US House Bill Seeks to Compel Federal Agencies to Follow NIST AI Guidelines

Lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at creating a more consistent approach to how federal agencies handle AI. 

The proposal, introduced by Representative Ted Lieu, would require federal agencies to adopt AI standards based on guidance produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Under the measure, agencies would be expected to follow NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework, a model released in 2023 to help organizations identify and address challenges linked to AI systems. 

The legislation has drawn support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with representatives Zach Nunn and Don Beyer joining as co-sponsors. 

In remarks released alongside the proposal, Beyer described the measure as an important first move in equipping agencies with the guidance necessary to address the increasingly complicated nature of AI. He added that the legislation would help position the government to use AI in ways that serve the public interest while maintaining strong expectations for openness and responsibility. 

Beyond requiring agencies to adopt the framework, the bill would mandate that NIST recommend training programs and encourage agencies to use the standards when procuring AI products or related services. However, the proposal specifically excludes systems tied to national security. 

Although the framework was initially introduced as voluntary guidance, it has increasingly become a reference point for discussions around responsible AI use. Built around four central functions: governing, mapping, measuring, and managing, the framework is intended to help organizations identify risks and develop safeguards before problems emerge. 

According to the institute, improving trustworthiness can strengthen public confidence in technologies that are rapidly changing workplaces, industries, and government operations. 

The framework was developed in response to a requirement established through the National AI Initiative Act, legislation included in the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. 

Lieu has remained active in congressional AI efforts. The California lawmaker previously helped lead the House Bipartisan AI Task Force and recently backed additional legislation that combines recommendations produced by the panel. A 2024 task force report noted that NIST’s framework offers a useful foundation but stops short of functioning as a complete standards document. 

The report also urged Congress to expand support for NIST so the agency can create more detailed guidance for federal institutions using AI technologies. Among its recommendations was the development of tailored risk profiles designed for specific government systems. 

While NIST declined to comment publicly on the current measure, the agency recently announced it is working on a new framework profile centered on trustworthy AI applications for key infrastructure. 

The measure has since been sent to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where lawmakers will consider its next steps. As lawmakers move to guide how federal agencies can use AI, the regulations could spread to the corporate world, so interested parties like AI Maverick Intel Inc. (OTC: AIMV) are likely to watch closely. 

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