A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- S. 2604
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-21T11:56:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to establish a high-level steering committee within the Department of Defense (DoD) to assess the development and implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI)—AI systems that could match or exceed human intelligence across a wide range of tasks, unlike narrower AI focused on specific jobs. This committee will help the DoD prepare for AGI's potential military uses, threats, and adoption strategies.
Key Provisions
- Establishment: The Secretary of Defense must create the "Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee" by April 1, 2026.
- Membership: The committee includes senior DoD leaders such as the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vice chiefs from various military branches, under secretaries for key areas (acquisition, research, intelligence, and finance), the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, representatives from military departments, innovation centers, and other DoD elements as deemed appropriate.
- Leadership: The Deputy Secretary of Defense and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serve as co-chairpersons.
- Responsibilities:
- Analyze the progress of AI models and technologies toward AGI, including emerging tools like advanced algorithms, brain-inspired computing, cognitive science applications, infrastructure needs, and new microelectronics.
- Evaluate adversaries' (e.g., foreign nations) efforts to achieve AGI, focusing on their technological, operational, and strategic paths.
- Examine AGI's potential military applications and effects on DoD operations.
- Develop a DoD strategy for adopting AGI, covering ethical guidelines, resource needs (including innovative funding like loans or public-private partnerships), measurable goals, and transition mechanisms.
- Assess threats from adversaries' use of AGI and propose defense strategies and countermeasures.
- Reporting: By January 31, 2027, the Deputy Secretary must submit a report to congressional defense committees on the committee's findings. The report will be unclassified but may include a classified section; the unclassified part must be made public.
- Termination: The committee sunsets (ends) on December 31, 2027.
- Definitions: AGI is defined as AI with broad human-like intelligence potential. The "innovation ecosystem" refers to networks of private, academic, and government groups that drive tech and economic growth in specific sectors.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new entity and process within the DoD, with no direct amendments to prior laws mentioned. It builds on existing DoD authorities for AI oversight but creates a dedicated, time-limited committee focused specifically on AGI, which was not previously mandated.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The DoD will gain structured guidance for AGI integration, potentially improving national security planning and resource allocation. Other agencies (e.g., intelligence community) may collaborate more closely via the committee's inputs.
- Citizens: Indirect benefits through enhanced defense against AGI-related threats; public access to the unclassified report could inform broader AI discussions, but no direct effects on daily life.
- International Relations: Strengthens U.S. monitoring of foreign AGI advancements, which could influence diplomacy, alliances, or deterrence strategies against rivals pursuing similar technologies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DoD Leadership and Military Branches: Directly involved in committee membership and implementation, requiring time and resources for analysis and strategy development.
- Innovation and Tech Sectors: Representatives from private and academic innovation ecosystems will contribute, potentially fostering public-private partnerships for AGI adoption.
- Congressional Defense Committees: Receive the report and oversee the committee's work, influencing future DoD budgets and policies.
- Adversaries and Allies: Indirectly affected through U.S. assessments of global AGI trajectories, which could shape international tech competitions or collaborations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Mandates ethical and policy "guardrails" for AGI use, ensuring DoD actions align with broader U.S. AI regulations (e.g., existing executive orders on responsible AI). The sunset clause limits long-term commitments without further congressional approval.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it operates under Congress's authority to oversee military affairs and appropriate funds, promoting executive branch accountability via reporting.
- Political: Encourages bipartisan focus on emerging tech threats, but the short timeline (under two years) may pressure DoD for quick results, potentially sparking debates on funding innovative mechanisms like loans for AI development.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-31: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-07-31: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To require the Secretary of Defense to establish the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-07-31 — PDF (6 pages)