U.S. Congress Unveils ‘Great American AI Act’ Draft, Proposing Comprehensive Framework for AI Safety, Workforce Protection, and Transparency

DLA Piper USA

Overview

On June 4, 2026, Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan introduced a discussion draft for the ‘Great American AI Act (GAAIA),’ a comprehensive federal AI framework. This bill aims to address issues from frontier model safety to workforce protection, calling for enhanced federal data collection on AI’s labor market impact, improved prediction of affected job categories, and increased transparency when AI leads to mass layoffs. This initiative clearly signals the U.S. government’s commitment to responsible AI development and societal integration.

In Depth

Key Findings

On June 4, 2026, Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan released a discussion draft of the ‘Great American AI Act (GAAIA),’ a comprehensive federal bill addressing the regulation and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). This draft legislation aims to tackle a wide range of critical issues, including ensuring the safety of frontier AI models, protecting the workforce, and enhancing transparency regarding AI’s societal impact. Notably, it includes provisions for strengthening federal data collection on AI’s effects on the labor market and mandating disclosure when AI is a primary cause of large-scale layoffs.

Technical / Clinical Details

The GAAIA draft proposes establishing mechanisms to assess the safety of frontier AI models and mitigate potential risks. This could include obligations for developers to conduct risk assessments and submit reports, as well as frameworks for third-party audits. Regarding workforce protection, the bill mandates the federal government to collect detailed data on job categories and skill sets that AI is likely to displace, aiming to spur the development of retraining programs and support measures for workers adapting to the AI era. Additionally, it requires companies to provide advance notice of mass layoffs attributable to AI deployment, facilitating measures to minimize adverse impacts on employees.

Background & Context

The rapid advancement of AI technology presents both opportunities for economic growth and new challenges, such as labor market disruption, ethical concerns, and national security risks. Historically, the U.S. has lacked comprehensive federal AI legislation, with initiatives primarily at the state level or within specific sectors. The GAAIA draft reflects the growing recognition of the need for a national strategy to foster AI development while mitigating its negative consequences. This aligns with international movements like the European Union’s AI Act, illustrating a global search for robust AI governance frameworks among major nations.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

The ‘Great American AI Act’ will be a crucial step in shaping AI regulation in the United States. If enacted, the bill would require AI development companies to comply with new requirements concerning safety, transparency, and ethics, which is expected to foster responsible AI innovation. Furthermore, proactive preparation and protective measures for labor market impacts are essential for building public trust in AI and minimizing disruption during technological transitions. Attention will now turn to how this draft evolves through congressional debate and negotiation, as it will set a precedent for AI policy for decades to come.