Rubio, Cantwell, Blackburn, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Create a U.S.-Israel Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Center

Press Release

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced bipartisan legislation to create a U.S.-Israel Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development Center to further bilateral cooperation in AI and contribute to the advancement of this critical field. The bill directs the U.S. Secretary of State, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the heads of other relevant U.S. agencies, to establish a joint U.S.-Israel AI Center in the United States. The Center will serve as a hub for robust research and development in AI across the public, private and education sectors in the two nations.

Rubio is Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

"America, and the world, benefit immensely when we engage in joint cooperation and partnerships with Israel, a global technology leader and our most important ally in the Middle East," Rubio said. "I'm proud to lead this legislation to build on current, highly successful bilateral research ties between the U.S. and Israel, as well as help both nations stay ahead of China's ever-growing technology threat."

"Countering China's increasing Artificial Intelligence advancement and destabilizing presence is essential for global security," Blackburn said. "The U.S.-Israel Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development Center re-affirms our relationship with our strongest ally in the Middle East and ensures our bilateral capacity to research, develop, and innovate AI technologies."

"To maintain our technological edge and enhance our competitiveness, the United States must act now to rapidly field AI systems. As the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence rightly points out, leveraging allied innovation advantages is critical to winning the AI era," Rosen said. "To help us stay ahead of the curve, this bipartisan legislation would enable greater collaboration between the United States and Israel -- a major hub for new and emerging AI technologies. Together, we can develop AI technologies that enhance our national security and the U.S.-Israel relationship. I thank Senators Rubio, Cantwell, and Blackburn for their leadership on this legislation."

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