Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Otto von Bismarck once remarked that God has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the United States of America. Throughout much of its history, the Iron Chancellor was accurate about the last part. Our nation’s abundant resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and a system that rewards innovation have propelled America to its global pre-eminence during the 20th century.
The United States initiated the internet revolution, gave birth to the world’s most valuable tech giants, and now stands at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution.
This AI boom is set to be even more transformative than the dawn of the internet era, as it promises improved quality of life for everyone in the leading nation. AI applications are already making strides in healthcare, enhancing cancer detection and developing autonomous vehicles to significantly reduce traffic fatalities.
The landscape of AI is shaping our economy, positioning America as the home of trillions in innovation. Currently, the United States attracts 60% of global AI infrastructure investments, hosting a vast array of cutting-edge models designed to address pressing challenges faced by Americans.
Moreover, artificial intelligence represents the most vital force propelling ongoing economic growth. A notable economist from Harvard indicated that without data centers, GDP growth would have barely reached 0.1% in the first half of the year. As Vanguard’s chief economist recently observed, without the AI surge, we would have experienced substantially weaker growth figures.
AI infrastructure already provides support for over 600,000 direct jobs, which is nearly one and a half times the employment levels of all 16 American automakers combined. Looking ahead, this sector is expected to supercharge our economy for decades.
However, advantage is not synonymous with destiny. If America halts its momentum, nations like China will advance rapidly, causing us to transition from an exporter of advanced technology to an importer of it. A recent report from The Wall Street Journal emphasized the gravity of the AI competition with China, stating it is as consequential as the Cold War due to its potential to influence large segments of the global population.
This urgency is precisely why we are launching the AI Infrastructure Coalition (AIIC), committed to ensuring that America emerges victorious in the AI race.
Over the next five years, global AI infrastructure spending will likely hit $5 trillion, generating $15.7 trillion in economic value over the subsequent decade. Winning the AI race will lead to millions of high-paying jobs, the reshoring of manufacturing, and technological exports that foster our national prosperity. Conversely, losing this race would cede these opportunities to China, allowing it to become the uncontested economic and military superpower.
As the competition intensifies, China is accelerating its advancements at a breathtaking pace. The country holds nearly 75% of global AI patents and its models achieve 80% to 90% of U.S. capabilities at substantially lower costs. Furthermore, Chinese cloud providers are poised to increase capital expenditures by 65% in 2025, backed by subsidies that render energy virtually free for their operations.
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang has warned that without decisive action, China is likely to win the AI race. Should Beijing gain dominance, it would control autonomous weapons, cyber warfare capabilities, and global supply chains. American data, spanning health records to financial information, could potentially flow through Chinese systems, exposing citizens to risks of surveillance, manipulation, and breaches.
Both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have acknowledged that AI breakthroughs could reshape the global balance of power. They recognize that permitting China control over the robots and systems powering the future would have disastrous consequences.
Regrettably, amidst these stakes, some politicians and commentators resort to fearmongering regarding AI technology. Presently, a staggering 83% of Chinese citizens view AI as beneficial, whereas only 39% of Americans express optimism about its implications.
Misconceptions surrounding the AI industry persist, particularly in how data centers are perceived as contributors to rising utility costs. For instance, states like Maine, which have few data centers, have seen sharp electricity cost increases, while Virginia, home to numerous data centers, has not faced similar hikes.
Goldman Sachs recently analyzed energy prices across various states and concluded that the most significant increases stemmed from the retirement of reliable energy sources and excessive regulations. Conversely, states with abundant local resources help maintain lower electricity rates and ample supply.
Concerns about water usage associated with AI infrastructure also appear exaggerated, as it tends to be minimal and often recycled, consuming less than America’s golf courses. Fears of job losses are rooted in outdated narratives. Predictions of mass unemployment due to the internet in 1995 have proven unfounded, and similar doomsday scenarios regarding AI are unlikely to materialize.
The diverse nature of AI infrastructure necessitates skilled workers such as systems engineers, electricians, and facilities managers. Google has initiated a program to train 100,000 new electrical workers, reflecting the growing demand for talent in this sector.
For the United States to maintain its leadership in AI, the country requires timely permitting reforms. Building up energy infrastructure and semiconductor fabrication plants is essential. Unfortunately, one out of five AI projects encounters approval delays, endangering $64 billion in investments. Since the beginning of 2024, China has successfully added 429 gigawatts to its energy capacity, while the U.S. has managed a mere 68 gigawatts.
Additionally, federal policymakers must address the confusing web of AI-related laws existing across states with sensible legislation that preempts state laws. The objective is clear: empower American innovation rather than stifle it.
America genuinely can and must secure victory in the AI race. It is time to build the future on American soil, energizing it with abundant resources, training our workforce to succeed, and ensuring that the resulting benefits extend to the American people.
Garret Graves served as a congressman for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District from 2015 to 2025 and is a co-chair of the AI Infrastructure Coalition.
