Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., is introducing a new bipartisan bill Thursday that would require the National Security Administration (NSA) to develop an ‘AI security playbook’ to stay ahead of threats from China and other foreign adversaries. The legislation, dubbed the ‘Advanced AI Security Readiness Act,’ is designed to ensure the United States maintains a technological edge in the growing AI competition. Co-sponsored by Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., the bill calls for the NSA’s Artificial Intelligence Security Center to create a comprehensive strategy for protecting advanced AI systems against cyber threats.
LaHood, who serves on the House Intelligence Committee and the House Select Committee on China, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that the bill would be the first time Congress explicitly codifies a multi-pronged approach to counter China’s efforts to surpass the U.S. in AI development. The proposal follows the ‘Chip Security Act,’ which was introduced in late May to address export control mechanisms, protect AI technologies, and limit investments in Chinese-linked firms. This new legislation is part of a broader effort by lawmakers to fortify U.S. technology and cybersecurity infrastructure against foreign adversaries.
LaHood highlighted evidence that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been actively working to infiltrate U.S. systems and steal intellectual property, including through the development of its own AI models. He pointed to the use of ‘illegal distillation techniques’ by the CCP’s DeepSeek to accelerate its AI development, as well as the smuggling of AI chips through Singapore intermediaries to bypass U.S. export controls. These actions, according to LaHood, represent a clear strategy by China to replace the United States technologically. ‘We lead the world in AI, but what this bill will do is ensure that things are done the right way and the correct way,’ he said.
The ‘Advanced AI Security Readiness Act’ mandates the NSA to develop a playbook that identifies vulnerabilities in AI data centers and developer practices for sensitive AI technologies. It also requires the agency to explore strategies for detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats targeting AI systems. The bill also calls for identifying the level of government involvement needed in the development of highly advanced AI technologies, including protocols for personnel vetting and security clearance processes to mitigate ‘insider threats.’
In addition to the bipartisan bill, the Trump administration has been focused on bolstering the U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure. Major tech companies like Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, OpenAI, Oracle, and others have made significant investments in constructing AI-focused data centers. Recently, Amazon announced a $20 billion investment in constructing AI data centers in rural Pennsylvania, following a similar $10 billion investment in North Carolina. These developments underscore the importance of securing AI infrastructure, especially as the U.S. faces increasing competition from China.
The NSA’s Artificial Intelligence Security Center recently released ‘joint guidance’ on AI data security, emphasizing the importance of secure data practices such as digital signatures and tracking data provenance. This guidance is intended for organizations within the Department of Defense, National Security Systems, and the Defense Industrial Base, which already use AI systems or are planning to integrate them into their infrastructure. These measures, alongside the new bill, reflect a growing consensus among U.S. lawmakers that AI security is a critical national priority.