House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Unanimously Approves Rep. Vince Fong’s AI Education Bill

Washington, D.C. – Today, the NSF AI Education Act of 2024, H.R. 9402, was passed by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The NSF AI Education Act was introduced by Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) and Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) on August 23, 2024. If enacted, the bill would benefit students and professionals pursuing continued education in artificial intelligence (AI), especially in the fields of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and education. 

Watch Rep. Fong’s remarks from today here or read them below. 

Read the full bill text here. 

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of work and education, it’s critical that we equip our workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world.

H.R. 9402, the NSF AI Education Act would enhance AI education and professional development programs across our communities, without authorizing any new funds.

Specifically, this bill would authorize the National Science Foundation to award scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students to study AI—especially in the areas of agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and education. This means students at universities in my district—like Fresno State and Cal State Bakersfield—and throughout the nation could have their tuitions and stipends paid for. This is especially important for rural and underserved communities, which must be engaged and involved as AI develops.

In addition, this bill would establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and technical schools to develop best practices for AI education and research. These Centers of Excellence would provide educators with actionable strategies to include AI in their curricula, provide hands-on research opportunities, and identify paths for students to do AI-related jobs.

And lastly, this bill would authorize NSF to make awards to institutions of higher education and nonprofits to develop frameworks for K-12 teachers to integrate AI into their classrooms. It’s critical that we give K-12 teachers the tools they need to prepare America’s young minds for the future of work.

I’d like to thank Congresswoman Salinas for co-leading this bill. Her support underscores the bipartisan importance of AI education. Together, we recognize that this bill would enhance America’s leadership in AI by cultivating the next generation of innovators, educators, and professionals.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I yield back.”

Background

This bill amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9451) to bolster educational skills in AI through new learning initiatives and workforce training programs. Specifically, this bill would authorize the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award undergraduate and graduate scholarships in AI with a focus on applications in agriculture, education, and advanced manufacturing. It would also establish up to 8 Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and area career and technical educational schools to ensure widespread dissemination of best practices.