Reschenthaler, Kuster Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Facilitate Simulation Technology Workforce Training
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) joined with Congresswoman Ann Kuster (NH-02) to introduce the Simulation and Innovation Machine for Up-Leveling the American Technology Economy (SIMULATE) Act. This legislation authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a nationwide training and certification program in simulation technology.
"By facilitating training opportunities in simulation technology, the SIMULATE Act will increase our nation's expertise and capability in this critical arena and strengthen our warfighters' ability to compete against our adversaries," said Congressman Reschenthaler. "Given the increasing national security threats posed by hostile nations like China, Russia, and Iran, this legislation is critical to ensuring we can maintain our global edge in technological innovation. Importantly, it will streamline DOD research and development, allowing our military to refocus resources where they are needed most. Ultimately, the SIMULATE Act will provide students with the tools they need to obtain good-paying jobs while also investing in the safety and security of our nation."
"In order for the United States to retain its competitive advantage in the 21st century and beyond, we must prioritize investments in our students and workers," said Congresswoman Kuster. "I am proud to join Rep. Reschenthaler in introducing this forward-looking bipartisan legislation to expand our simulation workforce and ensure American businesses have access to the top-quality talent they need to develop and thrive."
The SIMULATE Act authorizes funding to establish a training program that will graduate an average of 10,000 students per year in the field of simulation technology. The program will develop a comprehensive curriculum in simulation technology, use commercial-off-the-shelf simulation for the design process, advance skills and understanding of software tools, and incorporate the needs our national and economic security. Eligible entities for funding are institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and private sector organizations. This legislation will help facilitate technology innovation and private sector commercialization, increase the competitiveness of small- and medium-sized businesses, and provide students with greater access to higher-paying jobs.
Simulation technology reduces acquisition time, decreases lifecycle costs, including procurement and sustainment costs, and helps protect critical technologies like 5G and hypersonics from attack. Nearly 40 percent of DOD's budget goes toward operations and maintenance to ensure weapon system readiness. By reducing money spent on sustaining systems through increased utilization of simulation technology, our nation's military can invest more of its resources in new equipment and increasing fighting capacity.
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