WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Committee on Small Business, applauded the passage of the SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act by the full House of Representatives. Introduced by Congressman Finstad and Congressman George Latimer (NY-16), this legislation would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress on the agency’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
“This commonsense legislation brings necessary oversight and accountability to the SBA’s use of AI without compromising transparency or trust. As this rapidly evolving technology becomes an increasingly present part of our lives, we have a responsibility in Congress to ensure our government agencies are using AI responsibly to benefit the people these agencies serve. I’m grateful for my colleagues’ support of this legislation and look forward to its passage in the Senate,” said Rep. Finstad.
Congressman Finstad spoke on the House Floor in support of the bill’s passage. His remarks are here and below, as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Chairman Williams, for yielding.
I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8881, the SBA Artificial Intelligence Utilization Act.
In a time when artificial intelligence and machine learning continues to become more accessible and revolutionize the way businesses operate, it’s important to ensure our federal agencies adopt AI responsibly, especially in the SBA.
This legislation requires the Small Business Administration to report its use of AI and machine learning within their operations, while also assessing the advantages and risks.
This legislation also gives SBA the opportunity to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness, and value of using these technologies.
AI could be a useful tool for the SBA to process information and ease its implementation, but it also raises questions about transparency, oversight, and risks.
This does not mandate the use of AI or prohibit innovation in our Small Business Administration but instead ensures commonsense congressional oversight into how these tools are being used.
Congress has the responsibility to ensure federal agencies are using this ever-changing technology transparently, responsibly, and effectively, and my bill ensures just that.
I urge a YES vote and I yield back.
