Speaker Johnson launches bipartisan artificial intelligence ‘task force’

House Speaker Mike Johnson is putting together a formal "task force" to explore how the U.S. can stay competitive in the artificial intelligence (AI) sphere while also managing the rapidly evolving technology's risks.

"Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and our society, it is important for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to understand and plan for both the promises and the complexities of this transformative technology," Johnson, R-La., said in a Monday morning statement.

The new project is bipartisan, having been the product of discussions between Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

HOW AI COULD MANIPULATE VOTERS AND UNDERMINE ELECTIONS THREATENING DEMOCRACY

Johnson said the task force would be made up of House lawmakers who have "AI expertise and represent the relevant committees of jurisdiction."

"Congress has a responsibility to facilitate the promising breakthroughs that artificial intelligence can bring to fruition and ensure that everyday Americans benefit from these advancements in an equitable manner," Jeffries said. "The rise of artificial intelligence also presents a unique set of challenges and certain guardrails must be put in place to protect the American people."

The group's co-chairs are members who have been some of the most vocal about AI – Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., the oversight subcommittee chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., who sits on the House Judiciary Committee's internet subcommittee.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Both Obernolte and Lieu are also members of the House's AI Caucus.

Johnson has not yet laid out a clear strategy on how he