A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging increased government funding for artificial intelligence (AI) research, citing the risk of falling behind China in this critical technology.
U.S. Senators Call for Boosted AI Funding to Counter China
Washington, D.C. - A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has issued a clarion call for increased government funding for artificial intelligence (AI) research, expressing deep concern that the United States is at risk of being left behind by China in this transformative technology.
Led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the group argues that China's massive investment in AI development has put the United States at a competitive disadvantage. "China now spends probably about 10 times more than we do on AI development," said Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). "They are in a hurry."
The senators' focus is on generative AI, a cutting-edge technology capable of creating text, photos, and videos in response to open-ended prompts. While this technology has sparked excitement, it has also raised concerns about its potential impact on employment.
The group is calling for the U.S. to spend at least $32 billion annually on non-defense-related AI research. Schumer emphasized the importance of "outcompeting China" in this critical area.
However, Schumer indicated that there will not be a single, comprehensive AI bill encompassing all aspects of the technology. Instead, individual committees will work on AI-related issues and present legislation as they become ready.
"We're not going to wait on legislation that addresses every aspect of AI in society," Schumer said.
The senators' call for increased AI funding comes as the Senate Rules Committee prepares to debate the potential impact of AI on the U.S. election system.
The urgency of this issue was underscored by the recent meeting between top U.S. and Chinese officials in Geneva to discuss AI. This meeting, initiated by Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping, aims to open bilateral dialogue on AI's far-reaching implications across various sectors.
U.S. technology experts believe that this meeting could provide insights into Beijing's approach to AI, given China's typically tight-lipped stance on the technology.
The senators' bipartisan effort highlights the growing recognition of AI's importance for national security, economic competitiveness, and societal well-being. It remains to be seen whether the government will heed their call and invest sufficiently in AI research to ensure that the United States does not fall behind in this transformative technology.
