Launching a Bipartisan Caucus to Lead in National Security

Today, Senator Bob Brinson, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, Representative Mike Schietzelt, and Representative Charles Smith announced the launch of the National Security Technology & Innovation (NSTI) Caucus in the North Carolina General Assembly. The caucus is a bipartisan, bicameral group focused on advancing the state’s leadership in emerging technologies critical to U.S. national security and economic competitiveness.

The launch of this caucus comes at a critical moment for our state. North Carolina ranks fourth in the number of active-duty service members, has the nation’s best business environment, and is home to top-tier universities. Meanwhile, North Carolina ranks 28th in defense-funded research and is among the lowest in the country in defense spending per capita.

The U.S. government is making generational investments to revitalize the industrial base, re-shore supply chains, and modernize national security and military capabilities. Capitalizing on this opportunity can create thousands of high-quality jobs today and ensure North Carolina is a leader in dual-use technologies that will power tomorrow’s economy.

The North Carolina Critical Technologies Alliance will work in close partnership with the NSTI Caucus to coordinate regular briefings from industry leaders, engagements with defense officials and experts, site visits across the state, and more — all in service of helping state legislators gain the access and insights needed to ensure North Carolina leads the way.

Thank you to all of the caucus co-chairs for your leadership. The North Carolina Critical Technologies Alliance, our members, and our partners across the state are behind you all the way!