A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The FAST Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to procure software and data to support the development and implementation of artificial intelligence systems. This includes the ability to procure software as a service or a product, and data as a service or a supply. The Secretary is also authorized to modify software and engage in research, development, testing, and evaluation. Funding for these activities can come from any amounts appropriated or made available to the Secretary for any purpose. Additionally, the Secretary is tasked with issuing or modifying regulations to govern these procurements and provide oversight.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill facilitates AI development which can enhance technological defense capabilities.
- Scored +4
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the Secretary of Defense's authority regarding procurement and regulation.
- Scored +3
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill authorizes research and development for AI systems within the DoD.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill allows the Secretary to use funds appropriated for any purpose, which may decrease fiscal control.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for AI Development: The Secretary of Defense may procure software and data to meet the operational needs of the Department of Defense (Section 2(a)). This allows for the development and implementation of systems capable of tasks like learning, decision-making, and problem-solving (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Flexible Procurement Options: The bill allows for various ways to acquire tools, such as software as a service or software as a product, and data as a service or data as a supply (Section 2(a)(1)-(2)).
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Innovation and Improvement: The Secretary has the authority to modify software and perform research, development, testing, and evaluation to support artificial intelligence systems (Section 2(a)(3)-(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Broad Use of Funds: The Secretary of Defense is authorized to use amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for any purpose to carry out these software and data procurements (Section 2(b)).
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Regulatory Authority: The Secretary of Defense is tasked with issuing or modifying regulations to govern the procurement, modification, and oversight of these systems (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill facilitates AI development which can enhance technological defense capabilities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the Secretary of Defense's authority regarding procurement and regulation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes research and development for AI systems within the DoD.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides potential contract opportunities for software and data service providers.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill allows the Secretary to use funds appropriated for any purpose, which may decrease fiscal control.
- 6/6/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia