Rep. Obernolte, Rep. Jacobs Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prepare American Workers for AI-Driven Economic Change
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) today introduced the Economy of the Future Commission Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation to help the United States prepare for the economic impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). The bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mark Warner and Mike Rounds.
The legislation would establish a bipartisan, bicameral commission to study how AI is transforming the American economy and develop consensus-driven policy recommendations for Congress. The Commission will evaluate workforce development, education systems, federal AI adoption, and strategies to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies.
“Artificial intelligence will reshape every sector of our economy, and Congress has a responsibility prepare for those changes. This legislation brings together experts and lawmakers to develop clear, actionable recommendations to strengthen our workforce, support American workers, and ensure the United States continues to lead the world in innovation,” said Rep. Obernolte.
“I’m constantly hearing from young people who are absolutely terrified that AI will take their jobs and make their degrees irrelevant. That’s why we need to understand whether these fears are well-founded, how and when AI will reshape the labor market, and what we must do now to prepare workers and students for the future. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Economy of the Future Commission Act to develop recommendations on education, worker support, and social safety net programs so we can ensure that all Americans – especially young people – are ready for the future of work and our economy is stable, growing, and competitive,” said Rep. Jacobs.
“AI is going to transform nearly every sector of our economy,” said Sen. Warner. “The question isn’t whether these changes are coming — it’s whether we are prepared. We need clear-eyed analysis and practical, bipartisan solutions to help workers gain new skills, support people whose jobs are disrupted, and make sure the United States leads the world in the industries of the future. This legislation is about bringing together the expertise needed to chart that path forward.”
“American dominance in AI is a matter of both economic and national security,” said Sen. Rounds. “America’s workforce must be equipped to lead the transformation of the economy happening due to AI. This commission would help keep America ahead of our global competitors and keep America prosperous and innovative.”
The Commission will deliver an interim report within seven months outlining projected impacts of AI on jobs and the economy, followed by a final report within 13 months with legislative recommendations on workforce reskilling, tax policy, unemployment insurance, and long-term economic growth.