Oversight Committee Holds Mark-Up on Reps. Nancy Mace and Gerry Connolly’s AI Training Expansion Act

The bill requires AI training to be provided to supervisors, managers, and data and technology employees across the federal government, while also updating the topics covered and ensuring the training is integrated into existing employee training where appropriate.

Government-wide adoption of Artificial Intelligence across the government is a highly competitive race, with nations like China as prominent competitors. By introducing this bipartisan and bicameral bill, Rep. Mace and Rep. Connolly aim to ensure America’s position at the cutting edge of this race.

“For America to win the AI race, we must possess the finest and most tech-savvy talent in the world. The true winner in this race will not be determined by technological advancements but by the caliber of our workforce,” said Rep. Mace. “The AI Training Expansion Act is a critical step to maintain the United States’ position at the forefront of AI development and integration.”

“We need a federal workforce that is trained in both the positive applications of AI and in the risks AI might pose – both in terms of privacy and the manipulation of AI to the detriment of the people we serve,” said Rep. Connolly. “We also must address the aging federal workforce and make sure that the next generation of federal employees has this kind of training so they can interact with the private sector knowledgably and on an equal basis. This legislation will help us to realize that goal. Finally, we must recognize that our work is not done in modernizing IT in the federal government. I will continue to advocate for the rigorous and vigorous implementation of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) to ensure the cybersecurity of every platform the federal government utilizes. I’m proud to lead this important legislation with Chairwoman Mace, and I thank her for her leadership.”