FAS Statement on Michael Kratsios’ OSTP Hearing
Yesterday, Michael Kratsios, the president’s nominee to be director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), repeatedly stressed his belief in the importance of continuing the United States’ historic leadership in science and technological innovation, and the goal of “ensuring that all Americans benefit from scientific and technological advances.”
Mr. Kratsios’ words, along with his track record and OSTP experience as U.S. Chief Technology Officer, offer encouragement that our community can continue to work constructively with him and the important office he would lead.
With so much at stake, we cannot afford to cede science and technological leadership or its underpinnings: foundational federal R&D investments, growing STEM talent pipelines, and the best scientific and technical expertise to support policymakers. Commitment to these things are the basis for a healthy and thriving society.
These ideas aim to advance the detailed policy solutions needed to foster public trust and implement fairness in the adoption of AI across diverse domains, from healthcare and government benefits to rural access, education, and worker protections.
The evidence is clear: algorithmic pay-setting is established in app-based work, and payroll/timekeeping failures show how software can produce systemic wage harm at scale
While a few states have taken steps to implement decision-making mechanisms for certain AI systems, too many leaders are simply accepting narratives about AI’s purported public benefit at face value – jumping to the “how” of AI implementation before thoroughly vetting potential systems and deciding whether they are appropriate to use at all.
When properly structured — with specific numeric targets, secured financial obligations, independent monitoring, and meaningful enforcement — CBAs transform data center deals into durable community partnerships.