Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state, introduced new legislation in partnership with Republican Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas aimed at strengthening American education and workforce training in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. The NSF AI Education Act of 2024 proposed by Cantwell calls on the National Science Foundation to implement various programs to enhance U.S. expertise in AI and quantum computing. Initiatives include awarding scholarships, providing grants for research, creating professional development fellowships, establishing AI Centers of Excellence at community colleges, and developing guidance and tools for students to use AI in K-12 classrooms. The bill also aims to educate at least 1 million workers in AI by 2028, with a focus on supporting underrepresented populations.
Microsoft’s corporate vice president of U.S. government affairs, Fred Humphries, expressed support for the proposed bill, highlighting the importance of preparing students, professionals, and institutions for the opportunities brought about by AI. Cantwell, a former vice president of marketing for RealNetworks, has long advocated for tech-related measures and has actively supported Washington state tech companies. The Pacific Northwest is becoming known as America’s ‘Quantum Valley,’ with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and IonQ, as well as research institutions like Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Washington, and Washington State University, making strides in quantum computing research.
Washington State University President Kirk Schulz praised the legislation for providing an opportunity to educate and train the next generation of Washington students to become global leaders in AI and quantum hybrid computing. Cantwell also co-sponsored the Future of AI Innovation Act with other senators, aiming to promote U.S. leadership in AI through public-private collaborations. While a 2020 AI bill sponsored by Cantwell was not enacted, she played a key role in the passage of the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act two years ago, which included incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and investments in AI, robotics, clean energy, nuclear power, quantum computing, and other areas.
Cantwell emphasized the growing demand for AI expertise and the potential for continued growth in the field. The proposed legislation aims to open doors to AI for students at all levels and upskill the workforce to drive tech innovation, entrepreneurship, and solve global challenges. The bill draws inspiration from historic measures like the G.I. Bill, which facilitated millions of U.S. veterans to attend college and gain professional training. Cantwell’s efforts underscore the importance of AI education and training in preparing future generations for the evolving tech landscape and ensuring American leadership in AI and quantum computing.
The NSF AI Education Act of 2024 outlines various programs to enhance U.S. expertise in AI and quantum computing, including scholarships, research grants, professional development fellowships, AI Centers of Excellence, and educational tools for K-12 classrooms. The legislation also aims to educate at least 1 million workers in AI by 2028, with a focus on supporting underrepresented groups. With the support of companies like Microsoft and the active involvement of tech institutions in the Pacific Northwest, Cantwell’s proposed bill sets the stage for strengthening education and training in AI and quantum computing, positioning the U.S. to lead in these critical technological fields.
