Robotics Policy in Washington, DC

Key developments

Congressional Robotics Caucus

The Congressional Robotics Caucus was relaunched and expanded in 2025 as a bipartisan effort to educate members of Congress about the potential of robotics and its connection to artificial intelligence (AI). The caucus intends to serve a fundamental role in developing technology policies to ensure the United States remains a global leader in robotics and automation.

In a May 30, 2025 press release, the four Co-Chairs of the caucus issued the following statements:

Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA) said that the caucus “has opened [his] eyes to the promises and risks associated with the rise of robotics—whether enabled by artificial intelligence or not.”
Representative Bob Latta (R-OH) emphasized the mission of the caucus: "By educating our colleagues, supporting research and development, and encouraging public-private partnerships, the Robotics Caucus will help to foster innovation and support a workforce ready to lead in a rapidly evolving global economy."
Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) stated, “Robotics will be one of the most transformative forces of the 21st century,” spanning across industries, “from manufacturing and healthcare to agriculture and national defense, robotics—especially when paired with artificial intelligence—will reshape nearly every sector of our economy. The Congressional Robotics Caucus will ensure that Congress is equipped with the knowledge and tools to support innovation, safeguard our global leadership, and promote policies that reflect American values.”
Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) echoed these statements, adding that she has “seen firsthand how advanced technologies—like robotics—are key to driving U.S. competitiveness,” and highlighted the importance of advancing “bipartisan policies that support our workforce, strengthen American manufacturing, and secure our global leadership in robotics.”

Goals of the Congressional Robotics Caucus

Educate members of Congress and staff about robotics and raise awareness of the competitive landscape
Develop a national strategy to maintain US leadership in robotics and automation, while establishing international standards that reflect US values and promote a rules-based global order
Foster public-private partnerships to drive innovation and increase federal investment in research and development for academia and industry
Identify safety concerns and worker protections, ensuring a robust workforce prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy

At a glance: Caucus leadership and membership

Co-Chairs

Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA)
Representative Bob Latta (R-OH)
Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI)

Members

Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
Representative Russell Fry (R-SC)
Representative Laura Gillen (D-NY)
Representative Summer Lee (D-PA)
Representative Andrea Salinas (D-OR)
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
Representative Thomas Suozzi (D-NY)
Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS)
Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA)

Dear Colleague letter

In May 2025, a Dear Colleague letter was sent to all members of the House of Representatives, encouraging them to join the Congressional Robotics Caucus. The letter outlined the robotics landscape and emphasized the importance of increased research and development, innovation, and leadership across the field.

National Commission on Robotics Act

On February 3, Congressional Robotics Caucus co-chairs Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Bob Latta (R-OH), alongside Representative Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), introduced the National Commission on Robotics Act (H.R. 7334). This legislation aims to establish a national commission to provide policy recommendations to strengthen American leadership and competitiveness in the robotics and critical technology sectors. The act represents a bipartisan step towards American dominance in AI and robotics, while creating jobs, expanding domestic manufacturing, and supporting long-term economic growth.

National Security Commission on Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing

On March 17, 2026, the non-profit, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), announced the launch of the National Security Commission on Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing. The goal of the Commission is to ensure American superiority in the robotics industry by mastering the use of physical AI and automation to build U.S. manufacturing capacity and support national security.

The Commission’s co-chairs are SCSP President Ylli Bajraktari, Senator Tedd Budd (R-NC), and Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and it comprises individuals who represent robotics leadership and expertise across technology, industry, and academia. The four central pillars of the Commission are creating a national framework, securing a talent pipeline, setting strategic targets for robotics integration, and empowering the ecosystem to secure U.S. leadership and strengthen supply chains.

A final report on the Commission’s recommendations will be published in March 2027.

DLA Piper’s Principal Policy Advisor and Head of the AI Policy Practice, Tony Samp, is an official advisor to the Commission.

American Security Robotics Act

On March 17, Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) released their bipartisan legislation titled the American Security Robotics Act (H.R. 8189). The legislation would ban the federal government from procuring or operating robots, or other autonomous or unmanned vehicles, manufactured by foreign entities. The goal is to promote American dominance in robotics while protecting Americans’ data and national security.

Recent events

The Keys to Reshoring Manufacturing: A Skilled Workforce, Advanced Robotics, and a National Strategy

On December 10, 2025, the Congressional Robotics Caucus, in collaboration with the A3 Association for Advancing Automation and DLA Piper, hosted an event on Capitol Hill titled “The Keys to Reshoring Manufacturing: A Skilled Workforce, Advanced Robotics, and a National Strategy.”

The event featured a panel of industry leaders and demonstrations on topics such as robotics, AI, machine vision and imaging, motion control, motors, and other automation technologies. Three of the Congressional Robotics Caucus Co-Chairs – Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA), Representative Bob Latta (R-OH), and Representative Jay Obernolte (R-CA) – provided remarks.

Learn more

For more information, please contact Principal Policy Advisor and Head of AI Policy Tony Samp (Washington, DC),and Policy Advisor Michael Fleischman (Washington, DC).

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