A bill recently proposed by U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) would establish a bipartisan, bicameral commission to study how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the American economy toward developing consensus-driven policy recommendations for Congress.
“Artificial intelligence will reshape every sector of our economy, and Congress has a responsibility to prepare for those changes,” Rep. Obernolte said on Tuesday. “This legislation brings together experts and lawmakers to develop clear, actionable recommendations to strengthen our workforce, support American workers, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in innovation.”
Rep. Obernolte on April 16 sponsored the Economy of the Future Commission Act of 2026, H.R. 8345, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) to establish in the legislative branch a commission to develop consensus legislative recommendations addressing economic changes caused by the adoption of AI that would be known as the Economy of the Future Commission.
The commission would deliver an interim report within seven months outlining projected impacts of AI on jobs and the economy, followed by a final report within 13 months with legislative recommendations on workforce reskilling, tax policy, unemployment insurance, and long-term economic growth.
Additionally, the commission would evaluate workforce development, education systems, federal AI adoption, and strategies to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“I’m constantly hearing from young people who are absolutely terrified that AI will take their jobs and make their degrees irrelevant,” said Rep. Jacobs. “That’s why we need to understand whether these fears are well-founded, how and when AI will reshape the labor market, and what we must do now to prepare workers and students for the future.”
The bipartisan H.R. 8345 is the companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
“American dominance in AI is a matter of both economic and national security,” said Sen. Rounds. “America’s workforce must be equipped to lead the transformation of the economy happening due to AI. This commission would help keep America ahead of our global competitors and keep America prosperous and innovative.”