Congress Should Renew the Bipartisan AI Task Force

Like any transformative new technology, artificial intelligence (AI) needs a high-quality governance regime, which can only be had through careful examination and broad Congressional support. Recognizing that need, the previous Congress, under the leadership of Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, convened a bipartisan AI Task Force to address this urgent and multifaceted issue. 

The purpose of the Task Force was to study the benefits and safety concerns of AI. Congressmen Lieu and Obernolte, the Task Force Co-Chairs, heard from multiple experts and stakeholders, all with the ultimate goal of “produc[ing] a comprehensive report that will include guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with committees of jurisdiction.” 

Yet despite the hard work and dedication of the Task Force members and staff, the final report was incomplete. Its conclusions were non-committal and high-level. Instead of making actionable, detailed policy recommendations, the report mostly kicked the can down the road. For example…

• “The report recommends the government actively monitor a portfolio of risks that could arise and prepare accordingly” (p. 159);
• “The Committees on Homeland Security, Judiciary, Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Science, Space, and Technology should explore these risks and consider legislation accordingly.“ (p. 161);
• “Congress should continue to monitor the use of predictive technologies to approve or deny care and coverage and conduct oversight accordingly.” (p. 219)

To be fair, reaching a crisp resolution on AI policy is quite hard. Divergent viewpoints on ethical boundaries, regulatory frameworks, technological implications, and the false dichotomy between innovation and safety all can make achieving consensus a Herculean task. 

Yet, the challenges in reaching definitive conclusions are precisely why the work of the AI Task Force must continue. The report, while imperfect, represents significant groundwork. The AI Task Force achieved something invaluable: it initiated a process of education and collaboration across party and jurisdictional lines, building a foundation of shared understanding. Task Force members and staff invested countless hours grappling with nuanced questions, engaging with leading experts, and developing an understanding of this rapidly evolving field. To allow that knowledge and momentum to dissipate now would be a grave mistake.

The new Congress has an opportunity to demonstrate vision and foresight by making the AI Task Force permanent. A standing committee or permanent task force would enable Congress to deepen its understanding of AI, monitor developments in real time, and craft policies with the benefit of accumulated knowledge and expertise. It would also allow members to build on existing relationships with stakeholders, including technologists, ethicists, and industry leaders, fostering a more informed and collaborative approach.

The future of AI governance demands continuity, expertise, and bipartisan commitment. The AI Task Force has shown that such an approach is possible. Let us not squander this momentum but instead solidify the Task Force’s role as a permanent fixture in Congress, equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities of AI with the diligence and foresight they require.