Amo Advocates for Rhode Island’s Blue Economy, Slams Budget Cuts to Science
Congressman Amo with the team at Jaia Robotics at their headquarters in Bristol, Rhode Island
Congressman toured Bristol-based Jaia Robotics and their work to democratize aquatic data collection and advance our defense capabilities
Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) visited Jaia Robotics, an innovative East Bay start-up that is developing new underwater drone technology. As a member of the House Committee on Science Space and Technology, and the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Environment, Congressman Amo has been a steadfast supporter of investments in research, technology, and manufacturing that increase jobs and grow the Blue Economy in Rhode Island’s First Congressional District.
“As the Trump administration and DOGE turns their backs on innovation and scientific research across our country, I’ll continue to promote groundbreaking work in Rhode Island that grows our Blue Economy and benefits coastal communities,” said Congressman Gabe Amo, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment. “During my visit to Jaia’s facility in Bristol today, I learned about the cutting-edge aquatic data that they’re able to collect through underwater drones and how those drones can be used to increase our national defense capabilities. We must keep going — enhancing dual-use marine monitoring and deployable capabilities while accelerating our efforts to understand the ocean in a cost-efficient and comprehensive manner.”
“Jaia Robotics is delighted to host Congressman Gabe Amo at a time when the rapid acceleration of affordable autonomous systems is crucial to meeting the needs of our war fighters. Congressman Amo’s active support for Jaia and other blue tech companies in the Southeastern New England area is vital in securing the necessary funding to bolster our defense capabilities,” said Ian Estaphan Owen, CEO and Co-Founder of Jaia Robotics. “We deeply appreciate Congressman Amo’s bipartisan efforts to ensure Congress recognizes the availability of cost-effective, rapidly deployable solutions. These solutions can provide the US Army and Marines with the capability to ensure safe littoral maneuver operations and deliver overwhelming mass to counter threats from our adversaries.”
BACKGROUND
Jaia Robotics is company working to develop low-cost, ultra-portable, high-speed aquatic drones that can be deployed in multi vehicle pods. The JaiaBot aquatic drones can be used for point or wide area data collection and payload delivery. Their ultraportable design allows them to be launched from virtually anywhere, including surf zones, riverbanks, docks, or watercraft. These drones can be used to improve our defense capabilities and to gather collection for environmental efforts.
On February 4, 2025, Congressman Gabe Amo announce a new leadership role on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Environment. This subcommittee has jurisdiction over research at the Environmental Protection Agency, environmental standards, and climate change research and development, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which administers the National Weather Service. During his time on the committee, Congressman Amo has advocated for Rhode Island’s Blue Economy through a district-wide tour of stakeholders — from marine manufacturing companies to offshore wind training programs to leading experts in ocean research and academia.
Congressman Amo is a steadfast supporter of expanding Rhode Island’s footprint in the development of underwater vehicles. During his Blue Economy of Rhode Island’s First District last year, Congressman Amo visited VATN Systems in Portsmouth to witness a live demonstration of one of their autonomous underwater vehicles.
On June 27, 2024, Congressman Amo offered two amendments to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025 that were added to the bill. These amendments support and encourage Rhode Island’s premier defense manufacturers like VATN Systems in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Composite Energy Technologies in Bristol, Rhode Island — national leaders in developing underwater drones for the United States Navy.
In the 118th Congress, Congressman Amo introduced the Blue Economy and Innovation Act. This bill would authorize and codify National Science Foundation ocean science activities and support federal grants for:
- Supporting transdisciplinary research to advance the understanding of ocean science and ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters.
- Developing, piloting, and deploying innovative technology to address challenges that affect ocean science and ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters.
- Expanding the scientific workforce capable of studying or managing ocean science or ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters.
- Repairing, maintaining, or upgrading research instrumentation or infrastructure related to ocean science or ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes waters.
Additionally, the bill would clarify that grantees may partner with Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs, including Rhode Island’s Ocean Tech Hub.
