US Senate News:
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luhan (DN.M.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Ten), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jim Riche (R-Idaho) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced a test and evaluation system to improve the test and evaluation system for trustworthy artificial intelligence. (AI) A system that promotes innovation, protects national security, and builds trust and trust among Americans who use AI systems.
The Test AI Act aims to ensure that the AI systems used by federal agencies are reliable, safe, objective, and lay the foundation for a broader national AI assessment standard through a transparent and collaborative approach. The Test AI Act dictates collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Energy (DOE) and establishes a testbed pilot program to develop and refine metrics for assessing AI systems.
“AI reaches all sectors of our country and drives innovation, but we cannot ignore the vulnerabilities and risks that come with it. These systems have life-changing power, but can also provide inaccurate or biased data. “The Test AI Act addresses these shortcomings by creating government testbeds to better assess AI systems. This will help us leverage the talents of our national labs and strengthen the federal government’s ability to implement national security and responsible guardrails to protect Americans.”
“Innovations at the Department of Energy, the National Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology have significantly advanced the boundaries of scientific discovery, but we need to ensure that there are safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI,” Senator Blackburn said. “The Test AI Act directs these teams to establish safeguards, allowing AI to evolve while reducing the risk of manipulating this technology.”
“AI holds a huge positive potential, but this new technology needs to be thoroughly tested to be used responsibly,” Senator Durbin said. “The Test AI Act allows the Ministry of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop AI testbeds, allowing them to safely explore AI boundaries, establish necessary guardrails and protect against misuse.”
“AI offers opportunities to revolutionize American research and innovation, but we must recognize bad actors and potential threats to privacy and national security,” Senator Riche said. “Idaho National Laboratory is already a leader in AI, national security and cybersecurity, and the TEST AI Act will use the National Laboratory’s capabilities to establish safeguards to prevent the misuse of this growing technology.”
“Artificial intelligence brings endless possibilities for every industry, from agriculture to green energy and small businesses. To take full advantage of AI, we need to develop risk-managed tools and safeguards. Welch said, “Bipartisan test AI laws ensure that everyone can safely and responsibly enjoy the full benefits of new AI technology.”
“Test AI Act is a step towards transparency and accountability in artificial intelligence,” says Americans for Brad Carson, president of Responsible Innovation (ARI). “AI systems are currently being deployed in high-stakes environments without independent surveillance or clear standards. By building federal capabilities for rigorous AI assessment, this bill ensures that AI tools are safe, effective and ready for deployment.”
Specifically, the test AI method is as follows:
Codify the ongoing collaboration between NIST and DOE to evaluate AI models.
Improve public-private partnerships through AI Testing Working Groups and guide standard development related to performance, reliability, security, privacy and bias. and
Directs the development of public strategies for testing, building testbeds, and editing reports of reports on results and recommendations for future standard development.
Senators Luhan, Durbin, Blackburn and Riche are co-leading leaders of the Senate National Institute. The Caucus works to increase the visibility of national research labs and identify legislative opportunities that meet national energy and security goals. This caucus also helps identify bipartisan initiatives to maintain and expand our leadership in key science sectors.
The full invoice is available here.
