Reps. Obernolte, Panetta introduce Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act

U.S. Congressmen Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) introduced H.R. 1718, the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act, on Wednesday to ensure better security of DOD computer systems through AI enabled cybersecurity programs.

“Every day, America’s adversaries use automated systems powered by artificial intelligence in their attempts to break through America’s cyber-defenses and gain access to sensitive information and critical infrastructure, including networks and digital infrastructure at the Department of Defense,” said Rep. Obernolte. “It’s critical that we ensure the DOD has the ability to deploy AI technology to automatically detect and address threats to its networks and digital infrastructure, and that ability is currently unclear in statute.”

“As malicious cyber-attacks grow in frequency, intensity, and sophistication, we need to ensure that our U.S. military has the tools needed to identify malign behavior and quickly protect our cyber-infrastructure,” said Rep. Panetta. “This legislation ensures that the Department of Defense is able to leverage rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technology to respond to these kinds of cyber-attacks and keep pace with the capabilities of our geo-political rivals. AI is increasingly central to modern, strategic warfare, and the United States needs to be prepared with a robust digital defense to meet these evolving national security challenges.”

H.R. 1718, the Artificial Intelligence for National Security Act, addresses a gap in current law that leaves ambiguity as to whether the Department of Defense can procure artificial intelligence-based endpoint security tools as part of their mission to improve cyber-defenses of their own systems. By clarifying and codifying the DOD’s ability to use artificial intelligence in this defensive capacity, this bipartisan legislation ensures that the DOD can leverage innovative commercial technologies and effectively invest in its cyber capabilities to prevent, respond to, and recover from cyberattacks. The bill will also help ensure that the United States can keep pace defensively with the offensive AI development and deployment of our adversaries.