Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is set to introduce the "Make AI Work for Americans Act," landmark legislation aimed at requiring major technology companies to contribute a portion of their profits to an "AI Horizon Fund." This fund is designed to support the American workforce by providing training and opportunities for workers whose jobs may be displaced by artificial intelligence. Kelly emphasized that these companies are profiting from technology built upon humanity's collective knowledge and research, and therefore should reinvest some of that wealth back into the workers.
Kelly highlighted the broad, bipartisan support for AI regulation, citing that 80% of Americans, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, desire such measures. He contrasted this public sentiment with the perceived reluctance within the White House to implement guardrails. Kelly, drawing on his experience as a Space Shuttle commander, likened the current moment regarding AI to a "Master Alarm blaring and systems failing," stressing the urgent need for congressional action to prevent widespread job losses and societal disruption.
The proposed AI Horizon Fund would specifically allocate resources for worker training programs, paid service to career opportunities, and general support for individuals whose employment is directly impacted by AI automation. Beyond workforce development, the fund would also contribute to infrastructure needs, particularly electrical infrastructure required for AI data centers, aiming to prevent electricity rate hikes for consumers, especially those on fixed incomes. Kelly previously outlined these concepts in his "AI for America" roadmap, which also included legislation like the AI DATA Act and the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act.
While the exact details of the bill are still emerging, Kelly is pushing for immediate action, arguing that Congress has a duty to address the potential negative consequences of AI rather than delaying. He has also previously introduced several other AI-related bills, focusing on areas such as workforce impact, senior protection, and military integration of AI. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have reportedly resisted immediate government regulation, citing concerns about hindering domestic AI growth and giving a competitive advantage to countries like China.
