{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-introduces-bipartisan-bill-establish-regional-innovation-hubs-strengthen", "Bell Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Establish Regional Innovation Hubs to Strengthen U.S. National Security and Accelerate Defense Technologies", "2026-02-03", "2026", "2026-02", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Wesley Bell", "B001324", "bell.house.gov", "bell", "https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, U.S. Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), and Mark Messmer (R-Ind.) introduced the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, directing the Department of Defense to create a nationwide network of regional hubs focused on accelerating emerging defense technologies.\n\nThese hubs would support talent development, technology transition, and collaboration among universities, defense partners, nonprofits, and local governments. By expanding innovation capacity and strengthening workforce pipelines, the bill reinforces U.S. national security and enables communities nationwide to contribute to the future of American defense.\n\n\u201cAt a time when our global adversaries are investing heavily in next-generation technologies, America must not just compete, but lead, in research, development, and innovation. That means building innovation capacity in regions across the country,\u201d said Rep. Bell. \u201cSt. Louis has already solidified its vital role in U.S. national security, and this bill ensures our region continues to drive that mission\u2014not get left behind\u2014as the race for technological dominance accelerates. We can strengthen our national defense while creating good-paying jobs, attracting new industry, and developing the strong, expansive workforce needed to keep America at the forefront of technological leadership.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs someone who represents one of the nation\u2019s most critical defense innovation regions, I know firsthand how important it is to move new technology from concept to capability as quickly as possible,\u201d said Rep. Messmer. \"The Defense Technology Hubs Act creates a clear pathway for the Department of Defense, industry, and research institutions to work together to accelerate emerging technologies that keep our warfighters ahead of threats to our national security. This legislation strengthens our defense industrial base, protects American innovation, and ensures the future of military technology is built right here in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Research Triangle is a world-renowned hub of research and innovation, and our workforce and institutions stand ready to lead the country\u2019s development of emerging defense technologies,\u201d said Rep. Ross. \u201cThis bill will not only strengthen our national security, but it will also reward American ingenuity and boost North Carolina\u2019s local economy. I\u2019m honored to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that will ensure the United States remains a global leader in technological innovation.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo keep our military ahead of new threats, we need to move technology from the lab to the field faster. The Defense Technology Hubs Act speeds up innovation, strengthens our defense industrial base, and better facilitates the development of critical technologies here in the United States,\" said Rep. Hudson.\n\nThe Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026 is supported by Greater St. Louis Inc.\n\n\u201cHome to Boeing Defense, St. Louis has some of the world\u2019s top talent and workforce, universities and innovation centers, and national defense leadership,\u201d said Ron Kitchens, Managing Director of Greater St. Louis, Inc. \u201cBy bringing all of these assets together in the spirit of collaboration, the Defense Tech Hub Bill will plant a flag in support of St. Louis\u2019 leadership on national security and drive economic growth for the region\u2019s future.\u201d\n\nRep. Bell is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a member of the House Defense Modernization Caucus.\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-15T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-15T05:48:27Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://bell.house.gov/media/press-releases/bell-introduces-bipartisan-bill-establish-regional-innovation-hubs-strengthen"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8461000397801399, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}