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Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative Small Enterprises Act

Floor Speech

Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. DOWNING. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act. This legislation will provide essential resources for small businesses to support their efforts to adopt AI.

Small businesses are optimistic about the potential of AI. Capabilities like machine learning and language processing are becoming critical tools for businesses seeking streamlined operations, like workforce recruitment, marketing, and strategy development.

However, businesses with substantial and stable access to capital tend to be better positioned for technology adoption and dealing with its ramifications. Small businesses, on the other hand, including businesses in rural communities like my home district in central and eastern Montana, often lack the resources and information needed to facilitate technology adoption.

For example, according to a 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 59 percent of small businesses in Montana have adopted AI into their operations. While this figure may seem significant, it pales in comparison to the near-universal adoption of AI that is seen with Fortune 500 companies. That is why I am proud to co-lead H.R. 5784, the AI-WISE Act, with my colleague, Representative Scholten.

The AI-WISE Act directs the Small Business Administration, the SBA, to establish educational resources on AI for small businesses through its online learning platform. In doing so, this legislation seeks to provide small businesses with the technical and practical knowledge needed to best navigate AI adoption.

The scope of this educational material will include resources for small businesses on how AI models work, how businesses can identify tasks that AI can effectively perform, and the best practices for coordinating with third-party providers and protecting data privacy.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Scholten, for co- leading this legislation with me. The AI-WISE Act will ensure small businesses have the information that they need to most effectively utilize AI to bolster their entrepreneurship.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this legislation.

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