McCarthy launching institute promoting US competitiveness in 'technological space race'

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wants to "propel" the nation in the “technological space race” through his new ALFA Institute.

“As we approach America's 250th anniversary, our nation faces an inflection point—with a new type of a technological space race underway,” he wrote in a founding letter on the institute’s website.

“Advancements in industries such as manufacturing, defense, energy, and artificial intelligence all have the power to propel our society forward,” he added.

“Yet they also see competitor nations, such as China, racing to secure the next breakthrough. For America to continue as the world's leading force for good, our government, private sector, and idea leaders must collaborate.”

ALFA Institute is described as an accelerator for policy and ideas. Its website said it is named after platform used by NASA to "push the limits of flight" to get man to the moon.

McCarthy said the institute will promote policies related to artificial intelligence, energy and resources, aerospace, advanced defense systems, health and biotechnology. It will also address competition with China, which launched an uncrewed lunar mission in May, according to CNN.

“This was one of my passions while serving in Congress — from standing up the first-ever bipartisan Select Committee on China to establishing a collaborative exchange between lawmakers and top research universities around issues like quantum computing and AI,” McCarthy stated.