WASHINGTON — The establishment of a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been announced by Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The task force aims to explore how Congress can maintain America’s leadership in AI innovation while considering appropriate guardrails to protect against existing and emerging threats.
Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries have appointed twelve members each to the Task Force, representing key committees of jurisdiction. The Task Force will be jointly led by Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36). Its objective is to generate a comprehensive report encompassing guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations, and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with relevant committees.
“Given the potential of artificial intelligence to rapidly reshape our economy and society, it is imperative for Congress to collaboratively comprehend and prepare for the opportunities and challenges posed by this transformative technology,” stated Speaker Mike Johnson. He expressed his satisfaction in announcing the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence alongside Leader Jeffries, emphasizing the importance of America’s continued leadership in this critical domain.
The Task Force, under the leadership of Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), will convene a bipartisan group of Members with expertise in AI and representation from pertinent committees. As Congress looks ahead, fostering innovation, preserving national security, and implementing necessary safeguards for the development of secure and reliable technology are paramount considerations.
“Artificial intelligence holds the promise of significant breakthroughs that can benefit society, and it is essential that Congress ensures equitable access to these advancements for all Americans,” remarked Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He expressed his support for the new Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, led by Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Jay Obernolte, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the rise of AI.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), appointed as Chairman of the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, acknowledged the responsibility bestowed upon him by Speaker Johnson. He highlighted the importance of keeping pace with the evolving landscape of AI innovations and emphasized the collaborative efforts of House Republicans and Democrats in formulating regulatory standards and congressional actions to ensure consumer protection and foster continued investment and innovation in AI.
Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36) expressed gratitude to Leader Jeffries and Speaker Johnson for establishing the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI, Lieu emphasized the necessity of ensuring that AI advancements benefit society while averting potential harms. He stressed the crucial role Congress plays in shaping the future of AI and underscored the bipartisan nature of the Task Force’s mission.
The membership of the Task Force includes a diverse group of representatives with expertise in AI and relevant committee jurisdiction:
- Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Chair
- Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Co-Chair
- Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48)
- Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-16)
- Rep. French Hill (AR-02)
- Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09)
- Rep. Michael Cloud (TX-27)
- Rep. Bill Foster (IL-11)
- Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02)
- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
- Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06)
- Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06)
- Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03)
- Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08)
- Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18)
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14)
- Rep. Michelle Steel (CA-45)
- Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11)
- Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07)
- Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51)
- Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15)
- Rep. Valerie Foushee (NC-04)
- Rep. Rich McCormick (GA-06)
- Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07)
