A bipartisan U.S. congressional commission has proposed a massive initiative to fund the development of AI systems that can match or surpass human intelligence. The proposal comes as competition with China in advanced technologies intensifies. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing artificial general intelligence (AGI). It draws inspiration from the Manhattan Project, which brought together the U.S. government and the private sector to develop the first atomic bombs during World War Two. The USCC stresses the need to take China’s progress in AGI seriously and acknowledges the potential shift in the global balance of power that can result from being at the forefront of technological change.
Jacob Helberg, a USCC commissioner and senior advisor to software company Palantir’s CEO, states, “We’ve seen throughout history that countries that are first to exploit periods of rapid technological change can often cause shifts in the global balance of power.” Helberg emphasizes that China is racing towards AGI and urges the United States to take it extremely seriously. He also highlights energy infrastructure as a significant bottleneck for training large AI models and suggests that streamlining the permitting process for data centers could be an example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate AI development.
OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, has also called for increased government funding for artificial intelligence. In a recently released blueprint for U.S. AI strategy, OpenAI emphasizes the importance of investment in AI research and development to maintain global competitiveness.
The USCC, established by Congress in 2000, is known for its hawkish policy proposals and aims to guide lawmakers on economic and strategic competition with China. In addition to the initiative for AI development, this year’s USCC report includes other recommendations such as repealing the de minimis trade exemption for Chinese goods under $800, ending preferential capital gains treatment for Chinese companies on government watchlists, and requiring approval of Chinese involvement in biotechnology companies operating in the U.S. These recommendations reflect efforts to address economic and strategic competition with China comprehensively.
Commissioner Kimberly Glas emphasizes the critical nature of eliminating de minimis treatment for e-commerce goods, particularly due to the difficulty of stopping the flow of dangerous products into the U.S. with the current system. The volume of packages makes it challenging for Customs and Border Protection to inspect and ensure the safety of all shipments. Glas highlights the exponential increase in de minimis shipments, stating, “It’s 4 million boxes a day, estimated to be 1.4 billion de minimis shipments over this past year, according to CBP. It is impossible to police what is in those boxes.”
Efforts to rein in de minimis have been undertaken by lawmakers from both parties, particularly for shipments from China. However, bipartisan cooperation has been difficult in the midst of a tumultuous election year. The shipping industry and pro-trade groups have also opposed measures to curb de minimis, arguing that it would disrupt e-commerce.
As the U.S. and China continue to vie for technological dominance, the call for increased investment in AI development highlights the recognition of AI’s transformative potential. The proposals put forth by the USCC and OpenAI reflect the urgency to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly AI-driven world.
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