ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Emily M. Dickens, SHRM Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs, issued the following statement in response to the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 (Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) and the Sectoral AI Governance Act of 2026 (Rep. Sarah Jacobs (D-CA).
SHRM STATEMENT
“SHRM appreciates Congress’s continued attention to artificial intelligence (AI) through the introduction of the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026 discussion draft and the Sectoral AI Governance Act of 2026. As AI continues to reshape the workplace, these proposals represent important contributions to the national conversation about how to foster innovation, support workers, and provide clarity for employers.”
SHRM is encouraged by several themes reflected across these proposals that align with our workplace AI principles, including:
Recognition that AI requires a thoughtful federal policy framework.
Engagement with employers, workforce experts, and other stakeholders to inform policymaking.
Appropriate oversight for higher-risk uses of AI.
Continued research and analysis of AI’s impact on workers and labor markets.
Investments in workforce development, AI literacy, education, and reskilling initiatives.
The use of standards, guidance, and best practices to support responsible AI adoption.
Public-private collaboration and long-term planning to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
“These priorities closely align with SHRM’s vision for a nationally consistent, workplace-centered approach to AI governance that promotes innovation, workforce readiness, and practical implementation. The introduction of these proposals marks an important step, but the conversation is far from over. AI presents significant opportunities and challenges that will continue to evolve alongside the technology itself. As Congress considers these and other proposals, SHRM encourages continued hearings, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities for employers, workers, educators, and technology experts to share their expertise and real-world experiences.
SHRM stands ready to serve as a resource to Congress and policymakers as they continue this important work and develop solutions that strengthen America’s workforce, support responsible innovation, and maintain the nation’s global competitiveness.”
About SHRM
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.
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