Tom Barrett introduces bill to put federal AI oversight in the president’s Cabinet

Federal AI policy would get a Cabinet-level leader under legislation Rep. Tom Barrett introduced on October 9, 2026. The Michigan Republican’s proposal would place a new oversight office inside the Executive Office of the President, with responsibilities spanning national security, workforce impacts and coordination across federal agencies.

The Artificial Intelligence Governance and Emerging Threats Act would create the U.S. Office of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology Threats. Barrett’s official announcement describes a proposed change to the government’s structure—not an office already established or rules already in force.

A Cabinet seat built around coordination

The president would appoint the office’s leader, subject to Senate confirmation. That representative would serve in the Cabinet and act as the president’s principal adviser on AI and emerging technology threats. The role combines direct advice to the president with responsibility for bringing federal departments into a cohesive approach.

The office’s mission would cover development and implementation of federal policy on AI and other technological risks. Its leader would also monitor opportunities, not just threats. The assignment therefore extends beyond watching for dangerous developments: it includes coordinating how the government responds to the technology.

Barrett framed the legislation as a response to risks he says are already visible, including job replacement, national security threats and damage to human dignity. He also acknowledged AI’s potential to improve society. Those are the sponsor’s arguments for creating the office, rather than findings established by the legislation.

These risks cannot be ignored, so it’s time to create a seat at the table for someone to monitor AI technology, ensure strong guardrails are in place, and prepare us for this new era of technological innovation and beyond.

Rep. Tom Barrett, in his October 9 announcement

Five deputies and a direct obligation to Congress

The proposed structure would not leave every responsibility with one adviser. Five deputy representatives, each requiring Senate confirmation, would lead distinct portfolios. Their assignments would cover relationships inside government, engagement outside it, and the security and economic effects of emerging technology.

• Intergovernmental coordination.
• International engagement.
• Private sector engagement.
• National security and emerging technology threats.
• Economic and workforce impacts.

The office’s leader would be required to testify regularly before Congress on AI developments and threats. That requirement would give lawmakers a recurring account from the official responsible for advising the president and coordinating federal policy, rather than making the role solely an internal White House advisory position.

Barrett’s institutional model is the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. That office coordinates federal intelligence agencies and traditionally has a Cabinet seat. His proposal borrows that coordinating structure for AI and emerging technology, making a single presidential adviser responsible for work that crosses departmental boundaries.