FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2026
Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov
Reps. Barragán, Obernolte Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Public Understanding and Trust in Artificial Intelligence
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (D-CA) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans better understand artificial intelligence (AI), protect consumers, and prepare workers for the growing number of opportunities created by AI-driven technologies.
The Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act would direct the Secretary of Commerce to carry out a nationwide public awareness and education campaign focused on the benefits, risks, and increasing prevalence of AI in Americans’ daily lives. Companion bipartisan legislation has already been introduced in the Senate by Senators Todd Young and Brian Schatz.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in everyday life, from workplace tools and consumer applications to online content, but public understanding and trust have not kept pace. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, only 13 percent of adults feel they have a great deal or quite a bit of control over how AI is used in their lives, while a majority say they want more control.
“As artificial intelligence becomes more common in our workplaces, online spaces, and daily routines, people deserve clear, accessible information about how these technologies work,” said Rep. Barragán. “This legislation will ensure consumers are better informed, better protected, and better prepared to navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape.”
“Artificial intelligence is already part of daily life for millions of Americans, yet many people feel they lack a clear understanding of how it works or what protections exist. This bipartisan legislation will help provide straightforward information about AI, protect consumers, and highlight the workforce opportunities these technologies are creating so Americans can engage with AI confidently and responsibly,” said Rep. Obernolte.
The legislation responds to growing workforce impacts as well. One in five U.S. workers now report using AI in some part of their job, yet many receive little guidance or training. By improving AI literacy and highlighting workforce pathways, the bill aims to help Americans take advantage of new economic opportunities while reducing risk.
The Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act would require the Department of Commerce to provide information on:
- Workforce opportunities, including opportunities within the federal government, for individuals with experience developing, deploying, or using AI.
- The rights of individuals under existing law with respect to artificial intelligence.
- Best practices for identifying and differentiating AI-generated media, including deepfakes and chatbot-generated content.
- The prevalence of AI in everyday life, including commercial and personal applications.
The legislation is endorsed by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
“The AI Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act is an important step toward supporting effective AI adoption that empowers individuals to enhance their productivity, navigate the modern workforce, and improve their daily lives,” said Hodan Omaar, Senior Policy Manager at ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation. “Today, gaps in AI literacy limit people’s ability to understand how AI tools are used in practice and how they can be applied responsibly and effectively. This legislation directly addresses that challenge by equipping the public with the practical knowledge and confidence needed to make more informed decisions about using AI-powered products and services, apply them more effectively to everyday tasks, and better realize their full economic and social value.”
To view the full text of the bill, click HERE.
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