Bipartisan bill aims to bolster AI security, protect U.S. technology from foreign threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced legislation Thursday that would direct the National Security Agency to develop a security framework aimed at protecting American artificial intelligence systems from foreign threats.
The legislation, known as the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee, and Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Chairman of the same subcommittee. Co-sponsors include Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and Ranking Member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).
The bill calls on the NSA’s AI Security Center to develop an “AI Security Playbook” to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities, threat detection, physical security measures, and contingency planning for critical AI systems.
According to lawmakers, the legislation responds to growing concerns that foreign adversaries, particularly China, are seeking to exploit weaknesses in U.S. AI infrastructure to gain strategic and economic advantage. A statement accompanying the bill references reports alleging that Chinese AI firm DeepSeek used unauthorized techniques to replicate U.S.-developed AI models.
“We must put proper safeguards in place to defend our national security and ensure that our nation remains a leading force in innovation,” said Gottheimer. He described the legislation as part of a broader effort to protect U.S. innovation from espionage and intellectual property theft.
LaHood said the bill was designed to help ensure the United States maintains leadership in AI development while preventing the exploitation of American technology.
Supporters of the measure argue that artificial intelligence is increasingly central to national defense and economic security, and that the U.S. must act proactively to secure its technological edge.
If passed, the legislation would require the NSA to evaluate risks to sensitive AI technologies and propose strategies to harden defenses across both the public and private sectors.
The bill has been referred to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
