Chair Cassidy, Husted, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bill Empowering States to Safely Integrate AI in Classroom, Enhance Student Success

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Jon Husted (R-OH), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) introduced the Recommending Artificial Intelligence Standards in Education (RAISE) Act. This legislation empowers states to include artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology educational standards in their K-12 curriculum, so students know how to responsibly use these tools to succeed in the classroom and the workforce.

"AI has the power to help students learn and reach their full potential, but they must be taught to use it responsibly," said Dr. Cassidy. "This bill gives states the authority to develop their own AI curriculum, ensuring students can safely harness this technology to succeed and be better prepared for today's workforce."

"Strengthening Ohio's classrooms and workplaces is how we protect American jobs and the American Dream," said Senator Husted. As AI plays a more and more crucial role in our economy, American students have to keep up. The RAISE Act would help make sure that America competes and wins in global AI literacy. Our economy and national defense can't outpace adversaries like China without American AI dominance."

"As Delaware's former Secretary of Labor and the Ranking Member of the Education and the American Family Subcommittee, I have long been dedicated to ensuring our students leave the classroom with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in our changing economy," said Senator Blunt Rochester. It is clear that understanding AI will be imperative to that success. This important piece of legislation will empower states to develop academic standards on AI and prepare our leaders of tomorrow to meet the moment. I am grateful for Senator Husted's partnership and look forward to getting this bill passed. The bipartisan coalition of Senators already on board shows just how serious we are about getting this done on behalf of our future generations."

This bill adds AI and emerging technology to the list of subjects that states may establish standards for in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965. With most education policy happening at local and state levels, ESEA requires states to set learning standards for math, reading and science, giving states the ability to set standards for other subjects. In line with the goals of President Trump's "AI Action Plan" and "America's Talent Strategy", this legislation inserts AI and emerging technology as a named option for standards, making it clear that-just like math, reading and science-AI is a core arena for educating America's students for work and for life. AI readiness is essential to maintain America's economic competitiveness in the face of global adversaries like China.

Click here for the full bill text.

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