Senate AI Road Map Recommends Investing More on Non-Defense AI Research

The United States needs to invest $32 million annually in non-defense innovation to ensure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence, according to a road map AI issued by a bipartisan Senate working group.

The road map also calls on Congress to ensure appropriate funding for accounts that have yet to reach their full funding potential under the CHIPS and Science Act, especially projects focused on enhancing AI.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., leads the bipartisan lawmakers, along with Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Martine Heinrich, D-N.M., and Todd Young, R-Ind., FedScoop reported.

While the lawmakers aim to maintain the nation’s advantage in AI development, critics have also blasted the road map, with Accountable Tech co-founder and executive director Nicole Gill claiming that it is another example of big technological companies having the power to shape policy. 

Schumer confirmed the release of the road map in early May when he attended the AI Expo for National Competitiveness, where he said that the newly released document is not a comprehensive plan but lays down which legislation should be prioritized, especially those that address specific AI issues.