Senate seeks to instruct members on artificial intelligence with classified sessions

Chuck Schumer, Senate majority leader since January 2021, intends to modernize the Senate with respect to artificial intelligence (AI). The New York Democrat held three briefings with his colleagues on this matter, one of which was classified.

Schumer sent a letter to his fellow senators explaining the importance of becoming familiar with this matter. "AI is already changing our world, and experts have repeatedly told us that it will have a profound impact on everything from our national security to our classrooms to our workforce, including potentially significant job displacement," he wrote.

There will be three briefings: the first will act as an overview of artificial intelligence, the second will focus on how to get the U.S. to lead in its development globally, and the third, classified, will address the implications of AI in defense and intelligence.

"We must take the time lo learn from leading minds in AI, across sectors, and consider both the benefits and risks of this technology. We will share more details on dates, times and speakers in coming days," closed the letter, also signed by Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

This is not the first time Schumer has stressed the importance of artificial intelligence. The senator indicated in April that he would make an effort to try to regulate the technology and that he is working with a group of experts to create a regulatory framework and mitigate dangers in the future.

"The Age of AI is here, and here to stay. Now is the time to develop, harness, and advance its potential to benefit our country for generations. Given the AI industry’s consequential and fast moving impact on society, national security, and the global economy, I’ve worked with some of the leading AI practitioners and thought leaders to create a framework that outlines a new regulatory regime that would prevent potentially catastrophic damage to our country while simultaneously making sure the U.S. advances and leads in this transformative technology," he said months ago.

"But there is much more work to do and we must move quickly. I look forward to working across the aisle, across the industry and across the country and beyond, to shape this proposal and refine legislation to make sure AI delivers on its promise to create a better world," he added.