New Rules Call for Ongoing AI Efforts in the House; Here’s What Lawmakers Should Do Next

The new House Rules package, adopted January 3, 2025, instructs House officials to “continue efforts to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the operations and functions of the House.” This language reflects the growing recognition of AI's transformative potential in governance and the proactive approach embraced by the House of Representatives’ since 2023.

(j) ADDRESSING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.—The Committee on House Administration, the Clerk, the Chief Administrative Officer, and other officers and officials of the House shall continue efforts to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the operations and functions of the House in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, in furtherance of the institutional priorities outlined in the House Information Technology Policy Artificial Intelligence (AI), which shall include—

(1) incorporating appropriate guardrails and specific AI principles from HITPOL 8 that will guide both Members and institutional offices if they choose to incorporate this technology into their operations;
(2) exploring the use of AI applications to streamline administrative processes and enhance decision-making capabilities for House staff; and
(3) continuing to advance AI-driven tools to support effective oversight through efficient legislative drafting, analysis, and comparative assessments of legislative texts.

In response to this directive, House agencies and officials should consider the following next steps:

Revise HITPOL 8 to Support Responsible Experimentation

The House Information Technology Policy 8 (HITPOL 8) provides critical guardrails for AI use, but, in our analysis, the policy is overly restrictive and “significantly curtail[s] Members’ ability to fully understand the tools and technologies that they are endeavoring to regulate in their policy roles.” Revising HITPOL 8 is necessary to enable Members and staff to explore innovative uses of AI without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. A balanced approach, emphasizing security and ethical guidelines while fostering flexibility, will encourage meaningful adoption.

Establish a Dedicated Working Group and Advisory Panel

To support Members in carrying out their representational duties effectively, the House should establish a dedicated AI working group modeled on, but expanding beyond, the Congressional Data Task Force. This new group should include not only technical staff but also policy and oversight-focused members, reflecting the fact that AI’s influence extends beyond technical applications to the substantive legislative work of the House.

The working group should coordinate AI initiatives across the institution, identify priority areas for integration, and prioritize Members’ needs. An external advisory panel of experts in AI ethics, technology, and governance could complement this effort, offering independent guidance to address emerging challenges. Together, these bodies would ensure that AI is leveraged to enhance the House’s mission of empowering Members to serve their constituents and effectively legislate and conduct oversight.

Invest in Staff Training and Legislative Support Agencies

To fully harness AI's capabilities, both Members and staff must have the skills to use these tools effectively. The House should leverage its successful CAO Coach platform to offer comprehensive AI training programs tailored to different roles within the House. Legislative support agencies like the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) should receive targeted funding to expand their AI-driven initiatives. These agencies are well-positioned to pilot cutting-edge applications that could later be scaled across the House.

Leverage the Modernization Initiatives Account for Pilot Programs

The House’s Modernization Initiatives Account is a potential funding source for AI pilot projects. Initiatives like real-time transcription of floor debates, AI-assisted constituent engagement tools, and collaborative legislative drafting tools could be tested and refined before broader implementation. Drawing inspiration from international examples, such as Norway’s data-first legislative processes and Chile’s CAMINAR project, these pilots could demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI while mitigating risks through controlled testing.

Maintain Transparency with Public Reporting

Transparency will be essential for building trust in the House's AI initiatives. Continuing the practice of public “flash reports,” as pioneered by the Committee on House Administration’s Modernization Subcommittee, will allow stakeholders to track progress and hold the institution accountable. Establishing a dedicated website that catalogs all AI-related efforts, best practices, and guidance would further enhance transparency and provide a model for other legislatures exploring AI adoption.

Learn from Global Successes

The House can look to parliaments worldwide for inspiration. Estonia’s AI-driven transcription system, which reduces documentation time from hours to minutes, and India’s real-time translation tools that bridge linguistic divides in parliamentary debates, offer valuable lessons. By studying how other legislatures have integrated AI into their workflows, the House can identify strategies that align with its unique needs and constraints.

A Roadmap for AI in Congress

The adoption of AI technologies presents a significant opportunity for the House to modernize its operations, enhance efficiency, and improve public trust in government. By revising HITPOL 8, forming dedicated working groups, investing in training and resources, and maintaining transparency, lawmakers can ensure that this mandate for AI integration achieves its full potential.

As AI reshapes industries and institutions worldwide, Congress has a chance to lead by example, demonstrating how democratic governance can evolve responsibly in the digital age. The AI guidance in the Rules package for the 119th Congress is a great start and we at POPVOX Foundation stand ready to help as the House of Representatives builds on this initiative.