Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind..) introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Act. The bill would codify AI literacy as a key component of digital literacy and creates opportunities to incorporate AI literacy into existing programs. 

The adoption of AI has more than doubled since 2017, and the average number of AI capabilities that organizations use doubled between 2018 and 2022. Americans of every age, in every district, and from every background will be impacted by AI, and therefore need AI literacy - an understanding of basic AI principles and applications, the skills to recognize when AI is employed, and awareness of its limits.

“It’s no secret that the use of artificial intelligence has skyrocketed over the past few years, playing a key role in the ways we learn, work, and interact with one another. Like any emerging technology, AI presents us with incredible opportunities along with unique challenges,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan AI Literacy Act with my colleague, Rep. Bucshon. By ensuring that AI literacy is at the heart of our digital literacy program, we’re ensuring that we can not only mitigate the risk of AI, but seize the opportunity it creates to help improve the way we learn and the way we work.” 

“As we navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence in the 21st century, we must continue to increase our literacy in order to foster an informed public,” said Dr. Bucshon. “I am proud to join Rep. Blunt Rochester in the introduction of the AI Literacy Act to help Americans build a foundational knowledge of the principles and applications of artificial intelligence. America must be ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow and this legislation is a positive step in ensuring the U.S. can lead and thrive in the digital age.”

The AI Literacy Act is supported by a broad range of stakeholders including: AIandYou, AI4All, American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Association of Science and Technology Centers, Battelle, Black In AI, Code.org, Delaware State University, ETS, Fidutam, Goodwill Industries International, Inc., Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), Intel, Jobs for the Future (JFF), National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Skills Coalition, SHRM, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), STEM Education Coalition, STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice, STEMx, Tech Council of Delaware, Tech Impact, The AI Education Project, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, TIES - Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM, University of Delaware.

"The impact of AI on every part of modern life is now apparent. As we move forward, knowledge of AI systems and how they are used will be essential for workers in the 21st century. Efforts to ensure students, workers, and others looking to bolster their skills at all levels have the technological literacy they need will be crucial for supporting economic competitiveness in the era of AI," said Luke Koslosky, from the Center for Security and Emerging Technology. 

"AI literacy is key to fostering inclusivity and fairness in AI systems. Americans must be equipped with the understanding of how AI works– or cannot work–in order to engage with and challenge potentially biased algorithms. On behalf of EqualAI, I commend Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester for furthering these efforts through amending the Digital Equity Act to include AI,"  said Miriam Vogel, President and CEO of EqualAI.

“SHPE is supportive of establishing pathways to comprehensive educational opportunities that enhance exposure and community engagement in Artificial Intelligence literacy. We express our gratitude to Congresswoman Blunt Rochester for her role in facilitating partnerships between government and community anchor institutions (non-profits) in this legislative effort. Fostering these collaborations will play a crucial role in intentionally optimizing resources aimed at reducing barriers for both K-12 and higher education students. As the fastest growing demographic in the country, this initiative will be particularly impactful in the Hispanic community,”  said Miguel Alemany, CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).

"Highlighting the need for AI Literacy is critical to increasing trust and decreasing fear about AI," said Susan Gonzales, CEO AIandYou.org. "Basic AI Literacy will significantly help all communities prepare for the impact of AI on jobs, health, education, and many aspects of daily life."

"Every administrator, teacher, and student should know how to use AI and how AI works because when you understand the underlying fundamentals, you will be better able to use AI safely, effectively, and responsibly. AI Literacy will help school leaders realize the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks," said Pat Yongpradit, Chief Academic Officer of Code.org and Lead of TeachAI.

“To leverage AI and expand its transformative power, ITI is partnering with government to help users understand the economic, job, and societal benefits of AI for diverse communities,” said ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman.“ITI applauds Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester and Congressman Larry Bucshon for their bipartisan AI Literacy Act of 2023, which will boost AI education in key environments, safeguard innovation, and advance workforce development.”

“The AI Literacy Act is an important example of Congress adapting to labor market shifts. As AI becomes more prevalent, it's essential that workers have the opportunity to upskill and reskill to meet the economic moment and business need. Digital skills, including working with AI, remain absolutely essential for jobseekers, which is why funding for workers to access digital skills are crucial for workers and businesses,’’ said Caroline Treschitta from the National Skills Coalition. 

“At SHRM, we wholeheartedly applaud initiatives to increase AI literacy within the workforce. We firmly believe that combining human intelligence's unique strengths with artificial intelligence's power is the key to unlocking unparalleled returns on investment (ROI) in today's dynamic business landscape. SHRM applauds Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D., for introducing the AI Literacy Act. Investing in AI literacy is not just a technological imperative; it's a strategic investment in work, workers, and workplaces. By empowering our people to understand and leverage AI, we unlock its potential to drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainable success,” said Emily M. Dickens, Society for Human Resource Management Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs.

“As AI becomes increasingly integral in our lives, fostering awareness and understanding its full potential is critical,” said Bruce Andrews, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Intel Corporation. “The Artificial Intelligence Literacy Act of 2023 is an important step in expanding access to basic AI readiness for people from all backgrounds. This bill will help equip individuals with the skills, trust, and understanding of responsible usage to harness AI for good.” 

The AI Literacy Act would: 

• Amend the Digital Equity Act and codify AI literacy as a component of digital literacy. 
• Define AI literacy as the skills associated with the ability to comprehend the basic principles, concepts, and applications of artificial intelligence, as well as the implications, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with artificial intelligence.
• Highlight the importance of AI literacy for national competitiveness, workforce preparedness, and the well-being and digital safety of Americans.
• Ensure the eligibility of efforts to increase AI literacy in public elementary and secondary schools, in community colleges, in institutions of higher education, and by community institutions like nonprofits and libraries through the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
• Require annual reports to Congress.

A one-pager of the bill can be found here and full text of the bill can be found here. 

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