Press Releases

Today, Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Chairman Rick Allen (R-GA) delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at the second hearing in a series examining artificial intelligence, titled “Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work”:

"Today’s hearing will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping American workplaces and what that means for job creators and employees. 
 
"AI is no longer science fiction. It is here, and it is significantly transforming industries and workplaces. Optimistically, this technology may boost productivity, empower workers, and put the American Dream within reach for more Americans. In my neighboring district, the Port of Savannah has invested more than $4.5 billion in infrastructure to support its supply chain operations, an investment that has made it the fastest-growing port on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. But as AI becomes more common in the workplace and fuels American innovation, we must ensure that workers are protected, too. 

"To build an AI-ready America, we must first understand AI technologies themselves, how employers are using these tools, and the potential risks AI adoption poses to workers. We want to help American workers and job creators compete and succeed in an AI‑driven economy. Today’s hearing is a strong step in that direction.
 
"Today, we will discuss how the National Labor Relations Act can continue to protect worker rights and promote stable relationships between employees and management in the age of AI. As AI adoption grows, labor laws and their enforcement should strike the right balance between protecting workers and allowing innovation to spur job creation and business growth.
 
"This hearing will also discuss the critical role of data collection to gain understanding of AI’s impact on workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) plays an important role in tracking workforce trends, and it can help inform how AI is changing the modern workplace. Leveraging BLS insights will help us identify the challenges ahead and allow us to make evidence-based policy decisions.
 
"While technology can make our workplaces better, trust and transparency always benefit the workplace. Employers protect rights, strengthen morale, and build trust when they communicate openly about how AI is deployed in the workplace. That trust is essential for a competitive workforce and strengthens ties between workers and job creators.

"The bottom line is that AI can create opportunity without compromising fairness or safety. We appreciate the insights our witnesses will offer about how we can ensure that innovation serves people—not the other way around."

 

###