Support The Literacy in Future Technologies (LIFT) Artificial Intelligence Act

I am writing to urge you to support the LIFT AI Act, fully named the Literacy in Future Technologies Artificial Intelligence Act, introduced initially in the House by Representatives Thomas Kean (R-NJ) and Gabe Amo (D-RI) as H.R. 5584 and by Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) in the Senate S. 4414 to improve educational efforts related to artificial intelligence literacy at elementary and secondary school levels, ensuring students and educators are prepared for an AI-driven workforce. This proposed bill: Promotes AI proficiency as essential to maintain the United States' competitive advantage and to ensure students can critically evaluate AI tools and mitigate their risks, Authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive grants to higher education institutions and nonprofits to develop age-appropriate AI curricula, teaching materials, and evaluation tools, and Supports professional development opportunities, such as courses and mentoring, to train principals and teachers in AI literacy. Artificial intelligence drives the future of our nation in significant ways: It is the primary engine for sustained economic growth, the foundation for the next productivity revolution. Achieving and maintaining unquestioned technological dominance is essential to shaping the rules, standards, and values of the modern world. It fundamentally reshapes the global balance of power. Strategic initiatives such as the massive investments in the Genesis Mission ensure that the United States maintains unchallenged technological dominance over foreign competitors. It is projected to be as transformative as electricity or the internet, catalyzing growth by accelerating private-sector innovation and streamlining permitting processes for critical energy infrastructure. It necessitates global standards for AI deployment, ethics, and interoperability. The push for a clear, preemptive federal framework aims to protect consumers while avoiding conflicting state regulations that stifle business innovation. It makes data a catalyst for rapid scientific discovery, by applying machine learning to fields like biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture to solve complex societal challenges. It prepares the next generation of workers, by positioning teachers and students to be equipped to lead in the knowledge, skills and dispositions that are reshaping the modern economy. For all of these reasons, I ask you to support the LIFT AI Act in committee, in discussion on the floor, and when it comes up for a vote. Thank you.