House AI Bill Targets Workforce Data, Infrastructure as Contractors Expand Use
A bipartisan House proposal released June 4 would create a federal framework for artificial intelligence development while launching new workforce forecasting programs and reviewing infrastructure and energy barriers tied to the technology's growth.
The 269-page discussion draft of the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act, introduced by Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), would establish a federal governance structure for advanced AI systems and create a new Center for AI Standards and Innovation within the U.S. Commerce Department. The proposal would also temporarily preempt state laws that specifically regulate AI model development.
What the Bill Requires
The legislation would require the U.S. Labor Department to establish an AI Workforce Research Hub, identify at least 15 occupations particularly sensitive to AI-driven disruption, and publish recurring forecasts on the technology's employment effects. Federal labor and business surveys would be revised to collect more data on AI adoption and workforce impacts.
Employers conducting mass layoffs would be required to disclose when AI was a substantial factor in workforce reductions and estimate the percentage of job losses attributable to the technology.
The bill would also direct the Government Accountability Office to identify federal statutes and regulations that "unduly burden artificial intelligence systems" and recommend legislative or administrative changes. Another provision directs a federal review of liquid-cooling technologies used in AI data centers, which are drawing billions in investment as developers build increasingly power-intensive computing facilities.
Construction Industry Adoption Accelerating
Construction contractors are already deploying AI tools for scheduling, estimating, document management, design support, safety monitoring, and project analytics. The Associated General Contractors of America's 2025 survey found 44% of contractor respondents planned to increase AI investment in 2025.
Most construction firms use AI to streamline back-office operations, supporting estimating, contract writing, and marketing services. The technology is also being applied to analyze performance and safety data.
The construction sector benefits from a secondary effect: AI infrastructure investment is driving significant new demand for data-center construction projects. The AGC said one of its primary interests in the legislation is ensuring that AI-related investment continues supporting data-center construction demand.
Standards and State Preemption
At the center of the proposal is the Commerce Department's new Center for AI Standards and Innovation. The center would develop voluntary standards and best practices, evaluate advanced AI systems, and support testing and assessment programs. The legislation would authorize $100 million annually from 2027 through 2029 for the center.
One of the proposal's most debated provisions would preempt state and local laws specifically regulating AI model development for three years following enactment. The draft preserves state authority over AI deployment and use, as well as generally applicable state laws and common-law remedies.
Critics argue the measure would strip states of their authority to address AI-related harms. Public Citizen said the proposal relies on federal safeguards that have yet to be established. Both OpenAI and Anthropic have come out in support of the bill.
The sponsors are seeking feedback from industry groups, labor organizations, researchers, and other stakeholders ahead of formally introducing legislation.
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