The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® regarding the bipartisan bills in Congress, the CREATE AI Act (S.2714/ H.R.5077) and the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023 (S.3312): 

“Hundreds of artificial intelligence bills at the state level would, if enacted, cause a confusing patchwork of rules for companies and startups to follow. Bills in California, Colorado and Connecticut show Congress must act now to pass national legislation or risk chilling AI innovation and undercutting American leadership in this critical emerging technology.  

AI is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to spur economic growth, boost productivity, and enhance the quality of life for people worldwide. CTA supports the federal CREATE AI Act, which aims to cultivate the talent, infrastructure, and policies needed for the United States to uphold its position as an AI innovation leader. With 80% of CTA membership made up of small businesses and startups, the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource is a pivotal measure to allowing entrepreneurs, students and researchers from diverse background access to resources needed to develop safe and trustworthy AI technology. 

CTA supports national rules for AI that take a balanced approach to ensure that AI systems are managing risk, while still allowing businesses flexibility to innovate as outlined in CTA’s National AI Policy and Regulatory Framework. CTA welcomes the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act’s risk-based approach, which is firmly grounded in existing governance structures and best practices. As policymakers deliberate on this legislation, we urge them to treat high-risk AI systems equally, regardless of their size.  

We urge policymakers to move ahead with national AI legislation and we look forward to further collaboration as the bills progress through the legislative process.”