The Act would designate an Advisory Panel of Federal, Civil Society, and Industry leaders to Lead the Growth, Application and Use of XR
December 11, 2024 – Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and August Pfluger (R-TX), along with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Warner (D-VA), introduced the bipartisan, bicameral “United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2024.” The legislation would establish an interagency advisory panel comprising government officials and non-government stakeholders from academia, civil society, and the private sector. The advisory panel would be responsible for promoting the development, deployment and adoption of augmented, virtual and mixed reality (“XR” or “immersive technology”) in the U.S.
The bill marks a significant step in advancing immersive technology since the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022 designated XR as a key technology focus area. Under the Act, the Secretary of Commerce would be designated a principal advisor to the President on immersive technology strategy and deployment and oversee the advisory panel.
“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 of the 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.”
“We cannot allow ourselves to be left behind in the burgeoning XR field,” said Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01), 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.”
Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that most civilian federal agencies use immersive technology to train employees and improve agency processes, with many planning to expand their use in upcoming years. The Leadership in Immersive Technology Act joins the more than 25 bills introduced during the 118th Congress recognizing XR’s potential as a tool to increase efficiency and meet challenges across a wide range of issues.
The new bill acts as another important step in ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in innovation and technology. The U.S. has lagged behind other countries in establishing a national strategy regarding immersive technology. XRA continues to work with industry and policymakers to advocate policies that maintain the United States’ competitive advantage and support the industry’s growth.
“We are at an important moment in the race for global technology dominance, and the U.S. needs to make sure it remains at the forefront of all emerging technologies. But immersive tech has not received the strategic attention needed,” said Joan O’Hara, XRA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy. “The XR Association has worked closely with lawmakers to ensure XR is recognized as a significant, transformative technology. In addition to its specific applicability across so many sectors, XR will be the foundation for the future of the Internet and personal computing. We welcome the introduction of this bill, and applaud its sponsors for their foresight.”
XRA strongly encourages Congress to pass the “United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2024” and will continue to advocate on behalf of its member companies to advance the growth of the industry. For the full bill text, see here.
ABOUT THE XR ASSOCIATION
The XR Association promotes the dynamic global growth of the XR industry, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed-reality, and future immersive technology. XRA is leading the way for the responsible development and adoption of XR by convening stakeholders, developing best practices and research, and advocating on behalf of our members and the greater XR industry.
The XR Association represents the broad ecosystem of the XR industry including headset manufacturers, technology platforms, component and peripheral companies, internet infrastructure companies, developers, enterprise solution providers, and corporate end-users. The founders of XRA are Google, HTC Vive, Microsoft, Meta, Samsung, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. To learn more about XRA membership, visit xra.org/joinus.
