U.S. Senate amends AI funding bill

American lawmakers proposed investing $110 billion over the next five years in the development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. Officials say it would bolster the United States’ competitiveness against China, Reuters.

The bipartisan Endless Frontier Act proposes to invest $95 billion in fundamental and frontier research, commercialization, and educational programs in key technological areas, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, advanced communications, biotechnology and advanced energy.

The plan provides for $10 billion to create at least ten regional technology centers and crisis-response programs. Officials say that advance measures would help prevent problems, for example in semiconductor chip supply chains, that could disrupt automotive manufacturing.

Senators also proposed establishing in the president’s executive staff the position of Chief Manufacturing Officer, who would head the new Office of Manufacturing Policy and Industrial Innovation.

The bill would bar Chinese companies from participating in the Manufacturing USA program without giving up some rights and privileges. It represents an attempt by government and industry to boost industrial competitiveness, reduce energy consumption and strengthen U.S. national security.

In March 2021, the Pentagon urged expanding the use of artificial intelligence to avoid falling behind competitors.

Earlier in March, the National AI Security Commission published a report on preserving the United States’ technological dominance with recommendations for government and business leaders.

A week later, the Chinese government presented a five-year plan to accelerate the development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In 2020, China emerged as the leader in AI publications.

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