In a concerted effort to advance the development and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the National AI Commission Act. The bill aims to establish a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Commission that would provide guidance, recommendations, and oversight on AI-related matters. The legislation is a joint effort by Representatives Lieu, Buck, Eshoo, and Senator Schatz, demonstrating bipartisan support for fostering AI innovation while addressing potential concerns.
“AI is revolutionizing society but also has the potential to inflict significant harm if left unchecked,” said Representative Lieu. He emphasized that the legislation intends to bring together experts from various domains, such as civil society, government, industry, and labor, to guide AI regulation. The proposed commission will not only review the current approach to AI regulation in the United States but also develop a risk-based framework for AI, ensuring that American technological progress is safe and responsible.
Balancing progress and safety: The role of the National AI Commission
AI, while holding enormous potential for individual growth and economic advancement, also poses significant risks. Representative Buck highlighted the potential security risks that unchecked AI development could bring, necessitating Congress’s intervention in this emerging field. The Commission aims to address these concerns by developing long-term strategies that align AI governance with democratic values and ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of AI innovation.
Senator Schatz echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for responsible utilization of AI technologies. In addition, Representative Eshoo, Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, added that the National AI Commission Act represents an essential step to understanding how to regulate AI and establish necessary safeguards as AI proliferates across society.
The proposed National AI Commission Act has garnered widespread support from various quarters. Notable figures like Merve Hickok, President of the Center for AI and Digital Policy; Gary Marcus, Professor Emeritus at New York University; and Dr. Divyansh Kaushik, Associate Director of Emerging Technologies and National Security at the Federation of American Scientists, have all endorsed the initiative.
The Act has also gained backing from advocacy organizations such as Public Citizen and EqualAI and AI-focused organizations like AIandYou.org and the Future of Life Institute. They have also lauded the legislation’s commitment to inclusivity, safety, and the need for protective guardrails as AI continues to evolve and impact various facets of society, including students, workers, and the elderly.
