U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on Dec. 14 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would facilitate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy opportunities.
“As we navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence in the 21st century, we must continue to increase our literacy in order to foster an informed public,” Rep. Bucshon said. “America must be ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow and this legislation is a positive step in ensuring the U.S. can lead and thrive in the digital age.”
The AI Literacy Act, H.R. 6791, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), would codify AI literacy as a key component of digital literacy and create opportunities to incorporate AI literacy into existing programs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I am proud to join Rep. Blunt Rochester in the introduction of the AI Literacy Act to help Americans build a foundational knowledge of the principles and applications of artificial intelligence,” said Rep. Bucshon.
H.R. 6791 would define AI literacy as the skills associated with the ability to comprehend the basic principles, concepts, and applications of AI, as well as the implications, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with it, the summary says.
The bill also would highlight the importance of AI literacy for national competitiveness, workforce preparedness, and the well-being and digital safety of Americans, states the summary, and would ramp up efforts to increase AI literacy in public elementary and secondary schools, in community colleges, in institutions of higher education, and by community institutions like nonprofits and libraries through competitive grants.
“Like any emerging technology, AI presents us with incredible opportunities along with unique challenges,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “By ensuring that AI literacy is at the heart of our digital literacy program, we’re ensuring that we cannot only mitigate the risk of AI, but seize the opportunity it creates to help improve the way we learn and the way we work.”
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology, AIandYou.org, the Information Technology Industry Council, the National Skills Coalition, the Society for Human Resource Management, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Intel Corp. are among the many entities that support H.R. 6791.