WASHINGTON, D.C.—today, President Donald J. Trump signed and executive order that would improve the use of AI across the federal government by providing access to technical expertise and streamlining hiring within the agencies. “This legislation expands upon Senator Portman’s bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government Act which codifies an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) within the General Services Administration to provide technical expertise to relevant government agencies; advises agencies on the procurement of AI technology; and promote U.S. competitiveness through agency and industry cooperation. ”
“Artificial intelligence will have significant impacts for our country, economy, and society,” said Senator Portman. “Ensuring that our government has the capabilities and expertise to help navigate those impacts will be important in the coming years and decades. This bipartisan legislation will help ensure our government understands the benefits and pitfalls of this technology as it engages in a responsible, accountable rollout of AI.”
“We can’t continue to lead the world in AI technology if our own government isn’t making the most of it,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will give the federal government the resources it needs to hire experts, do research, and work across federal agencies to use AI technologies in smart and effective ways.”
“Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to drive the growth of the United States economy and improve the quality of life of all Americans,” said President Trump.
The executive order delegates the White House Office of Management and Budget the task to draw up a roadmap for how federal agencies use artificial intelligence software.
The roadmap, due for publication in 180 days, will cover AI applications used by the federal government for purposes other than defense or national security. The Department of Defense and the U.S. intelligence community already have drawn up a different set of rules for using AI.
The executive order lays out a list of nine principles, specifying that the ways in which federal agencies use AI should be lawful; purposeful and performance-driven; accurate, reliable and effective; safe, secure and resilient; understandable; responsible and traceable; regularly monitored; transparent; and accountable.
“The Trump administration is committed to advancing AI innovation that benefits all Americans and is underpinned by American values,” Michael Kratsios, the White House’s chief technology officer, said in a statement. “The executive order will foster public trust in the technology, drive government modernization, and further demonstrate America’s leadership in artificial intelligence.”
Photo: White House and Senator Portman contributed to this article.