House Speaker Mike Johnson is spearheading the formation of a formal “task force” aimed at delving into how the United States can maintain its competitive edge in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) while effectively managing the associated risks. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in navigating the transformative potential and complexities of AI technology.
“Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and our society, it is important for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to understand and plan for both the promises and the complexities of this transformative technology,” Johnson stated in a Monday morning announcement.
The initiative is bipartisan in nature, resulting from discussions between Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York. Johnson outlined that the task force would comprise House lawmakers with expertise in AI and representation from relevant committees of jurisdiction.
“Congress has a responsibility to facilitate the promising breakthroughs that artificial intelligence can bring to fruition and ensure that everyday Americans benefit from these advancements in an equitable manner,” remarked Jeffries, emphasizing the need for protective measures to safeguard the populace amidst the rise of AI.
Leading the task force as co-chairs are Representative Jay Obernolte, a Republican from California and the oversight subcommittee chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and Representative Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California who serves on the House Judiciary Committee’s internet subcommittee.
Both Obernolte and Lieu are active members of the House’s AI Caucus, demonstrating their commitment to AI-related issues within Congress.
While Johnson has yet to outline a definitive strategy for addressing AI, he has shown a proactive approach to familiarizing himself with the topic, including engaging in discussions with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Despite Congress’s efforts to grasp AI’s intricacies, legislative progress appears stagnant, with a plethora of bills introduced but none advancing to the House floor for a vote. Similarly, in the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s proposed AI legislative framework has seen minimal advancement since its announcement, reflecting broader uncertainties and disagreements within Congress regarding AI regulation and its potential impact on innovation.