On Tuesday, a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence was launched by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson and Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. The Task Force, chaired by Representative Jay Obernolte and co-chaired by Representative Ted Lieu, aims to generate a comprehensive report with guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations, and bipartisan policy proposals in consultation with relevant committees.
Representative Obernolte, holding a master’s degree in AI from the University of California, Los Angeles, and being the founder of FarSight Studios, along with Representative Lieu, who studied computer science and political science at Stanford University, are well-suited to lead the Task Force. The members bring diverse expertise to the table, such as Representative Bill Foster’s experience in programming neural networks and Representative Don Beyer’s pursuit of a machine learning master’s degree.
Since the introduction of the ChatGPT chatbot by OpenAI in November 2022, global lawmakers have been grappling with the societal impacts of AI. While the White House and Senate have taken steps towards AI regulation, the House has faced delays, making the Task Force a significant advancement in AI legislation within the lower house.
The Task Force’s report is poised to influence future AI laws, given the necessity for approval from both houses of Congress. Task Force members, in discussions with TIME, highlighted their varied priorities and concerns regarding AI, including deep fakes, labor impacts, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the CREATE AI Act, which aims to establish a National AI Research Resource.
Maintaining technological superiority over China, preventing industrial espionage, and addressing existential risks posed by advanced AI systems are also key considerations for the Task Force members. While some emphasize the need to focus on existing harms and risks of AI, others stress the importance of preparing for potential future challenges.
Despite the challenges posed by partisan gridlock, members express bipartisan optimism about the Task Force’s potential to drive meaningful progress in AI legislation. The collaborative nature of the Task Force, comprising members from both parties and chambers, instills hope for productive outcomes in the near future.
