House lawmakers introduce AI risk management bill

As expected, Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., offered a companion bill Wednesday to Senate legislation introduced last year that would codify federal guidelines for the adoption of artificial intelligence.

The Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act would require federal agencies to use the AI risk management framework, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, when acquiring AI solutions. 

Reps. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, Don Beyer, D-Va., and Marcus Molinaro, R-N.Y., joined Lieu in sponsoring the legislation. The measure is the House version of a Senate bill proposed by Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Mark Warner, D-Va., that was introduced in November. Sponsors had hoped the legislation would ride on the must-pass FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, but it was not adopted as an amendment. 

“As AI continues to develop rapidly, we need a coordinated government response to ensure the technology is used responsibly and that individuals are protected,” Lieu said in a statement. “The AI Risk Management Framework developed by NIST is a great starting point for agencies and vendors to analyze the risks associated with AI and to mitigate those risks."

The bill tasks the Office of Management and Budget with issuing guidance to agencies about incorporating the NIST framework into AI risk management and with launching a workforce initiative designed to allow federal agencies to tap into AI expertise. The bill also calls on NIST to develop methods for testing and evaluating AI acquisitions.

“Congress took an important step forward by directing NIST to develop an AI Risk Management Framework," Molinaro said in support of the legislation. "Our bipartisan bill will require federal agencies to adopt this framework to help unleash the potential of AI, while keeping federal assets secure."