WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) last week signed on as a cosponsor of the National AI Commission Act, a bipartisan bill that would create a national commission to focus on regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI).
If enacted, the commission would review the United States’ current approach to AI regulation and make any necessary government restructuring recommendations. The group will be composed of experts from civil society, government, industry, and labor sectors who will collaborate to develop a comprehensive risk-based framework for AI regulation.
“Artificial intelligence is a powerful new force in the 21st century,” Rep. Wittman said. “While AI can lead to impressive advancements, it can also lead to serious harm without proper regulation. Through my leadership role on the House Armed Services Committee, I also know how critical AI is to our national security and military capabilities. Congress must take action to ensure AI advancements are thoughtfully and responsibly regulated — this bill is a great first step."
As vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and chairman of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, Rep. Wittman has championed modernizing the U.S. military through AI.
Accelerating AI in Military Operations. In May, Rep. Wittman introduced the Autonomous Systems Adoption and Policy (ASAP) Act to accelerate the development and delivery of autonomy technology and programs for U.S. military operations. A portion of this legislation was adopted in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which advanced through the HASC last week.
Advancing Manned-Unmanned Teaming in Military Aircraft. Rep. Wittman has continued to champion manned-unmanned teaming through the U.S. military’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which would network a number of drones with the F-35, F-22, or F/A-18. In the FY24 NDAA, he advocated for an additional $75 million above the administration’s budget request to accelerate CCA aerial refueling capability maturation.
Accelerating CCAs would leverage emerging technologies within relevant timeframes to enhance the capacity and capability of the military’s fighter aircraft, which Rep. Wittman has argued to be the “Fourth Offset” of defense strategy.
The congressman continues to engage with U.S. Department of Defense officials overseeing the acquisition strategy for realizing CCA capability in the most expedient, technologically responsible, and cost-effective manner.
Rep. Wittman has also joined the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, which informs policymakers of the technological, economic, and social impacts of advances in AI and ensures that rapid innovation in AI and related fields benefits Americans.
