October 15, 2024
This week decoded
With the election 20 days away, Members of Congress and Senators seeking reelection are in full campaign mode. Policymakers spent the past week highlighting their support for AI innovation in their states and districts, attracting press attention to their legislative efforts and leadership bona fides on specific AI-related issues this Congress.
Within the Biden Administration, the Commerce Department released multiple notices on artificial intelligence actions, including a BIS final rule on data center advanced technology outbound export controls, an AISI request for information on chem-bio AI models, and a CHIPS R&D notice of intent for an open competition reward for autonomous experimentation into sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The SEC kicked off an investor-protection education campaign against AI-related scams.
Read more below
Congress
Hearings
- Congress is in recess until November 15.
Legislation
- Congress is in recess until November 15.
Correspondence
- House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R- OK), Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) sent a letter to Dr. Laurie Locascio, Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), regarding how its updated Digital Identity Guidelines can help federal agencies address concerns with the use of facial recognition technologies. (Press release)(Letter)
Biden-Harris Administration
Commerce Department
- The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule expanding the Validated End User Authorization (VEU) program to include VEU Authorization for data centers located in specified destinations. The rule pertains to the export or reexport of items on the Commerce Control List necessary for a data center, including advanced computing items, to preapproved trusted end users.
- The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a request for information from stakeholders on current and future practices and methodologies for the responsible development and use of chemical and biological (chem-bio) AI models. The comment period ends December 3.
- The CHIPS Research and Development Office (CHIPS R&D) within NIST published a notice of intent to announce an open competition for industry-informed, university-based collaborations demonstrating artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) into sustainable materials and processes relevant to semiconductor manufacturing. CHIPS R&D expects a total Federal commitment of up to $100 million over five years to support at least two awards.
Noteworthy Quotes and Events
Administration
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- The SEC announced investor protection efforts during World Investor Week (WIW) 2024. Lori Schock, Director of the SEC Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, said, “Hype around emerging technologies such as AI, finfluencers, social media, and aggressive investing marketers can make it challenging for investors to know where to turn to for help. A good place to start is Investor.gov, which provides free, accurate, unbiased information and financial planning tools to help you invest wisely and better protect yourself against investment fraud.”
- The SEC published an Investor Bulletin that says, “Bad actors use the hype around new technological developments, like artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto assets, to lure investors into scams. They might use catchy buzzwords or claim to be a leader in an emerging technology… Scammers can use AI technology to clone voices, alter images, and create fake videos to spread false or misleading information. They might use AI-generated content to impersonate someone you know or create realistic looking websites promoting fake investments.”
Congress
- At an Atlantic Council disussion, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) said “don’t hold your breath” on the ability for Congress to pass adequate AI regulation. Warner went on to say about AI industry CEOs, “They all say they want regulation until you put words on a page. I am deeply engaged with a lot of these companies. I’m saying, ‘You guys have got to be for something.’ Now, do you do what the Europeans have overdone? We’ve done nothing. There is somewhere in the middle [for], I think, smart regulation.” Of the importance of AI to national security, he said, “If I have one overriding effort as chairman of the Intelligence Committee, it’s to redefine national security so it’s no longer just viewed as who has the most tanks and planes and guns. But really, national security now is a technology race with China.”(MeriTalk)
- On the AI Grand Challenges Act, Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan AI Task Force, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) was quoted in a press release saying, “Artificial intelligence has the power to change our world. We must maintain American leadership in AI research, innovation and implementation while minimizing potential risks associated with the technology. The AI Grand Challenges Act would encourage the next generation of AI researchers and developers through prize competitions to incentivize ambitious, cutting-edge AI development. I am pleased to introduce this bill with AI Task Force Chair Congressman Jay Obernolte and look forward to our continued work to harness the power of AI for the benefit of American families.”
- Co-Chair of the House Bipartisan AI Task Force, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) was quoted in the press release saying, “The AI Grand Challenges Act will ensure the U.S. will continue to lead in AI research and development across critical sectors such as health, energy, and cybersecurity. By incentivizing breakthroughs, we are paving the way for transformative advancements that will harnesses the incredible potential of artificial intelligence to solve some of our nation’s most pressing challenges.”
- On the introduction of his Artificial Intelligence Weapons Accountability and Risk Evaluation (AWARE) Act, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) issued a press release stating, “We know that AI-enabled weapons are exacerbating harm to civilians in warzones, and without effective oversight these systems could dangerously reshape our future. The United States has an obligation as a leader in AI innovation to also lead in AI ethics. We must be ready to answer questions about accuracy, security, privacy, and harm when we use AI-enabled weapons—and we need better data to do that.”
- Rep. Rick Larsen (R-WA) issued a press release on the introduction of his Next Generation Military Education Act to improve AI education for U.S. servicemembers. Larsen said, “Artificial intelligence is no longer the future – it is the here and now. The Next Generation Military Education Act ensures servicemembers get the critical tools they need to meet today’s global challenges while developing in-demand skills and knowledge to master AI.”
- Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) tweeted, “I had a fantastic time meeting with RAIC Labs in Delafield! RAIC Labs is doing fantastic work in AI—in fact, their company was responsible for detecting the Chinese spy balloon last year. Thank you to the RAIC Labs team for having me and for the informative discussion!”
- Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) tweeted, “The Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce hosted an insightful “All About My New AI” Power Breakfast this morning! Representatives from Sharely.ai took attendees through a detailed walkthrough of their cutting-edge AI capabilities, offering live demos and highlighting how AI can assist students. Big thanks to Sharely.ai for sharing their expertise, and to everyone who joined the discussion!”
- Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) tweeted, “We need to address the risks posed by AI in all aspects of life – including in the music industry. So I was glad to speak with Brandon from the Recording Academy and Jolie from Garfield High School on Music Advocacy Day to figure out how we can help support artists.”
- Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) tweeted, “Founded in 2010, @rtslabs is a custom software development firm based in VA-01 focused on engineering, machine learning and AI, data engineering, and cloud computing. It was great to stop by and speak with staff about how I can support their work through my role in Congress.”
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) tweeted, “One of the duties of a Member of Congress is to flag and alert threats that might be around the corner. And as a national security professional who knows that the future of warfare is data and who controls it, I’ll continue working to address the threat of connected vehicles.”
- Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) tweeted, “Spoke with the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network today about housing, artificial intelligence and getting involved in public service. Good to hear from young leaders in our state! @SiouxFallsYPN”
About Zero One Strategies
Zero One Strategies is a boutique government relations practice dedicated to navigating the complex landscape of U.S. federal policy in emerging technologies. As advancements in technology continue to outpace regulatory frameworks, Zero One Strategies aims to provide strategic guidance and bipartisan advocacy for innovators and businesses operating at the forefront of technological development.
The practice focuses on key areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, decentralized technologies, cybersecurity, data, and digital infrastructure, as well as the multiple policy issues impacting these sectors, including tax and financial services.
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