Securing America’s future in the age of AI

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The future isn’t on the horizon — it’s already here.

The question is not whether artificial intelligence will shape our world, but whether we will harness it to strengthen the nation, improve daily life, and win the global AI race against adversaries like China. The stakes are clear: ensure that the technologies that define the future reflect our values of freedom and human rights — not authoritarian control.

That is why I support policies that promote American leadership in AI, expand education, and ensure this transformative technology develops in a way that fuels innovation and benefits people across the country.

From rural communities to major cities, AI is already improving everyday life, powering precision agriculture, strengthening manufacturing, enhancing cybersecurity, and expanding access to telehealth. Its potential is vast, including modernizing and safeguarding infrastructure in ways most Americans may never see but will certainly benefit from.

In California’s Central Valley, water is life. We should be using cutting-edge technology to better manage and protect this precious resource. That is why I introduced the Water Infrastructure Resiliency Act, which empowers communities to deploy AI-driven monitoring and leak detection systems to build water infrastructure faster, reduce costs and protect public health.

AI can also help protect our communities in times of crisis. My bipartisan ACERO Act supports NASA’s development of drone technology to combat wildfires — especially in dangerous, low-visibility conditions where human pilots cannot operate. As we saw during the devastating wildfires in Southern California, we must ensure firefighters have every tool they need to respond quickly and effectively. Homes, businesses and lives depend on it.

Beyond our communities, AI is rapidly transforming national security.

In my district, Edwards Air Force Base remains a cornerstone of American aerospace innovation. It was here in 1947 that Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. Today, it’s where the future is being written.

Autonomous flight systems and AI-enabled technologies are increasing precision, accelerating threat detection, and reducing risk to our service members. In 2024, the secretary of the Air Force flew in an AI-enabled F-16 that successfully executed combat maneuvers, demonstrating the real-world advantages of this technology. These advancements are giving our warfighters the battlefield advantage they need to successfully accomplish their missions and return home safely.

But as AI advances, so too do the threats we face. From China, Russia and Iran to sophisticated cybercriminal networks, adversaries are leveraging AI to increase the scale and complexity of attacks against the U.S., our infrastructure and our communities.

During a recent visit to the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and the LA28 Olympic headquarters with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), I saw firsthand how cybersecurity professionals are using advanced tools to detect and respond to threats in real time.

Maintaining our edge against our adversaries requires strong public-private partnerships, sustained investment in innovation, and a commitment to building an AI-literate workforce prepared for the challenges ahead.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reminded that no challenge is too great for the American people — especially the American worker.

AI may power the next industrial revolution, but its impact will ultimately be determined not by algorithms, but by the people behind them.

That is why I introduced the NSF AI Education Act to strengthen education-to-workforce pipelines. This bipartisan effort expands opportunities through scholarships, fellowships and regional Centers of Excellence at community colleges, ensuring students and workers are prepared to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.

There is growing momentum nationwide to build an AI-literate society, including efforts to integrate AI education into our schools and inspire students to engage with this technology early.

First Lady Melania Trump has made this a priority through her efforts spearheading the Presidential AI Challenge. Initiatives like these are helping equip the next generation with the skills needed to lead in critical industries, from agriculture and medicine to manufacturing and transportation.

America has always succeeded by embracing innovation and empowering its people. We must do so again. Our national security, our economy, and our values depend on it.

This is a defining moment. The future is here. And with the right leadership, America will lead the way.

Vince Fong represents California’s 20th District. He is a member of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus.

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Andrew Garbarino

Artificial Intelligence

China

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