Letter in Support of the “The Future of AI Innovation Act”

Dear Senators Cantwell, Young, Hickenlooper, and Blackburn,

On behalf of the Center for Data Innovation, we are writing to express our support for the “The Future of AI Innovation Act.”

This legislation lays out a proactive agenda to foster responsible AI development and deployment in the United States. Notably, the bill would formally establish the AI Safety Institute, create AI testbeds to evaluate AI models, establish challenges to spur technological advancements, increase the availability of public data, and promote international cooperation on standards, research, and development. These steps lay the groundwork for scientific discoveries, technological progress, and innovative solutions that have the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society. For example, the AI testbeds will support partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders to develop new materials to support advanced manufacturing, thereby bolstering U.S. competitiveness. In addition, funding the development of new datasets for AI, supporting bilateral and multilateral AI research collaborations, and launching a study on barriers to AI innovation keep the legislation rightly focused on promoting AI-enabled innovation.

The legislation also demonstrates a commitment to understanding and mitigating the potential risks associated with AI systems by providing Congressional authorization for the AI Safety Institute, including its director and full-time staff. Continuing the excellent work conducted to date by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) will allow the United States to stay at the forefront of global conversations on safe and responsible AI. Importantly, this legislation directs the AI Safety Institute to establish a mechanism for tracking and sharing data with allies on AI incidents and vulnerabilities.

The United States is the global leader in AI, but it faces serious challenges from competitors abroad, including China. While more work will be necessary to address additional challenges, such as access to computing resources, workforce development, and widespread adoption of AI by both the public and private sectors, by providing these additional resources, safeguards, and avenues for collaboration, the Future of AI Innovation Act positions the United States to retain its early advantages in AI development.

We look forward to working with you as this critical piece of legislation moves forward.