Rep. Obernolte introduces Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act

U.S. Congressmen Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced H.R. 7811, the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act to ensure better security of DOD computer systems through AI enabled cybersecurity programs.

“U.S. military defense computer systems are some of the most sensitive and targeted systems in the world and are under constant threat from our adversaries,” said Rep. Obernolte. “There is a global race to perfect and deploy artificial intelligence in the warfighting arena, and it is mission critical that we ensure our military has the best possible AI capabilities to defend against those who would seek to do this nation harm.”

“As malicious cyber-attacks continue to increase in frequency and intensity, the U.S. military needs to make sure we have the tools necessary to defend and protect our defensive cyber-infrastructure,” said Rep. Panetta. “This legislation will leverage rapidly advancing and emerging artificial intelligence technology that is shaping the success of military planning and operations around the world.  It is critical to have robust digital defense systems that utilize the increasingly central role of AI in today’s strategic warfare.”

Under the most recently passed National Defense Authorization Act, it is unclear whether the Department of Defense is permitted to specifically purchase AI enabled cybersecurity systems. Artificial intelligence has known real-world applications in cybersecurity, with abilities to catch suspicious behaviors that human observers miss.

H.R. 7811, the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act would ensure the Department of Defense is able to leverage AI cybersecurity applications to give our nation’s defenders the best tools possible to stop and prevent attacks against our digital defense systems and infrastructure. In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and last year’s successful foreign actor-led cyberattacks against critical American infrastructure, this bill provides timely clarity to bolster protections against future attacks.