U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R) and Ted Cruz (R) have introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act, legislation aimed at strengthening the United States' national security by expanding artificial intelligence (AI) research, workforce development, and readiness within the Department of War (DoW).
The bill would codify a key portion of President Trump's 2025 AI Action Plan and authorize the DoD to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute at a Senior Military College.
Sen. Cornyn emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging existing military education systems to maintain America's technological edge.
"Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the new generation in warfighting capabilities, and now is the time to build on that success by answering President Trump's call to create a hub for AI research, development, and talent acquisition at one of these prestigious institutions," said Cornyn.
He added that the legislation would help "streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America's decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries."
Sen. Cruz framed the bill as a necessary response to global competition, particularly from China.
"The Chinese Communist Party poses the most significant national security risk to the United States over the next century, and allowing the CCP to win the race to AI would be catastrophic for American interests," said Cruz.
Cruz noted that winning the AI race requires a skilled AI workforce in the United States and a strengthening of AI capabilities through education and research.
The GUARD Act builds on prior congressional action under the first Trump administration, when Congress passed the National AI Initiative, authorizing $500 million for new AI institutes. President Trump's AI Action Plan renewed that focus in 2025, calling for Senior Military Colleges to become hubs for AI Research.
Under the legislation, the proposed National Security and Defense AI Institute would host testbeds for defense-related AI data management and AI readiness, supporting faster integration of advanced technologies into defense systems and intelligence operations.
Companion legislation led by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R) recently passed in the U.S. House as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, signaling growing congressional support for the initiative.
