Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023
Latest action (1 May 2023): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 1394, the "Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023," would prohibit the use of federal funds to launch a nuclear weapon, or to select or engage targets for launching a nuclear weapon, through an autonomous weapons system that lacks "meaningful human control." The bill defines "autonomous weapons system" by reference to an existing Department of Defense directive, and defines "meaningful human control" as human control over target selection and engagement, as well as the time, location, and manner of a weapon's use. The bill also states findings on international humanitarian law, existing U.S. nuclear policy statements, and the risks of autonomous weapons, and includes a "sense of Congress" declaring that autonomous nuclear weapons not subject to meaningful human control cannot properly comply with international humanitarian law and that decisions to launch nuclear weapons should not be made by artificial intelligence.
The bill would primarily affect the Department of Defense and other federal agencies involved in nuclear command, control, and weapons development, by restricting how appropriated funds may be used with respect to autonomous or AI-enabled systems in the nuclear launch process. It does not appear to affect state or local governments, private industry generally, or individuals outside of federal defense and national security operations.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 1, 2023, by Senator Edward Markey, with several cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. As of the latest available information, it has not received a vote or further committee action, and its current status is "Introduced." Further congressional action, such as committee consideration or a floor vote, would be required for the bill to advance.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for an autonomous weapons system that is not subject to meaningful human control to launch a nuclear weapon or to select or engage targets for the purposes of launching a nuclear weapon. With respect to an autonomous weapons system, meaningful human control means human control of the (1) selection and engagement of targets: and (2) time, location, and manner of use.
Common questions
- What does S. 1394 do?
- S. 1394, the "Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023," would prohibit the use of federal funds to launch a nuclear weapon, or to select or engage targets for launching a nuclear weapon, through an autonomous weapons system that lacks "meaningful human control." The bill defines "autonomous weapons system" by reference to an existing Department of Defense directive, and defines "meaningful human control" as human control over target selection and engagement, as well as the time, location, and manner of a weapon's use. The bill also states findings on international humanitarian law, existing U.S. nuclear policy statements, and the risks of autonomous weapons, and includes a "sense of Congress" declaring that autonomous nuclear weapons not subject to meaningful human control cannot properly comply with international humanitarian law and that decisions to launch nuclear weapons should not be made by artificial intelligence. The bill would primarily affect the Department of Defense and other federal agencies involved in nuclear command, control, and weapons development, by restricting how appropriated funds may be used with respect to autonomous or AI-enabled systems in the nuclear launch process. It does not appear to affect state or local governments, private industry generally, or individuals outside of federal defense and national security operations. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 1, 2023, by Senator Edward Markey, with several cosponsors, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services. As of the latest available information, it has not received a vote or further committee action, and its current status is "Introduced." Further congressional action, such as committee consideration or a floor vote, would be required for the bill to advance.
- Has S. 1394 become law?
- Not yet. As of 1 May 2023, S. 1394 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1394?
- S. 1394 was sponsored by Sen. Edward “Ed” Markey [D-MA] (Democrat-MA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1394?
- Introduced (1 May 2023).
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