Calling on the United States to champion a regional artificial intelligence strategy in the Americas to foster inclusive artificial intelligence systems that combat biases within marginalized groups and promote social justice, economic well-being, and democratic values.

Bill Number: H.Res. 836
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-10-28: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2025-12-04T21:50:59Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

H. Res. 836 is a non-binding House resolution that urges the United States to lead the development of a regional artificial intelligence (AI) strategy across the Americas. The goal is to create inclusive AI systems that reduce biases against marginalized groups, while advancing social justice, economic growth, and democratic principles. It emphasizes leveraging the diverse populations of the Western Hemisphere to ensure AI benefits everyone equitably.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) highlighting U.S. demographic diversity (e.g., Hispanic, Black, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Indigenous populations) and the risks of biased AI, such as facial recognition systems that perform poorly on darker skin tones. It then resolves the following actions for the House of Representatives:

Applauds existing efforts: Recognizes the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy's Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, which outlines five principles (safe and effective systems, protection from unsafe algorithms, data privacy, equal access, and human alternatives to AI decisions) to safeguard civil rights and liberties.
Prioritizes inclusive AI: Declares inclusive AI research, design, use, regulation, and deployment as a key focus for U.S. domestic and foreign policy, calling for a safe Regional AI Strategy in the Americas based on the AI Bill of Rights principles.
Elevates regional AI as strategic: Makes the safe development and use of AI in the Western Hemisphere a priority for U.S. policy.
Seeks international agreements: Calls for a ratified domestic and global agreement on AI design, use, and deployment to prevent misuse and promote social justice, economic well-being, and democracy.
Encourages investments: Urges U.S. economic and development agencies to fund AI education, training, and infrastructure in the Western Hemisphere, using the region's diversity to drive growth and progress.
Promotes ethical standards: Supports creating shared ethical frameworks, regulations, and standards for AI in the hemisphere, emphasizing fairness, accountability, privacy, and protection of rights and democratic values.
Boosts international cooperation: Calls for increased collaboration with organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to share resources and coordinate ethical AI governance, positioning the hemisphere as a leader in AI innovation.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This resolution does not amend or create new laws, as it is a declarative measure without legal force. It builds on existing initiatives like the AI Bill of Rights but introduces no binding changes. Instead, it expresses congressional intent to guide future policy, potentially influencing executive actions or legislation.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Could prompt agencies like the State Department, Commerce Department, and international development bodies (e.g., USAID) to prioritize AI funding and diplomacy in the Americas, shifting resources toward inclusive tech projects.
On citizens: Aims to benefit marginalized U.S. and hemispheric populations by reducing AI biases in areas like hiring, policing, and services, potentially improving access to opportunities and protecting privacy. It may foster job creation through AI education and startups.
On international relations: Strengthens U.S. leadership in the Western Hemisphere by promoting collaborative AI governance, countering influences from non-democratic nations (e.g., avoiding "digital colonialism" where AI is controlled by outsiders). This could enhance trade, innovation, and alliances with Latin American countries via organizations like the OAS and IDB.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Marginalized communities: U.S. groups like Hispanics (19% of population), Afro-Latinos, Black Americans (12.4%), Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous peoples, who face AI biases; similar groups across the Americas.
AI developers and tech sector: Companies and researchers in the U.S. and hemisphere, encouraged to include diverse data and teams for fairer AI.
U.S. government entities: Congress, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, foreign affairs and science committees, and development agencies.
International partners: Countries in the Western Hemisphere (e.g., Latin America), OAS, IDB, and trade allies benefiting from shared AI investments and standards.
Broader society: General public through improved public services, economic growth, and democratic AI safeguards.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Reinforces civil rights protections by aligning AI with principles like equal opportunity and privacy, potentially informing future regulations without creating enforceable rules.
Constitutional: Echoes U.S. values of equality and human rights under the Constitution, promoting AI that upholds free speech, due process, and anti-discrimination norms.
Political: Signals bipartisan interest in ethical AI (referred to Foreign Affairs and Science committees), positioning the U.S. against authoritarian AI models globally. It could spark debates on funding priorities and hemispheric leadership, influencing elections and foreign policy without binding commitments.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]

Recent Actions

2025-10-28: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-28: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-10-28: Submitted in House
2025-10-28: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Calling on the United States to champion a regional artificial intelligence strategy in the Americas to foster inclusive artificial intelligence systems that combat biases within marginalized groups and promote social justice, economic well-being, and democratic values. — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (8 pages)