The following statement can be attributed to Paul Lekas, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy, the Software & Information Industry Association.

 

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) welcomes the release of the Bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence’s final report and commends the Task Force Members, including co-chairs Rep. Jay Obernolte and Ted Lieu, for their thoughtful and balanced approach to guiding the future of AI policy in the United States.

SIIA strongly supports the Task Force’s vision for AI policy, one that balances the need to foster innovation while protecting against AI risks and harms. The Task Force provides a roadmap to break down AI policy challenges into manageable steps to ensure clarity and consistency without stifling innovation. An incremental approach to legislating around AI provides the flexibility necessary to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI technologies while safeguarding public trust and safety. We endorse the report’s sector-specific approach to regulation and the emphasis on government leadership in responsible use. We are especially encouraged to see the specific focus on education and workforce emphasizing the importance of these areas on the future of AI.

We appreciate the Task Force’s recognition of the need for a consolidated federal framework that avoids the pitfalls of a fragmented, state-by-state regulatory landscape. A patchwork of 50 different AI regulations would create unnecessary barriers to innovation, undermining the U.S. position as a global leader in AI.

As the Task Force concludes its work, SIIA remains committed to partnering with Congress, the current and incoming administrations, and other stakeholders to advance effective AI policies. We believe this report represents an important step toward achieving regulatory clarity that encourages innovation while addressing the risks posed by AI. We look forward to continued engagement in these critical discussions in the months and years ahead.