U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) on Sept. 26 introduced the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act, legislation that would help the United States improve its expertise in innovative technologies and increase its competitiveness.
If enacted, funding authorized under the bill would improve the use of AI across the federal government and direct federal agencies to include AI in data-related planning, according to the statement.
“While C-3PO isn’t yet a reality in today’s world, artificial intelligence certainly is,” said Sen. Gardner. “Our bill will bring agencies, industry, and others to the table to discuss government adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. We need a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges these technologies present for federal government use and this legislation would put us on the path to achieve that goal.”
The measure, S. 3502, also was introduced by U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Kamala Harris (D-CA). It was referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
“Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts for our country, economy, and society,” said Sen. Portman. “Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI.”
Sen. Schatz said the federal government must make the most of AI technologies so that the United States gains a global competitive edge in the industry. “This bill will give the federal government the resources it needs to hire experts, do research, and work across federal agencies to use AI technologies in smart and effective ways,” he said.
According to the statement from Sen. Gardner’s office, provisions included in the Artificial Intelligence in Government Act would expand an office within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to federal government agencies, conduct research on federal AI policy, and encourage agency and industry cooperation.
Additionally, the proposal would establish an advisory board on AI policy; direct the Office of Management and Budget to establish an investment strategy for using AI as part of the federal data strategy; and direct the Office of Personnel Management to identify AI skills and competencies, according to the statement.