President Biden's Budget Proposal Includes Investment in AI Research

In a move signaling the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing the field of artificial intelligence (AI), President Biden’s budget proposal includes a significant investment in AI research and resources. The budget, which was submitted to Congress on Monday, allocates funds for hiring AI talent and creating chief AI officer positions across various agencies. With a focus on responsible innovation, the budget also includes funding for AI initiatives in combating climate change, medical research, nuclear security, and privacy standards development.

The proposed budget sets aside $32 million for what President Biden refers to as the “AI talent surge,” aiming to recruit computer and data scientists who will explore the potential of AI while ensuring its safe and ethical use. Additionally, $70 million is earmarked for agencies to hire chief AI officers who will be responsible for overseeing the responsible deployment of AI technologies. This investment in human resources underscores the government’s recognition that managing AI requires specialized expertise.

Furthermore, the budget allocates funds to specific agencies for AI-related initiatives. The Department of Energy plans to utilize AI in its efforts to combat climate change, the Department of Veterans Affairs will receive $10 million for AI applications in medical and prosthetic research, and the National Nuclear Security Administration will be granted $37 million to study AI misuse in the context of chemical, biological, or nuclear threats. The Commerce Department will receive $50 million to establish an AI Safety Institute, which will focus on developing standards for AI usage, including the distinction between human-made and AI-generated content and upholding privacy protections.

The White House emphasizes the transformative potential of AI, noting that it is “creating groundbreaking opportunities while changing the nature of work and organizational management.” However, it also acknowledges the need to mitigate the risks associated with AI through effective management and expanded talent acquisition within the federal government.

Despite this proposed investment, experts express concerns that the U.S. lags behind China in terms of focused AI spending. Gregory Dawson, an Arizona State University professor studying AI spending, cautions that the fragmented approach to AI funding in the U.S. may hinder its ability to compete with China and maintain its global standing.

The budget proposal is part of President Biden’s efforts to implement his executive order on the responsible and secure use of AI by the government. It also sets the stage for evaluating how AI can contribute to addressing significant challenges. The budget office stated that agencies will need to assess the impact of AI on areas such as teacher productivity, student learning, patient outcomes, and the targeting of government benefits.

While many agencies are still in the early stages of exploring AI, there is a growing recognition of its potential. The Justice Department, for example, is requesting $2.5 million to leverage AI capabilities responsibly and securely, and the Department of Homeland Security plans to allocate $5 million to hire a chief AI officer and establish an “AI Corps” to leverage AI in critical missions related to security, cybersecurity, and immigration services.

A comptroller general’s report from December 2023 highlighted the breadth of AI adoption in the government, with NASA leading the way with 390 current or planned AI uses. However, the report also identified challenges, including agencies' delays in adopting safety regulations and the need for clear job classifications for federal employees involved in AI work.

Overall, the budget proposal reflects the Biden administration’s commitment to harnessing the potential of AI while addressing the associated risks. By investing in AI talent, creating specialized positions, and funding targeted AI initiatives, the government aims to keep pace with the rapidly evolving field of AI and ensure responsible innovation for the benefit of society.

Quote from Gregory Dawson, Arizona State University professor: “Our concern remains the same as it was last year and the year before. The U.S. has highly fragmented spending in AI, and this is in stark contrast to China, who is very focused in their spending. While this diffuse approach may eventually yield benefits, in the short term it continues to relegate us to second place behind China and losing more ground.”