Issa Introduces Resolution to Designate November as National XR Month
WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50) today introduced a resolution to designate November 2022 as National XR Month. He was joined by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33) in introducing the resolution.
“XR” refers to emergent immersive technologies – including virtual reality – that allow the user to engage with digital content utilizing the most innovative audio and visual technologies. It is estimated that 23 million jobs will use XR by 2030, and the market for this technology may reach more than $450 billion.
“This technology warrants public recognition, and it’s time for Congress to raise awareness of XR because of its capacity to impact and improve all sectors of our society,” said Rep Issa. “Essential human services – including medical and mental – can be provided more efficiently, as surgeons, firefighters, police officers, and others train more safely and effectively by using high-detail, virtual scenarios. XR can also facilitate swift and accurate processes in manufacturing and logistics, and the students of tomorrow can benefit from multisensory learning that is not yet available in contemporary classrooms.”
“Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technology can improve how we teach our kids, train our workforce, deliver safer medical care, and so much more. As a Co-Chair of the Reality Caucus, I encourage everyone to join us in celebrating these opportunities and expand our thinking of how this technology can improve our lives during National XR Month,” said DelBene.
“The possibilities for mixed and virtual reality are endless and I want the United States to remain on the front lines of innovation,” Rep Lieu said. “A fourth industrial revolution is under way, and breakthroughs in emerging technology can potentially shift the future balance of economic and military power. It is in our economic and national security interest to lead the way in terms of emerging technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. There are so many potential applications for this technology including the delivery of health care and workforce training and development. I am pleased to join Rep. Issa and my colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate November as National XR Month.”
“The vast potential of virtual and augmented reality has already reached countless industries and displayed promise in untold fields. As we delve further into the 21st Century, Congress has an obligation to ensure these enterprising technologies are encouraged, rather than hindered.” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “That is precisely why I am proud to stand with my colleagues on this essential resolution, today. The next generation of America’s mixed reality workforce is waiting on the horizon, and I promise to provide these pioneers with my unwavering support and advocacy long into tomorrow.”
“National XR Month creates a special opportunity to raise awareness about immersive technologies and the important role they play in everything from education, healthcare, and entertainment, to manufacturing and retail. Countless numbers of innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs are helping to build this next major computing platform, making XR critical to our future,” said Elizabeth Hyman, the CEO of the XR Association. “We thank Rep. Darrell Issa and Rep. Suzan DelBene for their continuing leadership in the emerging technology space. They are helping to ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global innovation for decades to come.”
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Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 50th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and northeastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, San Marcos, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, El Cajon, Temecula, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015