Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat and chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, partnered with Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening American education and workforce training in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. The bill, called the NSF AI Education Act of 2024, focuses on initiatives to increase expertise in AI and quantum computing at all levels of education and amongst the workforce. It aims to drive American tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and progress in addressing global challenges by providing scholarships, grants, professional development fellowships, and creating Centers of Excellence focused on AI education.
The proposed bill calls on the National Science Foundation (NSF) to execute various programs to enhance U.S. expertise in AI and quantum computing. These programs include awarding scholarships in AI and quantum computing, providing research grants in agriculture, offering professional development fellowships, establishing AI Centers of Excellence at community colleges, developing instructional materials for teaching AI, and launching the “NSF Grand Challenges” to educate at least 1 million workers in AI by 2028. Fred Humphries, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of U.S. government affairs, expressed the company’s support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of preparing individuals and institutions for the opportunities brought about by AI technology.
Senator Cantwell has been a longtime advocate for tech-related measures and has supported various initiatives to advance Washington state tech companies. She has a particular interest in quantum computing, referring to the Pacific Northwest as America’s “Quantum Valley.” Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and IonQ, along with research institutions like Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and universities, are actively engaged in quantum computing research in the region. Washington State University President Kirk Schulz praised the legislation, highlighting the opportunity to educate and train the next generation of Washington students to become leaders in AI and quantum hybrid computing.
In addition to the AI education bill, Cantwell co-sponsored the Future of AI Innovation Act along with other senators from both parties to promote U.S. leadership in AI through public-private collaborations. Two years ago, she played a key role in passing the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act, which included incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and investments in AI, robotics, clean energy, nuclear power, quantum computing, and other areas. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to pass AI-related bills, Cantwell remains committed to advancing legislation that supports technological innovation and workforce development in emerging fields like AI and quantum computing.
At a Technology Alliance event in Seattle, Cantwell likened the AI education bill to the historic G.I. Bill, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for students and workers to learn and upskill in AI and quantum computing. The proposed legislation has broad support from industry stakeholders, educators, and government officials, who recognize the significant impact that AI and quantum computing will have on various sectors. Cantwell’s focus on advancing AI education and workforce training aligns with efforts to ensure that the United States remains competitive and innovative in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. By investing in AI and quantum computing expertise, policymakers and industry leaders aim to equip individuals with the skills needed to drive future advances in technology and address complex global challenges.
