This week, Maryland Congressman John Delaney introduced the FUTURE OF AI Act that addresses Artificial Intelligence and its role in society. The bipartisan, first-of-its-kind legislation brings experts and policymakers together to study the implications of artificial intelligence, according to Delaney. The proposal plans to work on how the nation can ensure that AI is good for workers, good for businesses and good for society. Republican Pete Olson of Texas cosponsored the bill, while the Senate version of the bill was introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN).
"One of my biggest frustrations with Washington is that all too often policymakers and elected officials aren’t forward-looking," Delaney asserts. "We spend so much time debating the past, instead of looking at the future."
Delaney sees a need since globalization and technology have fundamentally changed the economy in recent decades. He also points out that the next wave of artificial intelligence and automation could be just as impactful. As the founder of the AI Caucus, Delaney is taking a leadership role in the effort to start a new conversation on these issues, because he feels there is a need to get proactive to make sure the country benefits as a whole.
The bill creates a new Federal Advisory Committee at the Department of Commerce comprised of experts and technologists from a variety of fields, as well as representatives from labor organizations and ethicists. The committee is tasked with looking at four key issues: fostering a climate of innovation and maintaining our global leadership on research, preparing the workforce, protecting privacy rights and making sure that AI is unbiased.
"AI is going to reshape our economy the way the steam engine, the transistor or the personal computer did," said Delaney. "As a former entrepreneur, I believe the impact will be positive overall. But big transformative changes will also require new solutions and new initiatives and we should start working now so that vulnerable people are not left behind."