The Science and Technology Action Committee (STAC), a non-partisan alliance of non-profit, academic, foundation and business leaders advocating for greater focus and funding of science and technology, issued the following statement on the release of a bipartisan road map on AI policy.
The release this week of a road map on AI policy comes not a moment too soon. With the technology advancing at an exponentially increasing rate, it’s clear U.S. leadership will be critical to harnessing its full potential.
We commend the bipartisan group of senators for developing a set of recommendations for AI policy — including calling for $32 billion in annual spending on AI research and development — and urge lawmakers in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to quickly pass much-needed legislation that follows the guiding principles set forth in this document. Given China’s desire to dominate in all science and technology fields — particularly AI — Congress must bring all resources to bear in order for the U.S. to maintain its global lead.
It’s notable that the senators call for fully funding the CHIPS and Science Act, which remains vastly underfunded. Specifically, the lawmakers request funding important programs and initiatives within the National Science Foundation and the Departments of Commerce and Energy. Funding these areas is essential to U.S. competitiveness in AI — and in the broader science and technology field.
Nearly two years after its passage, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act remains a remarkable accomplishment. However, by not funding the law at the levels Congress authorized, lawmakers are leaving behind pieces of the legislation that are vital to both its success and U.S. competitiveness — including the innovation race with China.
The ambitious goals set forth in the AI road map and CHIPS and Science Act are paramount to ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader on the key innovations, technologies and scientific breakthroughs that will power the future — and guarantee our national security. We look forward to working with Congress on these critical policies.