On Monday, US Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Ken Buck (R-CO) introduced legislation aimed at addressing the regulation of generative AI. The bill proposes the creation of a 20-person commission tasked with studying potential risks and harms associated with AI, while also preserving America’s global technological leadership.
The proposed legislation mandates the Executive branch to appoint experts from government, academia, and industry to form the commission. Over a two-year period, the commission would produce three reports detailing its findings and recommendations. The committee would consist of eight members appointed by the president, while the remaining 12 positions would be divided equally between Congress, ensuring bipartisan representation.
Representative Lieu emphasized the need to understand and mitigate the potential disruptions and harms caused by generative AI. He expressed the view that the commission would provide lawmakers, who may not possess extensive knowledge of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, with a necessary “breathing room” to comprehend the technology’s functioning and implications.
Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) is expected to introduce the bill’s counterpart in the upper house, according to Lieu’s team. However, no specific timeline for the introduction was provided. Lieu also cautioned against passing significant legislation on generative AI until the commission completes its work, stating the importance of allowing experts to inform Congress adequately. He highlighted the need for lawmakers to exercise prudence and gain a comprehensive understanding before enacting any major regulations.
While the proposed commission holds the potential to contribute valuable insights and recommendations, critics argue that its establishment could further delay the much-needed regulatory framework for generative AI. Given the rapid evolution of both the technology and its applications in recent months, there are concerns that the study might struggle to keep up with the pace of change. Furthermore, the proposed timeline could potentially delay significant Congressional action on generative AI until 2027 or later.
As generative AI continues to advance and its impact becomes increasingly significant, the study conducted by the commission will play a vital role in shaping future policies. It remains to be seen how effectively the commission can address the multifaceted challenges posed by generative AI and ensure the appropriate regulation of this transformative technology.
