WASHINGTON, DC- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bipartisan bills led by U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) to help small businesses responsibly and effectively use artificial intelligence tools to grow, compete, and protect their operations. Together, the AI-WISE Actand the AI for Main Street Actensure small business owners have access to practical guidance, training, and trusted resources as artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly common part of the modern economy.

"Small businesses are the backbone of West Michigan, but too many owners are being asked to navigate rapidly changing technology without clear, reliable guidance," said Rep. Scholten. "These bipartisan bills will support small businesses as AI reshapes our economy by ensuring Main Street has the same access to expertise and support as large corporations. The bills will give our small businesses much-needed tools to evaluate new technologies, protect their data, and use AI in ways that actually make sense for their operations."

The Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative Small Enterprises (AI-WISE) Act, sponsored by Rep. Scholten and co-led by Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT-02), directs the Small Business Administration to develop AI-literacy resources on its existing online learning platform. The bill helps small business owners understand how AI tools work, evaluate risks and benefits, protect privacy, and decide whether adopting AI is the right choice for their business.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in four businesses do not know whether they will use AI in the next six months. The AI-WISE Actresponds to that uncertainty by providing clear, accessible education without favoring specific tools or companies.

The House also passed the AI for Main Street Act, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO-04) and co-led by Rep. Scholten. The bill expands the role of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to help small businesses evaluate and integrate AI into their operations, including improving cybersecurity, protecting intellectual property, strengthening customer trust, and preparing for unexpected challenges.

The AI for Main Street Act is a bicameral bill, led in the U.S. Senate by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), underscoring broad bipartisan support for helping small businesses adopt AI responsibly.

Both bills now head to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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