U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla, has rounded up more support for his proposal to boost artificial intelligence jobs.
At the start of the year, Soto brought out the “AI Jobs Act” which “will authorize the Department of Labor to work with businesses and educational institutions to create a report analyzing the future growth of artificial intelligence and its impact on the American workforce.”
Back in January, Soto’s office explained why he had brought out the bill.
“The bill comes during the National Science Foundation’s open call for submissions for the EArlyconcept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGERs), a federal grant supporting AI projects that increase understanding in AI technologies and provide scientific contributions to overcome arising challenges,” Soto’s office noted. “The AI Jobs Act of 2019 would collect data to analyze which industries are projected to have the most growth through artificial intelligence, and the demographics which may experience expanded career opportunities and those most vulnerable to job displacement. To ensure transparency, the report will be conducted in a nonpartisan manner, in collaboration with educational institutions; employers and think tanks in the tech and manufacturing sectors; and the Secretary of Commerce.”
Soto weighed in on why he had introduced the bill.
“I’m thrilled to join efforts across party lines to introduce this legislation and help our workforce prepare for the ways artificial intelligence will shape the economy of the future. This legislation will help American workers better understand and prepare for the emerging job opportunities created by artificial intelligence and to adapt to changes in our evolving economy. Our fact-finding goal over the next six months will help unveil basic comprehensive jurisdiction over artificial intelligence. We also welcome the general public to send input to our office,” Soto said.
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Education and Labor and has 15 cosponsors including U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis. Intel Corporation, Lyft and the Center for Data Innovation have backed the bill. So far, there is no version of the bill over in the U.S. Senate.
Still, Soto’s bill got a boost in recent days as the New Democrat Coalition (NDC) threw its support behind it.
“I am proud to join efforts across party lines to introduce the AI JOBS Act and help our workforce prepare for the ways artificial intelligence will shape the economy of the future. Technological advances will continue to present both challenges and benefits for American workers in industries ranging from transportation to cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing. The AI JOBS Act is bipartisan legislation that will help American workers better understand and prepare for the emerging job opportunities created by artificial intelligence and to adapt to changes in our evolving economy,” said Soto who is one of the leaders the NDC Technology Task Force.
“Artificial intelligence continues to grow and evolve at a rapid pace,” said U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, D-Okla., who also leads the task force with Soto. “It is important that Congress acts to ensure this promising technology is handled responsibly, minimizes bias, and protects consumers and workers.”
Reach Kevin Derby at [email protected].
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