Sens. Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Legislation to Advance Defense Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced the Growing University AI for Defense (GUARD) Act. The bill would codify a portion of President Trump's AI Action Plan and enable the Department of War (DoW) to establish and lead a National Security and Defense AI Institute to advance defense innovation, workforce development, and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness.

Sen Cruz said, "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. Winning that race requires developing a skilled AI workforce here in the United States, which in turn requires teaching core AI skills to students and strengthening U.S.-oriented AI capabilities. This legislation will deepen those efforts by expanding AI research and talent development at our senior military colleges and DoW research universities. I'm proud to join Sen. Cornyn in this effort and urge our colleagues to advance it expeditiously."

Sen Cornyn said, "Our Senior Military Colleges already excel at preparing the next 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. This legislation would empower the Department of War to establish and lead a cutting-edge AI Institute so we can streamline integration of emerging technologies in our defense sector and maintain America's decision-making advantage over foreign adversaries."

Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which passed earlier this week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

BACKGROUND

Under the first Trump administration, Congress passed the National AI Initiative, which authorized $500 million to develop new AI institutes.

Building on these efforts, President Trump released an AI Action Plan in 2025 that included a renewed focus on developing AI talent for the Department of War (DoW), specifically calling to "Grow our Senior Military Colleges into hubs of AI research, development, and talent building, teaching core AI skills and literacy to future generations. Foster AI-specific curriculum, including in AI use, development, and infrastructure management, in the Senior Military Colleges throughout majors."

The new AI Institute would bridge academia, government, and industry, enabling faster and more effective integration of advanced AI technologies into defense systems and intelligence operations. The National Security AI Institute would host testbeds focused on defense-related AI data management, reliable and trustworthy AI, and operational AI readiness. These efforts would provide the United States with a decision-making advantage. Senior Military Colleges would play a central role by preparing a skilled workforce capable of deploying and maintaining these technologies in support of national security and defense missions.