NDIA recently submitted comments and recommendations on the intersection between artificial intelligence (AI) and digital inclusion to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Request for Information on the Development of a 2025 National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development (R&D) Strategic Plan, and the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing on AI in the Everyday: Current Applications and Future Frontiers in Communications and Technology.
In 2024, NDIA launched three pilot programs and a working group with affiliates experienced in integrating AI into digital skills programs. These initiatives prepare affiliates to teach AI skills, evaluate existing AI curricula, and adapt them to users’ needs. NDIA will share lessons learned from the pilots to help affiliates across the country in their efforts to incorporate AI into digital skills programs. NDIA’s comments were based on the insights from the pilot programs and the working group.
Here is a summary of the key points from the comments:
AI Skills are Digital Skills and Should be Integrated into Digital Skills Programs
Digital skills are essential as technology evolves. AI is the latest technology that users need to understand. Educators are integrating AI into their curricula, but the rapid development of the technology makes it difficult for practitioners to keep up. This challenge is heightened by a shortage of digital skills instructors and the absence of national digital skill standards and curricula.
Reinstate the Digital Equity Act
Congress’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 allocated $2.75 billion for the Digital Equity Act (DEA), the largest investment in digital inclusion, including digital skills programs. On May 8, 2025, President Trump cancelled the DEA, and the Administration terminated the grant funds for the program the following day. Foundational digital skills are essential for effectively using AI. Reinstating the Digital Equity Act is a sensible approach to systematically funding and expanding AI skill training and usage nationwide.
Fund Research and Initiatives for AI Skills Acquisition
AI has become integral to daily life, prompting digital skills educators to adapt to new demands. AI readiness is vital for youth, adults, and older individuals to engage fully in the digital world. AI implementation strategies should extend to and include adult digital skills education offered through community programs.
Conduct Research and Implement Activities To Prepare Students and Workers for AI-Related Roles
To achieve US AI goals, federal investments in research, education, and workforce development must prepare individuals for careers and roles where they develop and use AI tools. The use of strategies known to help individuals develop digital skills should guide this support.
Establish Ongoing Engagement Opportunities with the Digital Skills Educator and Research Community
To fully understand the implications of integrating AI into community programs nationwide, policymakers and researchers must expand ongoing engagement with the digital skill practitioner community to develop foundational AI implementation projects.
The Impact of Public Comments on Congressional Proceedings
Public comments are essential to the legislative process, as they offer valuable insights and diverse perspectives from organizations and residents with lived experiences related to the issues discussed during congressional proceedings.
For example, during the June 4, 2025, House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Hearing on AI, Representative Yvette D. Clarke highlighted the importance of digital and AI literacy in ensuring participation in the digital world. She warned that AI could create a new digital divide and urged Trump to reinstate the DEA. Clarke also submitted NDIA’s public comment letter to the committee record.
Later, Representative Robin L. Kelly inquired about how digital skills training affects AI adoption. In response, Asad Ramzanali, Director of AI and Technology Policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator, further reinforced the importance of the DEA and provided a real-life example of digital skills and AI adoption by referencing NDIA’s comments about a program in Kentucky that utilizes AI to assist individuals in applying for jobs.
If you want more information, please see the full NSF comments and the comments to the House Energy & Commerce Hearing.