U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) on Jan. 20 unveiled a bipartisan bill that would expand access to artificial intelligence (AI) training, research, and good-paying jobs for workers, students, and communities across the country.
The congressman cosponsored the Expanding AI Voices Act, H.R. 7158, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-NC) to ensure rural communities, students at under-resourced schools, and first-generation college students have a fair shot to contribute to America’s growing AI economy.
“Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how Iowans work, learn, and live,” Rep. Nunn said. “To make sure this technology strengthens our workforce, AI policy must focus on opening doors — not replacing workers or concentrating opportunities at elite universities.”
If enacted, H.R. 7158 aims to strengthen U.S. capacity and workforce development in AI fields by expanding training and research resources across a wider range of institutions — prioritizing those in rural communities.
Specifically, the bill would codify and expand the National Science Foundation’s ExpandAI program to support AI capacity-building projects at under-resourced institutions, and prioritize participation by institutions not ranked in the top 100 for federal R&D spending, as well as historically black colleges and universities.
Additionally, H.R. 7158 would support workforce development through faculty recruitment, bridge programs for post-baccalaureate students, access to computing and data resources, and hands-on training workshops.
The bill also would direct targeted outreach to expand participation by first-generation students and populations historically underrepresented in STEM, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Nunn’s office.
“As AI rapidly transforms our economy and society, Congress must ensure that working Americans and communities across the country can participate in and benefit from the jobs and opportunities that AI creates,” said Rep. Foushee. “I thank Congressman Nunn for joining me in introducing this bill, and I look forward to moving it through the House Science Committee and beyond.”
H.R. 7158 has garnered support from both Google and IBM.