Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat and car dealership owner, enrolled in machine learning at George Mason University to grasp AI, which led him back to school.
As lawmakers navigate AI regulation, understanding its potential and risks becomes crucial.
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 16: House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Don Beyer (D-VA) (R) gavels to order a hearing about recent scientific results produced by the James Webb Space Telescope with ranking member Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX) in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on November 16, 2022 in Washington, DC. NASA Astrophysics Division Director Dr. Mark Clampin shared a new image produced by the cutting-edge telescope of the protostar L1527 and answered questions about low- and high-energy micrometeoroid strikes that have affected Webb's productivity and longevity. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
A Lawmaker's Journey into AI Education
A congressman's quest to understand AI led him back to the classroom. Congressman Don Beyer has a varied background, from early website adoption for his businesses to leading bipartisan initiatives on fusion energy.
Despite being 73 years old, he enjoys reading geometry books in his free time. When confronted with questions about AI regulation, the Associated Press reported that Beyer chose an unconventional path.
He enrolled at George Mason University to pursue a master's degree in machine learning.
While this decision may seem unusual for a lawmaker, it reflects a broader trend among members of Congress seeking to grasp AI concepts as they contemplate legislation to regulate its development.
AI elicits different reactions from people: some are alarmed by it, others find it thrilling, and many are simply baffled.
As lawmakers navigate the complexities of regulating AI, they must find a balance between harnessing its potential benefits and addressing its risks, posing a significant challenge for Congress.
Expressing optimism about AI's potential, Beyer highlighted the need to discern between its realities and misconceptions.
He emphasized during a class at George Mason University that AI will revolutionize daily life, dispelling notions of menacing robots.
However, he cautioned against overlooking existential risks such as job displacement and the propagation of biased information through AI technologies like deepfakes.
Conversely, overly stringent regulations could impede innovation, hindering the nation's competitiveness in the global AI race.
Navigating AI Regulation
Achieving the right balance requires input from various groups, including technology supporters and critics, as well as industries affected by AI.
Representative Jay Obernolte, leading the House's AI Task Force, stresses the need for lawmakers to understand AI beyond Hollywood portrayals like "The Terminator" or "The Matrix."
With a background in engineering and AI studies, Obernolte highlights lawmakers' responsibility to grasp AI's complexities, a task he readily assists with.
He notes bipartisan recognition of this responsibility, similar to navigating complex legislative areas like healthcare and finance.
Congress has long struggled to keep pace with technological progress, dating back to the steam engine and the cotton gin, which transformed industry and agriculture.
Nuclear power and weaponry are more recent examples of complex subjects that lawmakers have grappled with. Kenneth Lowande, a political scientist at the University of Michigan, notes that expertise plays a crucial role in congressional policymaking.
To address this challenge, Congress has established various offices, such as the Library of Congress and the Congressional Budget Office, to offer specialized resources and input.
Additionally, lawmakers depend on knowledgeable staff members who specialize in different fields, including technology.
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