Stevens and Obernolte Request Additional $10 Million to Secure U.S. AI Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) led a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging the inclusion of an additional $10 million in funding to establish the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI) in the Fiscal Year 2024 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), James Baird (R-IN), and Tom J. Kean (R-NJ) joined in sending the letter.

NIST announced the creation of USAISI last November as part of ongoing efforts to ensure our nation’s global leadership in setting standards for AI innovation and use. If appropriated, NIST would use the funding to enhance the USAISI team with experts in red teaming and capability evaluation, support the formation of a Joint Research Center for advancing AI system evaluation techniques and safety research, and support the USAISI Consortium that will play a crucial role in integrating these advancements into industry and society.

“By fostering an environment of collaboration, the institute will facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, leading to more comprehensive and effective innovation and safety policies,” the Members wrote. “Public education and awareness about AI will also be imperative to the successful development of the technology in the U.S. and across the world. The USAISI can play a pivotal role in this educational endeavor by helping to demystify AI and promoting a more nuanced understanding of its potential.”

Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) led a companion letter in the Senate.