Congress can bring the government into the age of artificial intelligence

The reintroduction of the Artificial Intelligence in Government Act this month is a much needed response to concerns that the United States is lagging behind both foreign governments and American industry in reaping the promise and perils of artificial intelligence. Sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, the bill promotes the adoption of artificial intelligence in the federal government, while addressing the potential negative consequences. A companion bill was introduced in the House. Central to the bill is the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence within the General Services Administration, which will provide the technical expertise, research, and advice to federal agencies on the acquisition and use of artificial intelligence technology, including all of the accompanying "economic, policy, legal, and ethical challenges and implications." A key part of its mission is to direct and assist the agencies in developing and maintaining governance plans for their use of artificial intelligence.