Rep. Bill Foster urges labeling requirement for AI-generated federal communications

Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill.) told the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform he is seeking support for the Responsible and Ethical AI Labeling Act (referred to in the transcript as the "REAL Act," cited as "HR 65 71").

Foster said the bill would require federal agencies and officers to clearly label images, audio, video and text that are generated or materially altered by generative artificial intelligence when that content is intended for public release. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) would create uniform rules for labeling to ensure clarity and public understanding. The bill as described includes exemptions for internal, non-public content, classified content, and "basic graphics" or minor visual adjustments that do not materially alter meaning; it also exempts certain drafting tools if content is reviewed by humans prior to publication.

If an agency issues a public communication that violates the labeling requirement, the bill would require the agency to retract the communication and publish a corrected version to the same audience to the extent possible; the bill would also include remediation steps and potential oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for noncompliance.

Foster framed the legislation as preserving the legitimate use of AI by agencies while strengthening transparency and public trust. He said he introduced the bill in a bipartisan manner with Congressman Pete Sessions and encouraged committee members to support it. No formal committee action occurred during the member-day hearing.