The AI roadmap encourages at least $32 billion to be allocated in non-defense AI innovation, but is light on calls for specific regulations as part of the guidance released.
The 31-page document comes after months of closed-door AI Insight Forums convened by Schumer that invited experts and stakeholders — including tech CEOs, civil rights leaders and researchers — to discuss benefits and risks of AI with senators. Schumer worked alongside Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to put the AI guidance together.
The proposed $32 billion in funding by 2026, one of the most direct details in the guidance, comes from a spending level proposed by the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The recommended funding goals aim to boost U.S. innovation on AI to maintain global competitiveness.
But the roadmap seems to sidestep making any calls for new laws to regulate AI, as some lawmakers and advocates have been calling for. The roadmap’s priorities include ensuring the enforcement of existing laws for AI and encouraging committees in Congress to work in considering new ones.
“After talking to advocates, critics, academics, labor groups, civil rights leaders, stakeholders, developers, and more, our working group was able to identify key areas of policy that have bipartisan consensus. Now, the work continues with our Committees, Chairmen, and Ranking Members to develop and advance legislation with urgency and humility,” Schumer said in a statement.
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
