HR 9363: AI Security and Innovation Act

HR 9363 in plain English: This bill establishes AI security provisions administered by the Secretary, authorizing $20,000,000 per year from fiscal years 2027 through 2032 to carry out those activities, with the relevant section set to sunset after that period.

Stated purpose

This bill creates a new Center for AI Security and Innovation within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help the United States maintain leadership in artificial intelligence research, development, and evaluation, and to measure and reduce security risks posed by AI systems.

Key points

• Authorizes $20,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2032 for AI security activities
• Includes a sunset provision ending the program after fiscal year 2032

Arguments supporters make

• The U.S. needs a dedicated government hub to stay ahead of foreign adversaries—especially in AI security—and this Center gives NIST a clear, focused mission to lead that effort.
• Creating a structured way for private companies and the government to share AI risk information helps catch threats faster than either side could alone.
• Passed committee 29-0 with bipartisan support, showing this is a practical, broadly agreed-upon step rather than a politically divisive one.

Arguments opponents make

• Adding another government center risks duplicating work already done by existing NIST AI programs, CISA, and other agencies, potentially wasting resources without improving outcomes.
• The bill leaves key details—like the Center's actual authority, funding levels, and enforcement power—to be figured out later, which could result in an underfunded body with little real impact.
• Funneling AI security guidance through a single federal center could slow innovation or create a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't fit the fast-moving and diverse AI industry.

Tradeoffs

Centralizing AI security work in one place may improve coordination and U.S. competitiveness, but it also risks bureaucratic delays and duplication of existing efforts; the bill defers key questions about the Center's authority and funding, leaving its effectiveness uncertain.

Current status in Congress: In committee.