WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the American Edge Project (AEP), a coalition of domestic organizations dedicated to protecting and promoting American technological leadership, released its 2026 Toolkit.
As the United States and China compete for global artificial intelligence (AI) leadership, AEP’s new toolkit offers actionable guidance for Congress and federal agencies to solidify America’s competitive edge in the global technology race and ensure the United States reaps the value and benefits of AI. Highlighting critical national security, workforce, healthcare and education needs, this new resource makes it clear that AI is the future and America must lead.
“Artificial intelligence is the most transformational technology of our time.” said Doug Kelly, CEO of the American Edge Project. “By prioritizing innovation, investments in AI infrastructure, talent and global reach, the United States can win this high-stakes race with China. It matters which country builds the future.”
In the 2026 toolkit, AEP urges Congress to move with speed and confidence to:
- Codify and fund a durable national AI strategy that provides long-term certainty and prevents policy whiplash.
- Strengthen power generation and transmission infrastructure, accelerating permitting, expanding capacity and modernizing the grid to meet America’s growing electricity demands, not just for AI, but for reindustrialization, transportation and other key priorities.
- Protect and expand U.S. chip, compute and critical mineral supply-chain advantages to ensure America remains the global AI backbone.
- Build the world’s strongest AI workforce, from skilled trades and electricians to advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) researchers.
- Accelerate AI adoption at home and across allied nations, ensuring that the global AI ecosystem runs on American technology and reflects American values.
Read the toolkit here.
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.
Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.
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