PRC-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes in American ports.
America must remain the world leader in scientific and technological innovation. Our national security, our liberty, and our prosperity depend on it. Michael understands this mission, and that’s why I wholeheartedly support his nomination. Thanks to my colleagues here today for giving Michael your careful consideration.
###