The CREATE AI Act of 2025 establishes a national program called the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to provide U.S. researchers, educators, and students with access to AI data, computational resources, and educational tools. Managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the program aims to enhance AI research and development in the U.S. NAIRR will accept donations from the private sector and federal agencies. Eligible users include researchers and students affiliated with U.S. institutions and employees of federal agencies. A nongovernmental organization will be selected to operate NAIRR, ensuring a focus on AI privacy, ethics, and security, while also providing a free tier of access for users.
The CREATE AI Act of 2025 has been positively received as a significant step towards advancing AI research in the U.S. Many experts highlight the importance of providing accessible resources for researchers and educators, which could lead to innovation and ethical advancements in AI technology. The focus on privacy and security in the program has also been praised, as it addresses growing concerns about the implications of AI in society. The bipartisan support for the bill reflects a collective recognition of the need for robust AI capabilities in the U.S.
Critics of the CREATE AI Act of 2025 express concerns about the potential for misuse of AI technologies and the adequacy of the proposed security measures. Some argue that the bill does not go far enough in regulating AI development and could inadvertently promote the use of AI in ways that may not prioritize ethical considerations. Additionally, there are worries about the sustainability of funding for NAIRR and whether the program will effectively reach underserved communities in research and education.
The CREATE AI Act of 2025, sponsored by Jay Obernolte, does not exhibit direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, which include Health Professionals and Retired individuals. While the total contributions from these sectors amount to $157.5 million, they do not directly relate to the subject matter of AI legislation. The lobbying activity associated with this bill also does not indicate a strong financial influence from the sponsor's donors, as the majority of lobbying amounts are from organizations not linked to Obernolte's top contributors. Notably, the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, which has contributed to Obernolte, is involved in lobbying for this bill, but the connection to AI policy remains tenuous. Therefore, the risk of conflict of interest is assessed as low.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area. 1 lobbying client(s) are also sponsor donors.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND MANAGEMENT BOARD FOR PUERTO RICO Also a Donor | OFF HILL STRATEGIES L.L.C. | $60,000 |
| OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY | RED MAPLE CONSULTING, LLC | $60,000 |
| UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE | RED MAPLE CONSULTING, LLC | $40,000 |
| NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES FOUNDATION | RED MAPLE CONSULTING, LLC | $20,000 |
| ORLANDO HEALTH | ORLANDO HEALTH | $20,000 |
| FRIEDKIN GROUP | DOUCET CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, LLC | $20,000 |
| FARM CREDIT MID-AMERICA | FARM CREDIT MID-AMERICA | $20,000 |
| QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | LEMMA STRATEGIES INC | $10,000 |
| WILLIAMS AND JENSEN ON BEHALF OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM | DOUCET CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, LLC | $10,000 |
| NY SUN WORKS | LEMMA STRATEGIES INC | $10,000 |
| LOUISIANA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION | DOUCET CONSULTING SOLUTIONS, LLC | $10,000 |
| 69 BRIDGELINK | APPIAN | undisclosed |
| ALPHAPOINTE | LEMMA STRATEGIES INC | undisclosed |
| DOLLAR TREE MANAGEMENT, INC. | OFF HILL STRATEGIES L.L.C. | undisclosed |
| MARINERS' MUSEUM | RED MAPLE CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Jay Obernolte, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
