Despite bipartisan interest in AI, mass disagreement about methods ensures partisan divide on AI issues
Fehner and Shapanka 2023. Holly Fechner Partner, Covington & Burling LLP. Matthew S. Shapanka Special Counsel, Covington & Burling LLP. “U.S. Artificial Intelligence Policy: Legislative and Regulatory Developments” October 20, 2023. <https://www.cov.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2023/10/us-artificial-intelligence-policy-legislative-and-regulatory-developments#layout=card&numberOfResults=12> Accessed 7/27/24. ARJSH
Despite the strong bipartisan interest in AI regulation—as well as support from leaders of major technology companies, and the general public—passing comprehensive AI legislation remains a challenge. No consensus has emerged around either substance or process, with different groups of members developing their own versions of AI legislation through different procedures. In the House, a bipartisan bill would punt the issue of comprehensive regulation to the executive branch, creating a blue-ribbon commission to study the issue and make recommendations. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) convened a bipartisan working group that includes Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Todd Young (R-IN). They are leading a novel process for developing AI legislation that involves “AI Insight Forums,” closed-door sessions with Senators and key stakeholders. The Forums are designed to educate Senators as a mechanism to lead to consensus outside of the normal congressional committee process. Other Senators, including Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law Chair Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ranking Member Josh Hawley (R-MO) have announced their own legislative framework informed by the traditional committee process. Without an emerging consensus, the future of comprehensive AI legislation remains uncertain. At the same time, however, more than a dozen bipartisan bills have been introduced on a range of specific AI-related topics in both chambers of Congress. Targeted legislation introduced so far includes bills to promote U.S. leadership in AI R&D, protect national security, compel disclosure of AI use, secure U.S. elections from deepfakes and other AI-generated misinformation, address the impact of AI on U.S. workers, and help the federal government leverage AI to deliver services. With bipartisan support and widespread interest in AI issues, it is likely that at least some targeted AI legislation could become law in the near future.