FY2025 NDAA, Section 1638 ("Sense of Congress with respect to use of artificial intelligence to support strategic deterrence")

Summary

Expresses the sense of Congress that artificial intelligence and machine learning can strengthen strategic communications, improve planning efficiency, and enhance modeling capabilities for stockpile stewardship.

Emphasizes the need for caution to prevent AI from compromising critical strategic assets.

Establishes U.S. policy that AI use should not undermine nuclear safeguards, affect weapon system functionality, or alter the validation of command communications.

Requires positive human actions for nuclear weapon employment decisions by the President to remain intact.

Requires the use of AI not to compromise strategic security or the integrity of nuclear safeguards.

SEC. 1638. Sense of Congress with respect to use of artificial intelligence to support strategic deterrence.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--

(1) the considered use of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools presents opportunities to strengthen the security of critical strategic communications and early warning networks, improve the efficiency of planning processes to reduce the risk of collateral damage, and enhance U.S. capabilities for modeling weapons functionality in support of stockpile stewardship; and

(2) even with such applications, particular care must be taken to ensure that the incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools does not increase the risk that our Nation's most critical strategic assets can be compromised.

(b) Statement of policy.--It is the policy of the United States that the use of artificial intelligence efforts should not compromise the integrity of nuclear safeguards, whether through the functionality of weapons systems, the validation of communications from command authorities, or the principle of requiring positive human actions in execution of decisions by the President with respect to the employment of nuclear weapons.