U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, both Republicans from Texas, have introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act. The proposed legislation would formalize parts of President Trump’s AI Action Plan and allow the Department of War to establish a National Security and Defense AI Institute. The goal is to promote innovation in defense, workforce development, and readiness in artificial intelligence.
Senator Cruz stated, “The Chinese Communist Party poses the most significant national security risk to the United States over the next century, and allowing the CCP to win the race to AI would be catastrophic for American interests. Winning that race requires developing a skilled AI workforce here in the United States, which in turn requires teaching core AI skills to students and strengthening U.S.-oriented AI capabilities. This legislation will deepen those efforts by expanding AI research and talent development at our senior military colleges and DoW research universities. I’m proud to join Sen. Cornyn in this effort and urge our colleagues to advance it expeditiously.”
Senator Cornyn added, “Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump’s call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions. This legislation would empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America’s decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries.”
Companion legislation is being led by Congressman Ronny Jackson in the House of Representatives, where it recently passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
The GUARD Act builds on previous initiatives from President Trump’s first administration when Congress authorized $500 million for new AI institutes under the National AI Initiative. In 2025, President Trump issued an updated plan emphasizing development of an AI-ready workforce for defense needs through specialized programs at Senior Military Colleges.
If enacted, the National Security AI Institute would connect academic institutions, government agencies, and industry partners to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into defense systems more quickly. The institute would focus on areas such as data management for defense-related applications, trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, and operational readiness. Senior Military Colleges are expected to play a central role by training personnel capable of deploying these technologies for national security purposes.
Ted Cruz has previously won several Senate elections: he defeated Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of votes; Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9%; and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5%.
