Nearly 200 engineers, scientists, and technology leaders, and executives from across the United States convened in Washington, D.C., on April 8–9 for the IEEE-USA Congressional Visits Day (CVD) 2025, a premier annual event designed to strengthen the dialogue between the technology community and federal policymakers. The two-day initiative, organized by IEEE-USA, provided a platform for participants to advocate for robust federal support of research, innovation, and science-driven policy, underscoring the critical role of engineering and technology in maintaining U.S. global leadership.
The event began with training sessions and policy briefings led by IEEE-USA’s legislative professionals, equipping attendees with the latest insights on technology policy and legislative priorities. On April 9, participants engaged in a series of meetings with congressional staff, sharing professional experiences and discussing the impact of federal investments in research and development, as well as key legislative initiatives. The event fostered a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging attendees to present personal stories, professional perspectives, and the importance of sustained investment in the nation’s innovation ecosystem to lawmakers.
Among the prominent voices at this year’s CVD was Vinod Goje, a recognized data engineer and thought leader specializing in distributed technology and artificial intelligence. Goje, who has developed scalable, highly available platforms and is known for his advocacy of ethical AI, participated in high-level strategic meetings with congressional staff. He provided expert opinion on the CREATE AI Act, and broader issues shaping the future of U.S. technology policy.
Speaking on the “Creating Resources for Every American to Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act” (CREATE AI Act), Vinod Goje stated, “CREATE AI Act helps level the playing field in data access and helps to ensure US global leadership in the future of AI.” The Act would permanently establish the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), a shared national infrastructure connecting researchers to computational data, software, and training models to advance AI research. The NAIRR aims to spur cutting-edge research, propel the strategic development of AI capabilities and democratize AI research by supporting capable but under-resourced researchers and enabling more Americans to collaborate on advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
Goje also advocated for continued federal investment in key technology research agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), and NASA. These agencies play vital roles in maintaining U.S. leadership in science and technology, supporting a complex ecosystem that relies on partnerships between industry, government, and academia.
The collaborative atmosphere of CVD 2025 underscored the importance of sharing firsthand experiences and technical expertise with policymakers. As participants highlighted, such engagement is crucial to ensuring that U.S. technology policy remains forward-looking and globally competitive. The event highlighted the ongoing partnership between industry, academia, and government in driving technological progress, with advocates like Vinod Goje underscoring the importance of equitable access and ethical leadership in the swiftly evolving field of AI.
