Bipartisan ‘Great American AI Act’ draft proposes new federal AI governance framework
Bipartisan ‘Great American AI Act’ draft proposes new federal AI governance framework
Publish Date: 2026-06-04 16:30:00
Source Domain: fedscoop.com
Here’s a bipartisan House draft bill overview presented as an unordered list with key points extracted:
- Bill Title: The “Great American AI Act,” aiming to establish federal governance for artificial intelligence (AI).
- Lead Sponsors: Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass) and Jay Obernolte (R-Calif).
- Purpose: To create a federal framework for AI regulation, focusing on national security and innovation while calling for accountability in government AI adoption.
- Key Components:
- Authorizes the Center for AI Standards and Innovation: To develop guidelines, best practices, standards, and monitor AI progress.
- Government Accountability Office (GAO) Oversight: To assess federal AI adoption and provide recommendations.
- International AI Standards Development: Led by the Energy Department and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Prohibition of State AI Regulations: Preventing states from regulating the development of frontier AI models, except for general applicability.
- Penalties for AI-related Impersonations: To deter using AI to mimic government officials.
- Public and Private Sector Collaboration: To establish a testbed for evaluating AI systems.
- International Cooperation Exclusion: Notably excludes China from AI standards development.
- Security Grants and International Collaboration: Authority for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to award grants for open-source security improvements.
- International Influence: Focuses on U.S. leadership in AI to counter foreign adversary influence and promote U.S. AI standards globally.
- AI Education and Workforce Development: Establishes grants and prizes to boost AI research, education, and workforce participation.
- Status: Currently a discussion draft soliciting feedback before formal introduction.
The draft bill emphasizes a balanced approach towards AI regulation, aiming to protect national security and ensure American competitiveness while fostering innovation.
