This week Representatives Robin Kelly (R-Illinois)and Will Hurd (R-Texas) introduced a Congressional Resolution calling for the creation of a US National AI Strategy. Among other points, the Resolution states “Developing and using artificial intelligence in ways that are ethical, reduce bias, promote fairness, and protect privacy is essential for fostering a positive effect on society consistent with core United States values.” The Resolution also acknowledges the OECD Principles on Artificial Intelligence. The Bipartisan Policy Center has endorsed the Resolution, declaring “we must embrace AI while protecting our civil liberties, modernizing our workforce and education programs, and investing more in R&D.”
In 2018 Representatives Kelly and Hurd published ‘‘Rise of the Machines: Artificial Intelligence and its Growing Impact on U.S. Policy’’ following several hearings on artificial intelligence. They concluded that ‘‘the United States cannot maintain its global leadership in artificial intelligence absent political leadership from Congress and the Executive Branch.’’
The US AI National AI Resolution, which does not yet have legal force, emphasizes global leadership, a prepared workforce, national security, research and development, and Ethics, reduced bias, fairness, and privacy. The Resolution would not establish any new agency to regulate AI nor does it make clear which new obligations would exist for those who deploy AI systems. But the Resolution does provide a detailed outline of a US national AI strategy. The initiative is also significant because much of the US AI policy to date has been set by the White House, both the Obama and the Trump administrations. The AI Resolution signals an effort by Congress to become more active in the AI policy realm.
Also this week, members of the US National Security Commission on AI recommended new workforce initiatives, including the creation of a US Digital Services Academy, in testimony to the US Congress.
Marc Rotenberg, Director
Center for AI and Digital Policy at Michael Dukakis Institute
The Center for AI and Digital Policy, founded in 2020, advises governments on technology policy
