Legislators Advocate for More AI Funding in 2025 Defense Bill

As the U.S. government contemplates the need for AI regulation and oversight, lawmakers are discussing the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) legislation and funding proposals into the fiscal year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to sustain the country's technological edge over global competitors like China.

“It would be absolutely merited to include AI proposals with the NDAA because I think it's broadly recognized the extent to which the United States can remain ahead in AI, research, development, commercialization,” Senator Todd Young said during a recent discussion at the Ronald Reagan Institute’s National Security Innovation Base Summit. 

Young is also a part of the bipartisan working group established last year by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to examine the possibilities and threats of AI. During the discussion, he stressed the need to work with relevant committees to adapt laws for AI, avoiding extensive legislation.

He suggested that lawmakers may need to authorize additional funding or reallocate existing funds to promote wider adoption and utilization of AI tools. This includes allocating more resources towards research and education to facilitate the effective use of emerging technologies.

House of Representatives Forms AI Task Force

In February, leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives announced the formation of a bipartisan task force to explore how Congress can ensure the U.S. continues to lead globally in AI innovation while considering appropriate guardrails to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have each appointed twelve members to the Task Force that represent key committees of jurisdiction and will be jointly led by Chair Jay Obernolte and Co-Chair Ted Lieu.

The Task Force aims to generate a thorough report comprising guiding principles, forward-thinking recommendations, and bipartisan policy proposals, crafted in consultation with relevant committees.