One rare bipartisan AI bill is moving through Congress. Here’s why it deserves to pass

**Unlocking America's AI Potential: The CREATE AI Act Aims to Put the Country at the Forefront of Artificial Intelligence Research**

The United States is at a critical juncture in its quest to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). Amidst the flood of AI legislation on Capitol Hill, one bipartisan bill stands out for its potential to revolutionize the country's AI research capabilities and put the US at the forefront of this crucial technological area. The Creating Resources for Every American to Experiment with Artificial Intelligence Act, or CREATE AI Act, has the backing of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and represents a rare opportunity for common-sense legislation to drive America's ability to win the AI race.

Background & Context

The Senate's recently reintroduced CREATE AI Act is a significant development in the ongoing effort to harness the power of AI for the benefit of the American people. The bill has been endorsed by Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), demonstrating the cross-administration and cross-aisle continuity that is rare in Washington.

As the global AI landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the CREATE AI Act aims to address a pressing issue: the lack of access to supercomputing power and curated data for researchers, startups, nonprofits, and federal agencies outside the private sector. This bottleneck is not only hindering the country's AI research capabilities but also leaving the US vulnerable to international competition in this critical area.

Key Details

The CREATE AI Act would put the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) on permanent footing at the National Science Foundation. A pilot version of the NAIRR has been operating since early 2024, supporting over 600 cutting-edge AI research projects across all 50 states. The NAIRR has already demonstrated its impact, removing cost barriers to conducting advanced AI research and serving as the foundation of a shared technology ecosystem. Researchers, startups, nonprofits, and federal agencies have gained access to supercomputing power that most institutions outside the private sector cannot afford.

By permanently removing this bottleneck, the CREATE AI Act would spark enhanced competition among the nation's best researchers, driving innovation and economic growth. The bill also has significant implications for international competition, as China, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are all investing heavily in their own AI research capabilities. If the US wants to maintain its edge, it cannot leave its university researchers, public-sector technologists, and small businesses waiting for compute time on commercial clouds they cannot afford.

What Experts Say

The CREATE AI Act has the potential to drive significant economic growth and innovation, but its impact extends beyond the AI research community. By reopening access to supercomputing power and curated data, the bill would level the playing field for researchers and startups, enabling them to compete with industry giants. This, in turn, would drive investment, job creation, and economic growth, ultimately benefiting the broader American economy.

Key Takeaways

• The CREATE AI Act would put the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) on permanent footing at the National Science Foundation, providing access to supercomputing power and curated data for researchers, startups, nonprofits, and federal agencies.
• The bill has the backing of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, demonstrating rare cross-administration and cross-aisle continuity.
• The CREATE AI Act would drive economic growth and innovation by sparking enhanced competition among the nation's best researchers.
• The bill has significant implications for international competition, as the US must maintain its edge in AI research to remain competitive.

What This Means For You

The CREATE AI Act has the potential to drive significant economic growth and innovation, benefiting the broader American economy. By reopening access to supercomputing power and curated data, the bill would level the playing field for researchers and startups, enabling them to compete with industry giants. This, in turn, would drive investment, job creation, and economic growth, ultimately benefiting the American people.

As the US continues to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, the CREATE AI Act represents a rare opportunity for common-sense legislation to drive America's ability to win the AI race. The bill deserves to pass and become law, putting the country at the forefront of AI research and driving innovation and economic growth for years to come.