Rep. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) joined us for a discussion this morning about the news of the day and artificial intelligence. Today’s event was part of our continuing coverage of AI and its impact.
Speaker Johnson: Houchin lauded Speaker Mike Johnson’s performance and said she’d support him staying on as the House GOP leader next year if he decided to do so.
Here’s more from Houchin:
Digital assets: Houchin is optimistic about the prospects for legislation creating a regulatory framework for digital assets. The House voted on FIT for the 21st Century Act Wednesday with the support of 71 Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Houchin said the bill should have a chance in the Senate, citing the bipartisan support it received in the House.
“I think that should indicate that it is an important bill that should receive consideration and move through the Senate and hopefully we’ll get the president’s support,” Houchin said.
Artificial intelligence: Shifting to AI, Houchin said she’s glad to see Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other senators working on AI, specifically the AI Roadmap Initiative spearheaded by the New York Democrat.
Houchin said she’s hopeful the House and Senate will come together on AI legislation. The Indiana Republican also said she’s not worried about which chamber moves on it first.
“I learned a long time ago, as long as a good thing gets done, it doesn’t really matter who gets the credit,” Houchin said.
Following our conversation with Houchin: Mark Isakowitz, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy for the U.S. and Canada, joined us for a fireside chat, and he even broke some news.
The Google executive said his company will support several pieces of legislation related to artificial intelligence regulation:
| → | Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024 |
| → | AI Grand Challenges Act |
| → | Workforce DATA Act |
| → | CREATE AI Act |
| → | Small Business Technological Advancement Act |
Isakowitz said it’s crucial for policymakers to embrace AI, regulate it and make it an opportunity for all.
“AI is too important not to regulate, and too important not to regulate well,” Isakowitz said.
— Robert O’Shaughnessy
