A final shot of technological optimism from CES

With the help of John Handel

Dear readers — yes, we’ll be there on Saturday! This is the final installment of a four-day on-the-ground report from CES that has tracked the collision of federal policies, gadgets, and an evolving virtual future.

LAS VEGAS — BY-PRODUCTS FROM CHAOS IN HOUSE SPEAKERSHIP was able to reach the world’s largest consumer technology conference this weekend.

Here at CES, in a year when federal policy was at the forefront of the tech industry’s agenda, Congress punted its pivotal moment: Clearly outlining what the new Congress wants in innovation policy. Saturday’s panel aimed at bringing up three members who were due to attend was canceled due to late voting.

But Washington’s technology priorities in the new Congress were met late Friday afternoon by Senators Jackie Rosen (D-Nevada), Ben Ray Luhan (DN.M.), and Mark Warner ( D-Va.) laid out its priorities for 2023 during the competition.

Not surprisingly, much of the discussion focused on current policy issues such as cybersecurity, rural broadband access, and STEM education. But there was also a lot of talk about the future. Mr. Warner, in particular, expressed his big goals for technology in words that strongly reflected the opinion of the competition.Global future-oriented policy debate.

“Technology competition with China” will be a major priority in 2023, he said, particularly “with an eye on algorithms, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced engineering, synthetic biology … that competition is serious. we have to work on”. This will require innovation and investment. ”

Warner, a made-for-hire tech VC and entrepreneur, called the current tech downturn “just part of the normal cycle,” and urged attendees to broaden their horizons. They’re all driven by chips — this is a long-term strategy,” he says Warner. “Technology development and national security go hand in hand.”

Luján agreed to emphasize innovation and funding the volatile side of the industry. [of Energy]said Luhan. “The kind of research that’s going on in the world of quantum computing, applied science, AI, whenever there’s something good going on in those worlds… there’s someone in our national labs. [involved]”

Given the major Democrat victory in 2022 and the technical priorities of many bipartisans, the panel’s overall optimistic tone was not surprising. But much like the canceled congressional panel this morning, the specter of the House of Representatives looms over the general good vibes, at least when it comes to federal funding. severely condemned Criticizing CHIPS and Science Law for being financially irresponsible, this week agreed to make significant concessions to a financial hawkish Freedom Caucus member, ultimately helping him secure the presidency.

Another Washington emissary to Las Vegas this year: United States Postal Service.

USPS had a big presence on the CES floor this year, showcasing their next-generation delivery vehicles. Half of his 50,000 additions to the company’s fleet, announced in July, will be battery-powered electric vehicles. I took this opportunity to get behind the wheel of NGDV. It felt like I was in a mail truck. (Like many products on display at CES, we have some very interesting things going on. under Hood of NGDV)

They’re working behind the scenes as well. NGVD’s triumphant presence at CES is sort of a symbolic page turn after his year-long debate over the sustainability of the fleet, which includes 16 states. sue USPS Over initial plans to significantly reduce the number of battery-powered vehicles in the new fleet, at odds with the Biden administration’s move to electrify the USPS. Manufactured by Madison, Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Manufacturing, the NGDV is set to finally hit America’s roads in late 2023.

Tech companies are fans of free trade, One of the tech leaders at CES this week said a new Congress, especially House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s envisioned new House Select Committee on China, would try to slow the Biden administration’s protectionist moves. I hope that

as a DFD report on friday, Information Technology Industry Council CEO Jason Oxman has some concerns about the White House’s approach to separating US commercial interests from China. And he believes a new session of Congress is the perfect time to give these policies a more serious look and step on the brakes.

“What I fear is what is happening in the debates in the Biden administration.” Now, and in Congress, it’s a blend of national security and economic policy.

Of course, as Mark Warner pointed out on the CES stage, this mix of national security and tech policy is driving unprecedented domestic federal investment that benefits the tech industry, from chips to broadband. Oxman welcomes all of that, but also suggested that Congress should investigate policies to limit outbound investment and export controls put in place by the Biden administration. He denies security concerns. I don’t think so, but I think US policy is going further than necessary in that regard.

“This is where the administration should slow down.” Oxman asked congressional panels like the new China Selection Commission to assess what he sees as China’s vibrant emerging market and what it means to allow U.S. companies to work together. I asked

“Congress should make that decision if it restricts foreign investment,” he added. “That’s a good analysis for Congress to do.” — John Handel