Energy Policy Webinar Recap
First, thank you to Microsoft Alumni Network members who attended last month’s VFI webinar, “Energy Policy and Community-First AI Infrastructure.” We heard from Microsoft Senior Director of Public Policy Brianne Mille, who discussed permitting reform, energy affordability, and steps Microsoft is taking to support communities where it builds and operates data centers. To learn more about these steps, check out this blog about Microsoft’s Community-First AI Infrastructure initiative.
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White House Releases Cyber Strategy, Cybercrime EO, and AI Policy Framework
Last month, President Trump issued his long-anticipated National Cyber Strategy as well as an Executive Order (EO) focused on combating cybercrime, fraud, and predatory schemes. The Cyber Strategy includes six pillars focused on streamlining regulation, securing government networks and critical infrastructure, and building our nation’s cyber talent pipeline, among others. See coverage in CyberScoop. The President also released a National Policy Framework for AI. You can find coverage of this development from Politico.
Congress Reauthorizes Small Business Tech Programs
The U.S. House passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, following passage by the Senate. This bill reauthorizes two Small Business Administration (SBA) seed programs, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBTT) programs, which expired last year. Historically, the programs have helped drive small business innovation in a range of areas, including healthcare, telecom, and defense.
House Holds Hearing Focused on AI in Education
The U.S. House recently held a hearing focused on AI education, “Building an AI-Ready America: Teaching in the AI Age.” Microsoft’s Senior Director of Education and Workforce Policy Allyson Knox testified, sharing insights gathered from teachers about integrating AI into education. She also offered policy recommendations, including, among others, supporting professional development for teachers; promoting AI literacy; and providing guidance on responsible AI use. You can read her full testimony here and coverage of the hearing from K-12 Dive here.
Related: VFI Leader Writes About Kids and AI
In a new blog, “Preparing Our Kids for the AI Era,” Voices for Innovation Advisory Task Force member Amanda Lee provides practical advice for educating kids about AI. She writes that it’s essential that AI be incorporated into how students learn—especially since it’s already part of the workplace and other nations are integrating AI into their classrooms.