Senator Mark Kelly introduced a bill to create the Artificial Intelligence Horizon Fund, aimed at supporting workers affected by AI-driven changes in the job market. The fund would be financed through new taxes on large technology companies, including a digital advertising revenue tax, an AI usage tax based on data generated, and a tax on excess profits earned by AI companies. The collected funds would be used for workforce training programs and expanded unemployment benefits. An oversight council comprising AI experts from labor, higher education, and workforce development sectors would manage the fund.
S. 5518 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Mark Kelly (Democrat) and is currently listed as “Introduced”. It is classified under the Taxation policy area, one of 215 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Mark Kelly is the sponsor of 18 bills in our database this Congress, so S. 5518 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 5518 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Taxation is 2.2/10.
Supporters commend the bill for proactively addressing the economic impact of AI on employment. They highlight the establishment of the AI Horizon Fund as a strategic move to provide resources for workforce retraining and unemployment support, ensuring that workers are not left behind in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The inclusion of an oversight council with diverse expertise is seen as a positive step toward effective fund management.
Critics argue that imposing new taxes on technology companies could stifle innovation and lead to increased costs for consumers. They express concern that the additional financial burden on tech firms might discourage investment in AI development. Additionally, some question the effectiveness of government-managed funds in addressing workforce displacement and suggest that alternative approaches, such as private sector initiatives, might be more efficient.
The analysis of Bill S. 5518, which aims to establish the Artificial Intelligence Horizon Fund, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the subject matter of the bill and the sponsor Mark Kelly's top donor industries. This indicates a low potential for conflicts of interest as the financial backers do not appear to have a vested interest in the outcomes of the legislation. Given that the bill is focused on the development and funding of artificial intelligence initiatives, it is noteworthy that the top donor industries for Kelly do not include technology or AI sectors, which typically would be more relevant. Therefore, voters can be reassured that there is minimal risk of undue influence from donors in this context.
Top industries funding Mark Kelly, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
What does S. 5518 do?
Senator Mark Kelly introduced a bill to create the Artificial Intelligence Horizon Fund, aimed at supporting workers affected by AI-driven changes in the job market. The fund would be financed through new taxes on large technology companies, including a digital advertising revenue tax, an AI usage tax based on data generated, and a tax on excess profits earned by AI companies. The collected funds…
Has S. 5518 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on S. 5518 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Introduced”.
Does S. 5518 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 5518 2/10 (low risk), higher than 76% of analyzed bills; the average in Taxation is 2.2/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of S. 5518?
S. 5518 is currently “Introduced” as of our last update on September 29, 2026.
Who sponsored S. 5518?
S. 5518 was sponsored by Mark Kelly (Democrat).
