Commentary: Keep AI Jobs Here in America
Tennessee Star

by Ryan Egly

Artificial intelligence is expected to drive economic growth for decades, but one question matters most. Where are those jobs going to be created?

Right now, the United States leads the world in AI because we produce the advanced computer chips that power it. But China is working overtime to close that gap, and without strong, lasting guardrails, we are helping them by supplying the very technology they need. We urgently need to pass the SAFE Chips Act that would permanently restrict the export of advanced AI chips to adversaries like China to keep our economy flourishing at home.

We’ve been down this road before. America once led in semiconductor manufacturing, only to watch it move overseas along with jobs and investment. Entire communities felt that loss. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake with AI.

The buildup happening right now, from data centers to chip manufacturing, represents trillions of dollars in opportunity. That investment should be happening here, supporting American workers and families, not strengthening a foreign competitor.

If we want those jobs that support growing industries like advanced manufacturing, energy, and data infrastructure in Tennessee, we need to be proactive and secure our advantage while we still have it. I urge Senator Hagerty and Senator Blackburn to fight for policies that keep opportunity, jobs, and innovation right here at home, where they belong.

– – –

Lawrenceburg native Ryan Egly is a the President and CEO of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; and serves on TVA’s Rural Cabinet, the Board of Directors for Launch Tennessee, Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Lawrenceburg, and Main Street Lawrenceburg.