A bipartisan bill cosponsored on April 18 by U.S. Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) seeks to maintain America’s leadership in the global race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
“One of my top priorities for federal AI policy is to ensure these technologies are developed in a manner that reflects our democratic values and supports innovation continuing to flourish in the United States, and this bill represents an important step forward in that effort,” Sen. Young said.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024, S. 4178, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), would authorize the U.S. AI Safety Institute at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to promote the development of voluntary standards, and would create test beds with the National Laboratories to accelerate AI innovation that benefits economic growth and national security in the United States.
“The Future of AI Innovation Act encourages coordination between the U.S. government and industry to capitalize on the promise of AI to revolutionize our lives,” said Sen. Blackburn. “The bill… would also require the identification of regulatory barriers to AI innovation and strengthen our national posture in standard setting bodies — making sure the government helps, rather than hinders, technological advancement.
“These policies,” she added, “will help us use AI to find solutions for important issues facing Americans today, including detecting fentanyl and illicit contraband and improving border security.”
If enacted, S. 4178 would also create Grand Challenge Prize Competitions to spur private-sector AI solutions and innovation aimed at overcoming barriers to the further development of AI and computing, microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and other economic priorities like breakthroughs in maritime vessel propulsion systems and border security, including fentanyl and illegal drug detection, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
“The Future of AI Innovation Act is critical to maintaining American leadership in the global race to advance AI,” said Sen. Young. “This bipartisan bill will create important partnerships between government, the private sector, and academia to establish voluntary standards and best practices that will ensure a fertile environment for AI innovation while accounting for potential risks.”
Sen. Cantwell added that the bill will ensure that the U.S. leads on AI for decades to come. “It will lay a strong foundation for America’s evolving AI tech economy for years to come,” she said.