Peters Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Artificial Intelligence Training Programs for Federal Workforce Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee introduced bipartisan legislation to create an artificial intelligence (AI) training program for federal supervisors and management officials. The training program would help improve the federal workforce’s understanding of AI applications, and ensure that leaders who oversee the use of these tools understand AI’s potential benefits and risks.

“As the federal government continues to invest in and use artificial intelligence tools, decision-makers in the federal government must have the appropriate training to ensure this technology is used responsibly and ethically,” said Senator Peters. “With AI training, federal agency leaders will have the expertise needed to ensure this technology benefits the American people and to mitigate potential harms such as bias or discrimination.”

Use of artificial intelligence is widespread across government agencies, and the AI Leadership Training Act would provide guidance to federal leaders when making decisions regarding AI technology, and ensure the risks and rewards are properly weighed to best benefit agency missions and American communities. Organizations like the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) and the National AI Advisory Committee (NAIAC) have recommended additional AI training for federal workforce to ensure the appropriate use of these tools. 

This bipartisan legislation would require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide and regularly update an AI training program for federal government supervisors and management officials. The training aims to help federal leaders understand the capabilities, risks, and ethical implications associated with AI, so they can better determine whether an AI capability is appropriate to meet their mission requirements. This legislation builds on a law written by Peters last Congress to require similar training for federal employees who are responsible for procuring AI technologies for federal agencies.

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