Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, along with Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Congressman Jim Jordan, Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, and Congressman Brian Babin, Chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, issued a joint statement on Mar. 20 following the White House's release of a federal artificial intelligence (AI) framework.
The statement addresses the growing importance of AI in American society and outlines Congress's role in shaping future legislation. The lawmakers said that advancing AI policy is crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership in technology and ensuring consumer protection.
“AI has begun to demonstrate its potential to improve Americans’ lives. To ensure we continue to harness its potential and beat China in the global AI race, Congress must take action. Today, the Trump Administration took a critical step in releasing a framework that gives Congress a roadmap to pursue legislation that provides innovators with much-needed certainty, while protecting consumers and prioritizing kids’ online safety. House Republicans look forward to working across the aisle to enact a national framework that unleashes the full potential of AI, cements the U.S. as the global leader, and provides important protections for American families,” said Guthrie and his colleagues.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee plays a key role in developing legislation related to energy policy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications, and consumer issues according to its official website. The committee has also influenced policies involving energy innovation, broadband deployment, and pharmaceutical pricing according to its official website.
As one of the oldest standing committees in the U.S. House of Representatives according to its official website, it traces its origins back to 1795 when it was established as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures according to its official website.
Lawmakers indicated they will use this new federal framework as guidance for bipartisan efforts aimed at establishing comprehensive national AI policy.
