Rep. Soto Introduces Bipartisan AI Jobs Act of 2019

Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) introduced the AI Jobs Act of 2019, legislation that will authorize the Department of Labor to work with businesses and educational institutions to create a report analyzing the future growth of artificial intelligence and its impact on American workforce. The bill comes during the National Science Foundation's open call for submissions for the EArlyconcept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGERs), a federal grant supporting AI projects that increase understanding in AI technologies and provide scientific contributions to overcome arising challenges. The legislation was co-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Raja Krishanmoorthi (IL-08), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10), and Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17). It is also supported by corporations such as Intel Corporation, Lyft, and the Center for Data Innovation.

The bipartisan group of members sponsoring the legislation issued the following joint statement:

"We're proud to join efforts across party lines to introduce this legislation and help our workforce prepare for the ways artificial intelligence will shape the economy of the future. This legislation will help American workers better understand and prepare for the emerging job opportunities created by artificial intelligence and to adapt to changes in our evolving economy. Our fact-finding goal over the next six months will help unveil basic comprehensive jurisdiction over artificial intelligence. We also welcome the general public to send input to our office."

The AI Jobs Act of 2019 would collect data to analyze which industries are projected to have the most growth through artificial intelligence, and the demographics which may experience expanded career opportunities and those most vulnerable to job displacement. To ensure transparency, the report will be conducted in a nonpartisan manner, in collaboration with educational institutions; employers and think tanks in the tech and manufacturing sectors; and the Secretary of Commerce.

Click here for full text of the Bill.

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