U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) on March 22 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would make certain improvements to the enterprise-wide procurement of cyber-data products and services by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) for National Security Act, H.R. 1718, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), aims to ensure better security of DOD computer systems through AI-enabled cybersecurity programs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Obernolte’s office.
“Every day, America’s adversaries use automated systems powered by artificial intelligence in their attempts to break through America’s cyber-defenses and gain access to sensitive information and critical infrastructure, including networks and digital infrastructure at the Department of Defense,” Rep. Obernolte said on Tuesday. “It’s critical that we ensure the DOD has the ability to deploy AI technology to automatically detect and address threats to its networks and digital infrastructure, and that ability is currently unclear in statute.”
If enacted, H.R. 1718 would address current ambiguity in law regarding whether the DOD can procure AI-based endpoint security tools as part of its mission to improve cyber-defenses for its own systems, the summary says.
By clarifying and codifying the DOD’s ability to use AI in this defensive capacity, H.R. 1718 would ensure that the DOD can leverage innovative commercial technologies and invest in its cyber capabilities to prevent, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks, states the summary.
“As malicious cyberattacks grow in frequency, intensity, and sophistication, we need to ensure that our U.S. military has the tools needed to identify malign behavior and quickly protect our cyber-infrastructure,” said Rep. Panetta. “This legislation ensures that the Department of Defense is able to leverage rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology to respond to these kinds of cyberattacks and keep pace with the capabilities of our geo-political rivals.”
H.R. 1718 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.