Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, have introduced a bill that aims to strengthen artificial intelligence research and development and create an AI-ready workforce.
Called the Growing University AI for Defense, or GUARD, Act, tasks the Department of War to establish and oversee a National Security and Defense AI Institute, Cornyn’s office said Friday.
Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, will introduce the GUARD Act’s companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
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What Is the GUARD Act?
According to Cornyn, the GUARD Act’s proposed AI institute is expected to accelerate the adoption and integration of advanced technologies for defense and intelligence missions and ensure that the United States will maintain a decision-advantage over adversaries.
The National Security AI Institute, specifically, will serve as a testbed for AI-powered capabilities and support reliable AI.
Cruz added that the bill will expand AI research and talent development at senior military colleges and Department of War universities.
“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,” he warned. “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.”
Cruz also introduced the Strengthening Artificial Intelligence Normalization and Diffusion By Oversight and eXperimentation, or SANDBOX, Act in September to establish principles that would guide Congress’ actions on AI.
How Will the GUARD Act Support America’s AI Goals?
The GUARD Act is in line with President Donald Trump’s AI Action Plan, which the White House unveiled in July to achieve U.S. leadership in AI. The AI Action Plan called for Senior Military Colleges to become hubs for AI R&D and talent pipeline.
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