Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and national security, offering significant opportunities and challenges. To tackle these complexities, retired Gen. Paul Nakasone and AI researcher Jesse Spencer-Smith from Vanderbilt University shared insights with congressional staff on Capitol Hill. Invited by the Congressional Staff Association on Artificial Intelligence (CSA. ai), a nonpartisan group, they aimed to demystify AI concepts and inform policy-making. CSA. ai is backed by bipartisan congress members, including Rep. Mark Green and Rep.

Ted Lieu. Spencer-Smith highlighted AI's progression from basic machine learning to advanced systems with near human-level reasoning, like the improved ChatGPT. Nakasone emphasized AI’s potential in logistics, autonomous technologies, and national security, noting its role in enhancing military capabilities and preventing cyberattacks. Yet, they also warned of challenges, citing AI’s high computational demands and privacy concerns, exemplified by the vast resources needed to train AI models like ChatGPT 3. 5. Nakasone advocated for a federal strategy on AI to address ethical, workforce, and competition issues, highlighting the drawbacks of inconsistent state regulations. He compared the situation to historical educational initiatives like the National Defense Education Act and stressed the need for digital education to prepare future leaders. Congressional staff engaged with the speakers on topics like data privacy, AI sovereignty, and semiconductor roles, reflecting areas of active research at Vanderbilt. The engagement was facilitated by Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations to strengthen the university's policy influence. Heather Bloemhard of Vanderbilt underscored the university’s commitment to leading discussions on responsible innovation and policy development, ensuring technological advancements benefit society while protecting privacy and security. Following the event, CSA. ai promoted the contributions of Vanderbilt experts on social media.