The future of the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI), a crucial government office dedicated to assessing AI safety, hangs in the balance as it faces the risk of being dismantled if Congress fails to authorize it. Established in November 2023 as part of President Joe Biden's AI Executive Order, the AISI operates within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and has a budget of around $10 million.

The AISI's existence is precarious, as it can be wound down with a simple repeal of Biden's executive order. This has sparked concerns among tech giants, startups, and industry coalitions, who see the AISI as a vital entity in establishing AI benchmarks that can inform future policy.

A coalition of over 60 companies, nonprofits, and universities, including OpenAI and Anthropic, has urged Congress to enact legislation codifying the AISI before the end of the year. Bipartisan bills have been advanced in the Senate and House, but face opposition from conservative lawmakers.

The stakes are high, as the AISI's demise could cede AI leadership to foreign nations and hinder the development of safe and responsible AI in the U.S. The tech community is calling on Congress to ensure the AISI's continued existence and provide certainty for its critical role in advancing U.S. AI innovation and adoption.