A prominent House Republican legislator is exploring the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) technology into the daily functions of the U.S. Congress.
House Committee on Administration Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., expressed his perspective on AI as a valuable tool that can enhance Congress’s efficiency and responsiveness. He acknowledged the dual nature of new technologies, highlighting both the significant advantages and inherent risks. Steil emphasized the importance of effectively managing these aspects during an interview with Fox News Digital.
The upcoming hearing, titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovations within the Legislative Branch,” aims to showcase the transparent utilization of AI within Congress while gathering insights on how various legislative entities like the Library of Congress and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) can leverage this technology effectively.
Steil’s committee, led by Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., has been issuing monthly reports since September focusing on AI integration strategies. The most recent report, released in December, outlined current applications of AI in the House of Representatives. These include AI-driven chatbots, automation tools for the Helpdesk, assistance in drafting constituent communications, emails, memos, and briefing materials.
Furthermore, AI is employed by House staff for internal research purposes and to facilitate grammatical enhancements in initial drafts of legislative bills and speeches, as indicated in the report.
Steil envisions additional opportunities for AI implementation, such as streamlining the GAO’s auditing procedures and enhancing constituent service capabilities for lawmakers. He emphasized the potential for AI to improve the oversight of taxpayer funds and optimize operational efficiency within the government.
The broader objective of the upcoming hearing is to explore ways to enhance government efficiency, particularly within Congress, through the strategic adoption of AI technology.
The House Administration Committee’s hearing on AI is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.
