The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 22 advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) that would prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting United States artificial intelligence (AI) and other enabling technologies.
The Enhancing National Frameworks for Overseas Critical Exports (ENFORCE) Act, H.R. 8315, which Rep. McCaul introduced on May 8 with three original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Susan Wild (D-PA), now moves to the full chamber for consideration.
“AI will permeate every facet of our economy and military, serving as a bedrock upon which our prosperity and security will rest,” Rep. McCaul said in remarks prior to the committee’s vote. “That’s why safeguarding our most advanced AI systems, and the technologies underpinning them, is imperative to our national security interests.”
The congressman also underscored the importance of protecting the nation’s most sensitive technologies from falling into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which he said seeks to enhance its surveillance state and war machine.
“AI has created a technology revolution that will determine whether America remains the world’s leading superpower, or whether it gets eclipsed by China,” the lawmaker said. “These technologies can be used to safeguard democracy, or they can be used for surveillance and oppression.
“We must understand that whoever sets the rules on its application will win this great power competition and determine the global balance of power,” added Rep. McCaul.