Sen. Ted Cruz takes aim at AI Executive Order; TMF reform gains Senate momentum

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has introduced a series of amendments aimed at scaling back the Biden administration's efforts to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). His proposals, discussed at a recent Senate Commerce Committee markup, include repealing the AI executive order and preventing environmental impact assessments on AI systems. While some of Cruz's proposals failed to pass, an amendment to reduce federal actions preventing bias and discrimination in AI advanced. This amendment, part of a bipartisan bill to codify the AI Safety Institute, has sparked controversy and debate, with committee Democrats indicating plans to address its concerns in future legislative fixes. In other news, legislation to reform the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is making headway in the Senate after passing the House earlier this year. The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act recently advanced out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with strong support. This bill aims to address funding challenges and ensure the TMF can continue supporting essential IT projects across the government. With backing from federal CIO Clare Martorana and GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan, the bill is poised for further debate on the Senate floor. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast on on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.