The Bipartisan Congressional AI Task Force Report Deserves Our Support
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

The U.S. House of Representatives AI Task Force, consisting of 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats, released their 273-page report in December. In it they highlighted their approach to achieving responsible AI innovation while considering appropriate guardrails for our nation against current and emerging threats. The task force’s co-chairs, Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) delivered their bipartisan report to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on December 17.

MACNY supports the following recommendations included in the task force report:

• Promote innovation: “As the global leader in AI development and deployment, the United States is best positioned to responsibly enable the potential of this transformative technology for all. To maintain this leadership and enable the U.S. economy to harness the full benefits of AI, policymakers should continue to promote AI innovation.”
• Safeguard against harm: “A thoughtful, risk-based approach to AI governance can promote innovation rather than stifle it.”
• Plan for power needs: “Planning properly now for new power generation and transmission is critical for AI innovation and adoption.”
• Develop an AI-ready workforce: “Successful collaborations between educational institutions, governments, and industries should effectively align education and workforce development with market needs and emerging technologies.”
• Protect privacy: Congress should “[e]nsure privacy laws are generally applicable and technology neutral.”
• Make compliance feasible: Lawmakers should ensure that AI regulatory compliance is not unduly burdensome for small businesses.
• Increase cooperation: Strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and academia to boost innovation and expand markets.

AI use in manufacturing is essential to maintaining global competitiveness. AI can enhance technological advancements and make the best use of skilled labor. Proper deployment of AI-enhanced approaches to production gives our nation the opportunity to take advantage of our leadership in innovation and advanced manufacturing processes. I encourage our members to review this report and encourage our national leaders to advance efforts that encourage AI innovation while building in key safeguards that are necessary to protect our economic vitality and national security.

In May, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released its report on AI’s deployment in the manufacturing sector: “Working Smarter: How Manufacturers Are Using Artificial Intelligence.” Included in the report is a list of suggested policy actions for Congress to take. NAM briefed legislators on its report in September, and these recommendations were taken seriously and used to help guide the congressional report. NAM plans to work closely with policymakers in Congress and the incoming administration to bolster AI innovation in manufacturing.

MACNY intends to work through NAM, as a member organization, to understand the developing AI policy guidelines, keep members informed, and offer insights into how AI is being used within our member companies. We look forward to working with you, our members, on the ongoing implementation of AI-enhanced technologies. If you want more information on any of this, you can contact me at [email protected] or Tiffany Latino-Gerlock at [email protected].