Buckeye Reporter

A group of U.S. senators has introduced a bill that would add artificial intelligence (AI) and technology literacy to the subjects for which states may establish standards under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The move aims to ensure American students are prepared for a future in which AI skills are essential for economic competitiveness, particularly against global rivals such as China.

“America must master AI to guarantee our future security and economic leadership. That means American students have to win the race to AI readiness. The RAISE Act would encourage AI competency among our students to make sure the Land of the Free dominates the AI landscape for generations. Neither our economy nor our national defense can outpace adversaries like Communist China without that dominance,” said Husted.

“As Delaware’s former Secretary of Labor and the Ranking Member of the Education and the American Family Subcommittee, I have long been dedicated to ensuring our students leave the classroom with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in our changing economy. It is clear that understanding AI will be imperative to that success. This important piece of legislation will empower states to develop academic standards on AI and prepare our leaders of tomorrow to meet the moment. I am grateful for Senator Husted’s partnership and look forward to getting this bill passed. The bipartisan coalition of Senators already on board shows just how serious we are about getting this done on behalf of our future generations,” said Blunt Rochester.

“AI has the power to help students learn and reach their full potential, but they must be taught to use it responsibly. This bill gives states the authority to develop their own AI curriculum, ensuring students can safely harness this technology to succeed and be better prepared for today’s workforce,” said Cassidy.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires states to set learning standards in core subjects such as math, reading, and science while allowing them flexibility in other areas. Under this new proposal, AI would become a named option alongside those core subjects.

Husted, Cassidy, and Blunt Rochester all serve on the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) Committee.

As Ohio's lieutenant governor, Husted launched an AI Toolkit designed for K-12 school districts across Ohio with resources focused on student privacy, data security, and ethics. In April, he visited Tippecanoe High School during its launch of what is described as America’s first K-12 AI lab.

Husted has also sponsored legislation aimed at streamlining federal regulations by using an AI tool modeled after one implemented in Ohio state government; officials estimate these efforts could save $44 million by eliminating redundant rules from state code.

Additionally, Husted recently introduced bipartisan legislation intended to ban DeepSeek—a new Chinese-linked AI platform—from all government devices due to concerns over foreign influence.