POLITICO Tech: Sen. Rounds Lays Out His 2025 Tech Agenda

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Stephen Overle
Guest: Senator Mike Rounds
Podcast: POLITICO Tech

In this compelling episode of POLITICO Tech, host Stephen Overle engages in an in-depth conversation with Senator Mike Rounds, an influential Republican voice on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. As the Senate shifts to Republican control, Rounds outlines his strategic agenda for 2025, emphasizing the balance between fostering technological innovation and enhancing national security.

AI Policy and Economic Impact

Senator Rounds emphasizes the critical role of AI in driving economic growth and maintaining the United States' position as a global innovation leader.

Senator Mike Rounds [02:28]: "AI will drive economic development in the United States and throughout the world over the coming number of years. And that's not five and six years away. It's happening now, Right?"

Rounds advocates for minimal regulatory burdens on AI companies to encourage growth, proposing significant investment to bolster the sector.

Senator Mike Rounds [02:28]: "We've got to be the innovation capital of the world with regard to AI, and we've got to be the implementation capital of the world, implementing it into our business community."

He highlights the immediate and tangible benefits of AI, particularly in healthcare, where AI-driven biomedical research could potentially cure diseases like diabetes and various cancers with adequate funding.

Senator Mike Rounds [08:16]: "I truly do believe that implementing artificial intelligence with biomedical research will save millions of lives and extend our lives for years."

AI in National Defense

AI's integration into national defense is a cornerstone of Rounds' agenda. He underscores the necessity of maintaining a technological edge over adversaries to ensure security and defense efficacy.

Senator Mike Rounds [03:45]: "Our adversaries will be doing [AI], we have to be in a position to counter that."

He references the ongoing use of AI in the Ukraine conflict, illustrating the technology's current battlefield applications.

Senator Mike Rounds [03:45]: "Artificial intelligence is being used on the battlefield right now in Ukraine by Ukrainians and by Russians."

Elon Musk's Influence on Tech Policy

The discussion shifts to the influence of industry leaders like Elon Musk on the incoming administration. Rounds acknowledges Musk's contributions while addressing concerns about his non-accountability as a private individual.

Senator Mike Rounds [04:17]: "He brings a wealth of new ideas. A number of his ideas are refreshing with regard to finding efficiencies."

When pressed about Musk's accountability, Rounds asserts the primary responsibility lies with elected officials.

Senator Mike Rounds [07:03]: "He's not accountable to us. We're accountable to the people that elected us."

Challenges in Passing AI Legislation

Rounds discusses the hurdles in advancing AI-related legislation, attributing setbacks to procedural approaches rather than partisan opposition.

Senator Mike Rounds [08:16]: "I don't think it's a matter of failing. I think it's a matter of the approach that we've all taken."

He advocates for leveraging committee structures and bipartisan collaboration to craft effective AI policies tailored to specific sectors like Commerce and Defense.

Regulating Social Media and Section 230

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the need to reform Section 230, reflecting on its evolving impact in the age of AI-enhanced social media platforms.

Senator Mike Rounds [13:44]: "I think there's a broad consensus on that. But once again, this... that's the reason why you want that in the Commerce Committee, because they have the expertise."

Rounds emphasizes the importance of specialized committees in handling nuanced regulatory changes, ensuring that modifications to Section 230 are informed and effective.

Cybersecurity Threats and Responses

The episode delves into pressing cybersecurity issues, notably the cyber-attacks led by the Chinese hacker group Salt Typhoon. Rounds critiques the business community's inadequate cybersecurity measures and stresses the urgent need for robust defenses.

Senator Mike Rounds [14:29]: "This was a real failure on the part of the business community, where the basics of cybersecurity just simply were not followed."

He outlines the extensive breaches that allowed adversaries access to sensitive information and underscores the continuous battle against cyber threats targeting the U.S. financial and retail sectors.

Structure of US Cyber Command

Rounds provides insights into potential restructuring of the U.S. Cyber Command, balancing effectiveness and operational secrecy.

Senator Mike Rounds [20:17]: "If you have two separate entities, you'd still have to have somebody being an umpire. And that takes time. But we've done a number of changes over the last couple of years to make that decision making process more effective."

He supports the current dual-role leadership of Cyber Command and the NSA but remains open to structural changes that enhance operational efficiency.

Fiscal Priorities: Balancing Investment and Cuts

Addressing fiscal conservatism, Rounds discusses the strategic allocation of resources, advocating for investments in AI and cybersecurity while proposing cuts in other areas to balance the deficit.

Senator Mike Rounds [21:50]: "I'm absolutely trying to do it. And the reason is because if I can save $200 billion over a three year period of time by investing $30 billion up front, I'll take that deal any day."

He suggests eliminating the Department of Education to reduce overhead costs, illustrating his approach to fiscal responsibility by reallocating funds to high-impact areas like healthcare and technological innovation.

Vision for AI in Healthcare and Government Efficiency

Rounds envisions AI as a transformative tool in healthcare and government operations, capable of enhancing quality of life and increasing governmental efficiency.

Senator Mike Rounds [24:02]: "You need the medical practitioners to come in and say, look, this is for real. They're not going to believe one member of the Senate."

He highlights AI's potential to revolutionize medical treatments, reduce surgical interventions, and streamline government services, ultimately contributing to economic growth and deficit reduction.

Convincing Colleagues to Support Investment

Understanding the political landscape, Rounds emphasizes the necessity of bipartisan support and collaboration to secure funding for AI and cybersecurity initiatives.

Senator Mike Rounds [25:21]: "If we can invest money in healthcare and end up saving money in healthcare, why wouldn't we want to do that?"

He advocates for demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI to gain the trust and buy-in of fellow legislators, ensuring the successful passage of his tech agenda.

Conclusion

Senator Mike Rounds presents a forward-thinking and pragmatic approach to integrating AI and bolstering cybersecurity within the United States. His agenda for 2025 focuses on fostering technological innovation, enhancing national defense, reforming regulatory frameworks, and ensuring fiscal responsibility. By advocating for bipartisan collaboration and strategic investments, Rounds aims to position the U.S. as a global leader in technology while safeguarding its economic and security interests.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Mike Rounds [02:28]: "AI will drive economic development in the United States and throughout the world over the coming number of years. And that's not five and six years away. It's happening now, Right?"

• Senator Mike Rounds [08:16]: "I truly do believe that implementing artificial intelligence with biomedical research will save millions of lives and extend our lives for years."

• Senator Mike Rounds [13:44]: "I think there's a broad consensus on that. But once again, this... that's the reason why you want that in the Commerce Committee, because they have the expertise."

• Senator Mike Rounds [14:29]: "This was a real failure on the part of the business community, where the basics of cybersecurity just simply were not followed."

• Senator Mike Rounds [21:50]: "I'm absolutely trying to do it. And the reason is because if I can save $200 billion over a three year period of time by investing $30 billion up front, I'll take that deal any day."

This episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, policy, and national security, highlighting Senator Rounds' strategic vision for leveraging AI and strengthening cybersecurity to drive America's future prosperity and safety.