AI Training Act

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, artificial intelligence, or AI, is a term that applies to a wide variety of technologies. AI plays a role in applications to simplify our everyday lives by performing complex tasks.

Navigation apps, online banking apps, spam filters, and even asking Siri or Alexa who won the Presidents Cup in North Carolina this weekend all employ various types of AI technology. The Federal Government also uses AI to improve government services and efficiency.

While there are multiple executive orders and initiatives promoting the use of AI across the government, to date there has not been a collective effort to train Federal workers who identify, buy, and manage artificial intelligence capabilities.

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, established in the fiscal year 2019 NDAA, has called for the Federal workforce to be better trained on artificial intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, when you consider the technology race against nations like China, the stakes are very high. In fact, the commission noted in its final report that the competition for government adoption of artificial intelligence technologies will not be won by the side with the best technology, it will be won by the side with the best, most diverse, and tech-savvy talent.

The Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act establishes a government-wide training program for Federal workers responsible for AI program management and acquisition. This training will help ensure the consistent and safe procurement and use of AI products across the Federal Government.

Those purchasing and using AI systems in Federal agency missions and programs need to understand the limits of the technology's capabilities and the risks posed by potential misuse. The American taxpayers deserve nothing less.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Chairwoman Maloney working with me on the House companion bill for this legislation. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker I have no further speakers.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, artificial intelligence is proving to be a game-changing technology for nearly every sector of our economy. For instance, artificial intelligence helps farmers efficiently grow crops, scientists develop new materials, and weather forecasters predict hurricanes more accurately.

In the Federal Government, the Social Security Administration uses AI to determine benefit claims. Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act will be invaluable to the Federal approach to artificial intelligence.

Mr. Speaker, I, once again, encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2551), to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to establish or otherwise provide an artificial intelligence training program for the acquisition workforce, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2551, the Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act, sponsored by Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Peters and Ranking Member Portman. I am proud to have introduced the House companion to this bill with Ranking Member Comer.

The AI Training Act would require the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the General Services Administration, to develop and implement an AI training program for Federal workers whose jobs involve this technology, including acquisition and program management employees.

The program would educate employees on the science underlying AI, introductory concepts, potential benefits of the technology, and future trends. Importantly, the program would also cover the risks posed by AI, including discrimination and risks to privacy, and would teach Federal workers how to mitigate these risks.

To ensure that the AI technology procured and employed by the U.S. Government is reliable, safe, and trustworthy, it is critical that Federal workers involved in procurement and management of this technology are well-trained.

AI tools have become essential in the global race to solve societal challenges, protect national security, and remain economically competitive. At the same time, the algorithms that drive AI systems present new challenges to oversight and accountability efforts. So we need proactive approaches to ensure transparency and governance that preserves privacy and civil liberties and protects the public interest.

The training program would be updated at least every 2 years, ensuring it keeps up with the rapid evolution of this field.

I thank Ranking Member Comer for joining me in advancing this legislation to require specialized Federal workforce training in AI that will help ensure the responsible acquisition and use of this technology that will have long-term benefits to the Government.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 2551, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this side, and if the gentleman is prepared to close, then I am also prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Comer, for his help and assistance on this bill. We worked on it together.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of S. 2551, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on the following legislative measures. If I were present for roll call votes, I would have voted Aye for the following votes:

Roll 461, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 4900--SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022.

Roll 462, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 8466--Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces Act of 2022, as amended.

Roll 463, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 3470--End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act of 2022.

Roll 464, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 2551--AI Training Act.

Roll 465, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 958--Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act.

Roll 466, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 6965--Visit America Act, as amended.

Roll 467, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 7321--Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act, as amended.

Roll 468, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, House Amendment to S. 3662--Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act.

Roll 469, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 8888--Food Security for All Veterans Act.

Roll 470, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 2794--Supporting Families of the Fallen Act.

Roll 471, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, As Amended, H.R. 8446--Global Food Security Reauthorization Act of 2022, as amended.

Roll 472, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 8463--Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act.

Roll 473, September 29, 2022: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Certain Bills and Concur in the Senate Amendments on H.R. 8956, H.R. 6967, H.R. 8163, H.R. 4081, H.R. 6889, H.R. 1638, Senate Amendment to

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 142, S. 2551.

I ask unanimous consent that the Peters amendment, which is at the desk, be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.