WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington AI Network honored Senators Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) with its First Mover Award, recognizing their early leadership in shaping U.S. policy, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The awards were presented by Washington AI Network founder Tammy Haddad during the organization’s second annual Pre-Alfalfa Breakfast, held at Ned’s Club. The gathering convened senior leaders from government, industry, and the diplomatic community for an off-the-record discussion on the future of AI governance and innovation.
Senator McCormick was recognized for his work linking artificial intelligence to energy strategy, workforce development, and long-term economic growth. Through initiatives such as Pennsylvania’s first Energy and Innovation Summit, McCormick has elevated the Commonwealth’s role in the national AI ecosystem and highlighted how public-private partnerships can deploy AI at scale to strengthen regional and national competitiveness.
“This award is reflective of a moment,” McCormick said, describing the current period as “the most consequential moment in our lifetime — and possibly in humankind.” He likened the AI transition to “the industrial revolution on steroids,” emphasizing both its transformative potential and its risks. “The opportunities are unbounded,” he said, “but the disruption and challenges to society are enormous.”
Senator Gillibrand was honored for her early and sustained leadership on digital assets and emerging technology policy. As a principal architect of the bipartisan Lummis–Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act, she helped craft the Senate’s first comprehensive framework to define digital assets, clarify regulatory jurisdiction, and support responsible innovation in the U.S. Her approach has focused on establishing guardrails before crises force reactive policymaking.
“AI is truly changing who we are as a nation — what our economy will look like, how we compete globally, and how we secure our future,” Gillibrand said. “If we hesitate even for a minute, we will not be able to be secure.” She added that lawmakers and stakeholders must work together, calling AI “the most important and urgent issue” facing policymakers today. Gillibrand expressed optimism that Congress will soon advance bipartisan legislation establishing “rules of the road” for digital assets. The program also featured remarks by biographer Walter Isaacson, who reflected on American leadership, innovation, and civic values ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Attendees received copies of his newest book, The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.
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