Senators Schmitt and Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster America’s AI Workforce

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt and Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act, which would strengthen America’s workforce pipeline in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and other critical technologies and ensure that these jobs are kept in the United States rather than being outsourced to other countries:

“I’m proud to introduce the AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act with Senator Gary Peters. This bill will ensure that America continues to have a strong and increasingly skilled workforce, will utilize AI to bolster American industry, and will incentivize companies to keep their jobs in the United States rather than outsourcing them overseas. Additionally, this bill’s potential to benefit our defense capabilities is endless,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

“As artificial intelligence continues to play a bigger role in our society, it’s critical the future of this groundbreaking technology is formed in the United States. The way to ensure that happens is by building a workforce engaged in these new technologies,” said Senator Gary Peters. “My bipartisan bill will strengthen our nation’s workforce pipeline for generations to come, helping to drive transformative developments in AI and other emerging technology sectors.” 

BACKGROUND:

• The AI and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop an AI workforce framework and identify and report to Congress on other critical or emerging technology areas that could benefit from workforce frameworks, with a focus on ensuring that the frameworks are useful for individuals from nontraditional backgrounds and education.
• As technologies continue to evolve, this legislation will help ensure that similar frameworks for emerging technology like advanced biology and quantum computing are developed, while ensuring America is positioned to develop and retain skilled individuals across these industries.
• The bipartisan bill would also require the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) cybersecurity framework to be updated with input from industry, academia, and government agencies to reflect changes in the cybersecurity sector. 
• The bill would also encourage NIST to offer career resources and guidance to students and adults about careers in cybersecurity, ensuring a sustainable and capable future cyber workforce. NIST is overseen by the Commerce Space and Science Subcommittee, and Senator Schmitt serves as the Ranking Member on that subcommittee.