U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly presents ‘AI for America’ roadmap

By Chris Woodward
The Center Square

Nearly two dozen public figures have come out in support of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s artificial intelligence plan.

Known as “AI for America,” the plan says the artificial intelligence revolution is here, but steps must be taken to “ensure this technology drives opportunity for all Americans” by putting people before machines when it comes to innovation.

The office for Kelly, D-Arizona, said the plan would help accomplish this by creating an AI Horizon Fund, where leading AI companies would contribute resources to invest in workers, infrastructure and responsible development.

“AI should be a benefit to all, not a detriment to most while creating record wealth for a select few,” said Julie Su, former U.S. secretary of labor in Kelly’s press release. “The Senator’s proposals would make those who profit from AI take responsibility for ensuring that the gains generated from AI are shared with workers, not made at their expense.”

Jon Shirley, former president, COO and director of Microsoft, said the proposal “takes on the real challenges surrounding AI.” Examples from Shirley include preparing young people and retaining workers who are struggling to find employment to deal with the demands that data centers will have for electricity and other utilities.

“These are not problems that companies or the market can solve alone,” said Shirley.

President Donald Trump said he wants the U.S. to lead the world in AI and innovation. He announced a plan in July 2025 to support “a worker-first AI agenda.”

Trump said his policies include promoting the rapid buildout of data centers. In relation to that plan, Trump wants the U.S. to go after more energy resources such as coal, the idea being that the natural resource will be needed to power data centers.

Pointing to Kelly’s plan, Arizona State University President Michael Crow said AI is coming quickly. While it may be “shaking things up,” Crow stressed AI should be explored because of its incredible potential.

“This is a moment for everyone to expand their thinking and to adapt, just as humans have for generations,” said Crow. “We have to dive in and figure it out together.”

Other endorsements of AI for America include University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella, Claudia Ruiz at UnidosUS and Jim McLaughlin, president of Arizona AFL-CIO.

“America can lead in AI innovation while still protecting jobs, keeping energy costs down, and doing right by our kids — and that starts with AI companies pitching in,” said Kelly in a post on X.

The senator’s office did not respond Friday to The Center Square’s request for comment.