AI Security and Innovation Act
Sponsored By: Representative Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]
In Committee
Summary
Center for AI Security and Innovation establishes a dedicated NIST-based hub to measure AI risks, run voluntary evaluations of high-risk "frontier" systems, and push voluntary standards for security and robustness.
Show full summary
- Developers and covered entities get a pathway for voluntary, confidential evaluations of frontier AI models and protections for shared information from public disclosure and regulatory use.
- Federal agencies and national security leaders gain a central office to benchmark capabilities, assess vulnerabilities like model extraction and data leakage, and coordinate interagency input including intelligence and defense partners.
- Research, standards, and international cooperation are supported through guidance, published best practices, and limited foreign engagement that excludes centers in defined foreign adversaries.
*Authorizes about $20.0 million per year for FY2027–2032 to fund the Center, increasing federal discretionary spending by that amount each year.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Funding for AI security center
This bill would authorize $20 million a year for the Center for each fiscal year 2027 through 2032. Congress would still need to appropriate the money each year. If all six years are funded, the authorization totals $120 million. The Center's authorizing section would terminate five years after enactment.
New NIST Center for AI security
This bill would create a Center for AI Security and Innovation at NIST within 60 days of enactment. The Center would measure AI capabilities and risks, develop voluntary standards and tests, and evaluate advanced systems. The Center would publish a definition of “covered frontier system” within 180 days. The bill would also add new legal definitions for AI models, AI systems, foreign adversaries, and the intelligence community where the law applies.
Privacy protections for AI companies
This bill would keep information that companies share with the Center from public disclosure. Company consent would be required before the Center made that information public. Federal, State, local, or Tribal governments could not use the shared information to regulate the company. The protection would last five years after enactment.
Annual Center reports to Congress
For each fiscal year beginning with FY2027, the bill would require annual reports to two congressional committees. Reports would be due within 90 days after the President's budget submission. Reports must show the Center's budget, goals, consultations, and assessments of international competition, talent gaps, and emerging capabilities.
Center director and technical hires
This bill would require naming a Director for the Center within three months of enactment. It would allow hiring up to 15 technical experts to staff the Center. Those hires could be paid at high executive pay rates set by law.
Limits on Center's regulatory power
This bill would say the Center and its Director have no new regulatory, rulemaking, or enforcement authority. It would not let other agencies use the Center to create new enforcement or change existing reporting duties. That limit would last five years after enactment.
Optional study to move the Center
The bill would let the Secretary optionally study whether the Center should move to another Commerce agency or become a Department agency. The study could recommend additional authorities or funding. If done, the Secretary must give the study to two congressional committees within 30 days after completing it.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]
CA • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
NC • D
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]
TX • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]
KS • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18]
FL • R
Sponsored 6/18/2026
Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]
MA • D
Sponsored 6/22/2026
Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
IN • R
Sponsored 6/22/2026
Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1]
AR • R
Sponsored 7/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov