Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Strategy for Public Health Preparedness and Response to Artificial Intelligence Threats Act today, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the potential risks posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of biological or chemical weapons. The legislation would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive strategy to prepare for and respond to AI-driven public health threats.
The bill comes amid growing concerns about the dual-use nature of AI technology, which, while offering transformative benefits, also poses significant risks if misused. Recent studies have highlighted the potential for AI to be exploited in the creation of chemical and biological weapons, raising alarms among policymakers and experts.
Budd emphasized the urgency of the issue in a statement, “As AI grows in power and influence, we may face the real prospect of AI-generated threats like biological or chemical weapons. We cannot be caught flat-footed on these threats and should begin to prepare now. I’m glad to work with Senator Markey to face potential AI threats head on.”
Markey echoed these concerns, stressing the need for proactive measures, “The federal government has fallen behind before in addressing the grave risks posed by emerging technologies. We can’t make the same mistake with the technologies of our future. Paired with robust federal investment in research, this legislation would ensure that our federal government and leading experts not only understand the grave risks of artificial intelligence to our health and safety, but are ready to act with the urgency this moment requires.”
A 2019 study published in Nature Machine Intelligence revealed that AI could be used to design highly toxic chemical compounds with alarming efficiency. Similarly, a study conducted by students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that large language models (LLMs) in chatbot platforms could assist individuals without laboratory training in developing viruses identified as pandemic threats.
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These findings underscore the potential for AI to lower the barriers to creating biological and chemical weapons, making it easier for malicious actors to exploit the technology. Earlier this month, a report in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the risks further, revealing that the Chinese AI app DeepSeek was able to provide detailed instructions for a bioweapon attack.
The Strategy for Public Health Preparedness and Response to Artificial Intelligence Threats Act would:
- Require the HHS Secretary to Develop a Strategy: The bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive strategy to address the public health and national security risks posed by the misuse of AI, particularly in the development of biological or chemical weapons.
- Promote Collaboration: The strategy would involve coordination across federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Institutes of Health, as well as engagement with leading experts in AI, public health, and national security.
- Invest in Research: The legislation calls for robust federal investment in research to better understand the risks of AI misuse and to develop tools and technologies to mitigate these threats.
- Enhance Preparedness: The strategy would include measures to enhance the nation’s preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring that the U.S. is equipped to address AI-driven public health emergencies.
As AI continues to evolve, the need for proactive measures to mitigate its risks will only grow, making this legislation a critical component of the nation’s broader strategy to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential misuse.
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