United StatesHomeland Security would run contests for clearer, attack-resistant AI
If enacted, the bill would direct Homeland Security to hold AI research contests and authorize $10 million for the work over fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
What it does
Homeland Security would hold at least one prize contest to advance research that helps people understand how widely used or commercially available AI models make decisions.
Homeland Security would hold at least one prize contest to develop AI models designed to resist attacks in a high-risk government or business use.
After the first contest ends, Homeland Security would report to two congressional committees on results, research gaps, and actions Congress could take.
The bill would authorize $10 million for the contests and related work across fiscal years 2027 through 2031; the money would still need to be appropriated.
Argument forThe contests could encourage researchers to make AI easier to understand and better able to resist attacks in high-risk uses.
Argument againstPlanning contests and consulting with several agencies could take staff time away from other Homeland Security work.
More detail
The Homeland Security Secretary would hold at least one prize contest to advance research that helps people understand AI. The contest would advance understanding of how AI models make decisions and respond to inputs. The research must relate to AI products that are sold or widely used. The Secretary must consult with the Commerce Secretary, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Cyber Director, the National Science Foundation director, and relevant U.S. AI industry experts. The Secretary must start the contest no later than 270 days after enactment.
The Homeland Security Secretary would hold at least one prize contest to develop AI models designed to resist attacks. The contest would focus on AI models designed to resist attacks in a high-risk, high-impact use. The models must be designed for at least one high-impact, high-risk use in government or industry. The Secretary must consult with specified science and cybersecurity officials, relevant U.S. AI industry experts, and federal agency heads with relevant authority or expertise. The Secretary must start the contest no later than 270 days after enactment.
The Homeland Security Secretary would report to Congress on the contest results, research gaps, and suggested actions for Congress. The report would cover interpretability research and AI resistance to attacks. The report must go to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. The Secretary must submit the report within 180 days after the first contest concludes.
The bill would authorize $10 million in appropriations for the Homeland Security Secretary to carry out this section. The authorized funding would support the Secretary's work under this section. The bill authorizes money to be appropriated; it does not itself provide the funds. The authorization covers fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Sep 24Introduced in HouseLatest
- Sep 24Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.Introduced
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