Bennet, Portman Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Military’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Denver – Today, U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced the Artificial Intelligence Standards and National Security Act, standalone legislation to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and take steps toward developing an AI strategy for standards setting at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). 

“As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly critical, the United States must take steps toward incorporating artificial intelligence at all levels of our national security strategy and to set global standards for its development and implementation,” said Bennet. “This legislation will bolster our military’s AI capabilities by directing the Department of Defense to report to Congress on its strategy to set AI standards and strengthen the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s ties to the services.” 

“As co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, I believe it is important that Congress demonstrates leadership in the field of artificial intelligence,” said Portman. “That’s why I’m pleased to support these bipartisan legislative initiatives to push the Department of Defense to be forward-thinking about their investments in AI and facilitate stronger civilian cooperation with DoD so that our military is equipped to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow. It essential for our national security that those who defend our nation are able to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of AI and put this revolutionary technology to use.” 

The Artificial Intelligence Standards and National Security Act would require the DoD to report to Congress on the Department’s development of AI standards in the defense industrial base and on opportunities to increase effective AI adoption throughout the Department by strengthening the relationship between the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the military services. 

Yesterday, Bennet and Portman filed the provisions in the Artificial Intelligence Standards and National Security Act as two amendments to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.