GUARD Act of 2025

The GUARD Act (Growing University AI for Defense) would authorize the Department of War to establish one or more National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institutes. These institutes would conduct research on artificial intelligence systems to address national security challenges, provide access to computing resources and data facilities for AI research, offer technical assistance for AI development, and engage in outreach to expand participation in AI research and the AI workforce. The bill would codify a portion of President Trump's 2025 AI Action Plan and aims to develop AI talent and capabilities at senior military colleges and Department of War research universities.

If enacted, the bill would enable the federal government to invest in artificial intelligence research and education focused on defense applications. The institutes would serve as testbeds for AI-powered defense capabilities and support the integration of advanced technologies into military systems. Financial assistance would be awarded for five-year periods, renewable for one additional five-year period. The legislation is currently under consideration by the Senate Armed Services Committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.