As the U.S. government continues to assess the risks and rewards of artificial intelligence, an Orange County community member and congresswoman is set to be part of those discussions.

U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee is one of 24 House lawmakers chosen for a new, bipartisan task force discussing AI that the chamber’s leadership announced Wednesday. The group will examine how the United States can take part in artificial intelligence innovation, while also “considering guardrails” to help the country prepare or react to threats.

“Addressing this quickly moving technology requires thoughtful regulation and diligent oversight, both rooted in practical and ethical considerations,” Foushee said in a release from her office about the appointment. “The promise of AI is vast; it has the power to revolutionize industries, scientific research, and our daily lives. From top community colleges and universities to one of the largest research hubs in the country, my district is no stranger to the many facets of artificial intelligence. The work of scientists and researchers in my district is exciting, and their brilliance and commitment to developing trustworthy AI applications that serve the public good are second-to-none.

“We must work together,” she continued, “to get ahead and address AI risks like equity, bias, privacy, cybersecurity, and disinformation. This bipartisan taskforce will help us do just that, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” 

Foushee will join the task force after experiencing serving on the House’s Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and its sub-committee on investigations and oversight, of which she is a ranking member. She will be joined by five other members of the science committee as well: Oregon Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Missouri Rep. Haley Stevens, Georgia Rep. Rich McCormick, and California’s Rep. Jay Obernolte and Rep. Darrell Issa.

The news came on the same day Foushee co-hosted a roundtable discussion with local AI industry leaders and national technology figures, including White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Arati Prabhakar. The forum was held at North Carolina Central University and provided a chance to have leaders across all levels of government discuss potential guidance, partnerships, and changes needed regarding AI so far.

“As AI systems and technologies continue to emerge,” Foushee said in a release afterward, “conversations like these that include all levels of government, industry experts, and local leaders are critical to establishing the proper federal guardrails that will ensure America can safely and responsibly remain at the forefront of the global AI industry.”

Rep. Valerie Foushee and Rep. Deborah Ross stand with other federal, state and local leaders in attedance for a roundtable on artificial intelligence on Wednesday, February 20, 2024. (Photo via the Office of Valerie Foushee.)

More information about the congressional task force examining artificial intelligence, including the full list of lawmakers participating, can be found here.

 

Photo via Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill.

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