U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-District 7) was appointed as one of twelve Democrats to the new and influential bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence (AI). It was announced yesterday by Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
With advances in artificial intelligence (AI) moving ahead more rapidly than U.S. legislators have been able to regulate it, the timing is crucial.
Democrat Brittany Pettersen, is the Colorado Congressional 7th District Representative in the United States House of Representatives. Courtesy image.
“As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly advance and become more widely available, it has the potential to impact everything from our election systems with the use of deep fakes, to bank fraud perpetuated by high-tech scams,” said Pettersen. “Our policies must keep up to ensure we continue to lead in this space while protecting our financial system and our country at-large.”
The Task Force of 24 House members will explore how Congress can ensure America continues to lead the world in AI innovation while considering guardrails that may be appropriate to safeguard the nation against current and emerging threats. The members were chosen as representatives of key committees of jurisdiction and will be jointly led by Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36).
The Task Force will seek to produce a comprehensive report that will include guiding principles, forward-looking recommendations, and bipartisan policy proposals developed in consultation with committees of jurisdiction.
This influential appointment represents Pettersen’s continued leadership in the space of artificial intelligence and technology regulation. Earlier this year, Pettersen was named to the House Financial Services Committee’s bipartisan Working Group on Artificial Intelligence. Last September, she introduced a bipartisan piece legislation to address bank scams fueled by artificial intelligence.
“I’m proud to join this new bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence as a representative of the Financial Services Committee so members on both sides of the aisle can come together to ensure Congress stays at the cutting-edge of technological advances, understanding both the potential benefits and threats AI poses to our future,” added Pettersen.
“Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and our society, it is important for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to understand and plan for both the promises and the complexities of this transformative technology,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “I am happy to announce with Leader Jeffries this new Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence to ensure America continues leading in this strategic arena. Led by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Ca.) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Ca.), the task force will bring together a bipartisan group of Members who have AI expertise and represent the relevant committees of jurisdiction.”
“Congress has a responsibility to facilitate the promising breakthroughs that artificial intelligence can bring to fruition and ensure that everyday Americans benefit from these advancements in an equitable manner,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “… The rise of artificial intelligence also presents a unique set of challenges and certain guardrails must be put in place to protect the American people.
Congress needs to work in a bipartisan way to ensure that America continues to lead in this emerging space, while also preventing bad actors from exploiting this evolving technology. The Members appointed to this Task Force bring a wide range of experience and expertise across the committees of jurisdiction and I look forward to working with them to tackle these issues in a bipartisan way.”
“… As a recovering Computer Science major, I know this will not be an easy or quick or one-time task, but I believe Congress has an essential role to play in the future of AI. I have been heartened to see so many Members of Congress of all political persuasions agree,” said Co-Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36).
“It is an honor to be entrusted by Speaker Johnson to serve as Chairman of the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence,” said Chair Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “As new innovations in AI continue to emerge, Congress and our partners in the federal government must keep up.”
This example of (rare) bipartisan cooperation among House Republicans and Democrats working together to create a comprehensive report detailing the regulatory standards and congressional actions needed to both protect consumers and foster continued investment and innovation in AI is heartening. Now it remains to be seen if they can actually deliver on that bipartisan promise.
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