Senator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Mike Rounds, US Senator for South Dakota | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senators Mike Rounds and Martin Heinrich have reintroduced the MedShield Act of 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing national pandemic preparedness through artificial intelligence (AI). The act proposes the creation of the MedShield program, which is designed to protect the nation against future pandemics by fostering collaboration between public and private sectors as well as global allies.
MedShield's approach focuses on leveraging AI across five critical areas: pathogen detection and surveillance, vaccine development, therapeutic development, modeling for pathogen tracking and vaccine distribution, and rapid manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutics.
"Artificial intelligence gives us the opportunity to completely revolutionize health care as we know it," said Senator Rounds. He emphasized that AI could help identify pathogens posing pandemic threats quickly. "We need to take steps now to effectively respond to pandemic threats."
Senator Heinrich added that AI has significant potential in advancing scientific and medical fields. "By leveraging AI’s potential, our Medshield Act will ensure we are more prepared for the emergence of new biological threats," he stated.
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths from Dakota State University expressed enthusiasm about MedShield's progression, highlighting AI's role in addressing complex health issues like pandemics. Sheila K. Gestring from the University of South Dakota stressed the importance of using AI smartly to improve human lives.
Dr. Brian Tande from South Dakota School of Mines commended this initiative for its aim to integrate systems that enhance threat identification during pandemics. Dr. Shanna O’Connor from South Dakota State University pointed out how AI-supported tools can bolster healthcare response infrastructures.
Ylli Bajraktari praised Senators Rounds' and Heinrich’s leadership in introducing this legislation, which aligns with recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
The bill includes provisions such as findings addressing the need for better pandemic preparedness and mandates for operationalizing AI within Health and Human Services.
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