Sens. Portman, Bennet introduce legislation to bolster DoD’s AI strategy and capabilities

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced legislation last week designed to strengthen and improve artificial intelligence (AI) within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

The Artificial Intelligence and National Security Act proposes to strengthen the department’s AI strategy, standards, and capabilities. It would also hold that development accountable by requiring the DoD to update Congress on its development of standards in the defense industrial base, as well as opportunities to increase AI adoption throughout the DoD.

“As co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, I believe it is important that Congress demonstrates leadership in the field of artificial intelligence,” said Portman. “That’s why I’m pleased to support these bipartisan legislative initiatives to push the Department of Defense to be forward-thinking about their investments in AI and facilitate stronger civilian cooperation with DoD so that our military is equipped to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Both senators have stressed the importance of AI to security, with Portman labeling it essential and Bennet calling it critical.

“As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly critical, the United States must take steps toward incorporating artificial intelligence at all levels of our national security strategy and to set global standards for its development and implementation,” Bennet said. “This legislation will bolster our military’s AI capabilities by directing the Department of Defense to report to Congress on its strategy to set AI standards and strengthen the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s ties to the services.”

These same provisions of the Artificial Intelligence and National Security Act were also tacked on as two separate amendments to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.