Bipartisan ‘Great American AI Act’ draft proposes new federal AI governance framework
Bipartisan ‘Great American AI Act’ draft proposes new federal AI governance framework
Publish Date: 2026-06-04 16:30:00
Source Domain: fedscoop.com
An expansive bipartisan House draft bill issued Thursday would set up a federal framework for artificial intelligence governance, laying groundwork for the codification of a key federal AI standards center and calling for accountability in government AI adoption.
The discussion draft, led by Reps. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., and Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., came two days after the White House issued an artificial intelligence-focused executive order asking for early access to AI models for oversight. The draft is “intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced,” the lawmakers said in a release.
“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day,” Trahan said in a statement. “This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation.”
The draft bill would formally codify the Center for AI Standards and Innovation in the Commerce Department, with $100 million per year authorized for fiscal 2027-2029. The center would develop voluntary guidelines, best practices and standards for AI security, as well as evaluate AI systems and monitor AI progress.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last June rebranded the U.S. AI Safety Institute, launched during the Biden administration, as the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. Despite being established by the executive branch in late 2024, the organization lacks a formal authorization from Congress.
Deemed the “Great American AI Act,” the bill would also require the Government Accountability Office to evaluate federal AI adoption progress, identify federal statutes and regulations that “directly affect AI innovation or unduly burden AI infrastructure (including energy)” and provide legislative and administrative recommendations, according to a bill summary.
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