House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced the formation of a new bipartisan task force on artificial intelligence (AI). The task force, consisting of 24 members, will focus on producing forward-looking recommendations and bipartisan policy to address the promises and complexities of AI technology. The task force aims to explore how Congress can lead in AI innovation while ensuring the development of safe and trustworthy technology and protecting national security. The members selected bring a variety of expertise and experiences across relevant committees.
Why do we get a task force and not action? Given the partisanship and obstruction in Congress, the task force is unlikely to produce anything of value. As I’ve covered on the show, other authorities and organizations have already issued comprehensive reports and recommendations. The task force lacks a clear timeline or deliverables, and with the upcoming presidential election and dysfunctional Congress, it is a way of delaying action.