WSJM: Walberg introduces legislation to include AI usage in workforce data collection practices

Congressman Tim Walberg has introduced legislation to help the federal government better understand how AI is affecting workers nationwide.

Walberg says the new AI Workforce Assessment and Research Enhancement Act, or the AWARE Act, would require the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile information on the usage of AI in the workforce. He says the government must keep pace with new changes.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our workforce, make it essential for us to understand the impact this new technology is having on our employment landscape,” Walberg said.

In 2019, Congress directed the BLS to develop a strategy to better understand how automation, digitization, and AI are changing the employment landscape and to submit a report to Congress. Walberg says it found policymakers lack the necessary data to understand how technologies like AI impact the labor market.

“This legislation will provide the clarity necessary to support workers, guide training, and ensure the United States stays at the forefront of technological innovation.”

Walberg says despite efforts to gather more data on AI, there is currently no consistent or timely method for measuring how employers are using it or how it’s affecting workers.

The new bill would amend federal labor statistics laws to make AI usage a regular part of the data the BLS collects, alongside information on employment and hours worked.