Congress debates the role of artificial intelligence in America

WASHINGTON (Sinclair Broadcast Group) - Lawmakers on Capitol Hill met Tuesday to discuss advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, wanted to discuss the new and emerging role of AI in the nation's growing digital environment. Artificial intelligence is defined as "a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behavior in computers," and "the capability of a machine to imitate intelligent human behavior," according to Merriam-Webster's. But it was also evident during Tuesday's hearing that the definition and uses for AI are still evolving. Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said the increase in data collected from Americans through the use of the internet and mobile devices has contributed to the advances in the industry.