AI Policy Watch

House Leaders Unveil Bipartisan Roadmap for AI Governance and Innovation

• By John K. Waters
• 12/17/2024

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Tuesday received the final report from the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, a comprehensive document outlining guiding principles and recommendations to advance American leadership in AI.

Read the full report and key findings here.

The task force, co-chaired by Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), reflects months of consultation with relevant committees and experts to balance the promise of AI innovation with safeguards against its potential risks. The report seeks to establish a legislative framework that encourages AI adoption while protecting consumers and national interests.

"Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and national security, Jeffries and I established the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to ensure America continues leading in this strategic arena,” Johnson said in a statement. "Developing a bipartisan vision for AI adoption, innovation, and governance is no easy task, but a necessary one as we look to the future of AI."

The task force’s findings arrive amid a global race to harness AI capabilities, which have spurred breakthroughs across industries but also raised concerns about misuse, workforce disruptions, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The report offers a forward-looking approach to AI governance, designed to support innovation while implementing essential safeguards.

Democratic Jeffries emphasized the dual role of Congress in advancing AI benefits while mitigating risks. "The development and safe adoption of artificial intelligence holds great promise to make a positive difference in the lives of the American people," Jeffries said. "At the same time, we must ensure that appropriate guardrails are in place to prevent bad actors from exploiting this transformative technology."

Task force leaders characterize the report as a foundation for future AI legislation, shaped by expert analysis and bipartisan consensus. Rep. Obernolte, who chairs the task force, called the document a “roadmap for Congress” that balances consumer protection with the need to foster U.S. innovation. “It is our hope that this report will inform Congress and the American people on the advantages, complexities, and risks of artificial intelligence,” Obernolte said.

Co-chair Lieu acknowledged the complexity of achieving bipartisan consensus on an issue as fast-moving as AI. "Despite the wide spectrum of political views of Members on our Task Force, we created a report that reflects our shared vision for a future where we protect people and champion American innovation," he said. "This initial report is only the first step."

AI’s rapid evolution has prompted global calls for regulatory frameworks that address challenges ranging from misinformation and privacy violations to ethical use of autonomous systems. The House Task Force report comes as lawmakers in the U.S. seek to position the country as a leader in AI development while establishing safeguards to curb potential abuses.

Both Johnson and Jeffries praised the task force for its work and reiterated the importance of bipartisan collaboration on AI policy. The report, which blends research, analysis, and stakeholder input, is expected to guide legislative proposals in the coming months as Congress grapples with how to govern a technology set to redefine industries and economies worldwide.

In February, Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries announced the establishment of a bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats.