Newly enacted measure seeks to bolster AI capabilities

U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) are touting the recently signed Advancing American AI Innovation Act, which they said would bolster the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

The legislation signed into law in accordance with the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) creates a Department of Defense (DoD) pilot program establishing artificial intelligence (AI) data libraries focused on developing AI intelligence software and technology while ensuring private companies have access to accurate data to meet DoD needs better.

“The United States cannot take its Artificial Intelligence leadership for granted,” Portman said. “We must fully utilize the public, as well as private sector, to synchronize and develop our AI capabilities across the transportation, health care, manufacturing, and national security policy spaces. I am pleased that the Advancing American AI Innovation Act was signed into law as part of the FY 2022 NDAA, as it will assist in facilitating this critical public-private partnership.”

The legislation is based upon a National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) recommendation determining highly skilled technologists working in government are regularly denied access to software engineering tools.

“I’m pleased that our bipartisan legislation that will enable small businesses to develop artificial intelligence software and technology, in partnership with the Department of Defense, was included in the national defense bill,” Rosen said. “The AI field is rapidly evolving and has significant implications for national security. By creating these AI data libraries, we can provide companies tools and information to better develop AI software and technology in line with the needs of the Department of Defense.”