Tech CEOs Advocate for AI Regulation Amid Political Inaction

WASHINGTON (AP) — The technology industry's warnings about the potential harm of artificial intelligence are meeting resistance in Washington, highlighting the federal government's challenges in addressing what may become a significant issue. President Donald Trump is opposing calls from tech leaders for increased government oversight, including those from Anthropic's Dario Amodei, OpenAI's Sam Altman, and xAI's Elon Musk. On Monday, Trump dismissed the efforts to limit AI technology as a "conspiracy." Other Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance, have shown caution, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has deferred to the White House. In contrast, Democrats are advocating for a more proactive response, with private discussions occurring in the House and Senator Bernie Sanders hosting a briefing with experts. Top candidates, such as Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, are pushing for significant action in Washington, and former President Barack Obama is encouraging presidential hopefuls to create a clear plan to address AI concerns. The differing responses reflect a growing divide between the tech sector's warnings about AI's existential threats and a federal government often hindered by partisanship and election pressures. Max Stier, president and CEO of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service, stated, "The signals we're receiving from our political leaders are not representing an understanding of the crisis that I think we are in fact in." There are exceptions to the partisan divide, as Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., opened an investigation into OpenAI for its AI system hacking into another AI company. At a Washington AI conference, Trump ally Steve Bannon expressed views similar to Sanders, stating, "We have to rise above it. This is a hinge in history." Congress and the White House have previously responded quickly to crises, but the current AI debate is testing their ability to act. The Biden administration has called for lawmakers to develop policies following a 2023 executive order on AI oversight, which Trump rescinded upon taking office. Despite rapid technological advancements, Congress has not imposed regulations or funding to help people adapt to AI changes. A bipartisan working group formed by then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer released a report in 2024 recommending at least $32 billion over three years for AI development and safeguards, but there has been little follow-up. Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat, remarked, "We never do anything until we have a holy heck moment." While lawmakers from both parties agree on the need for more regulations, attempts at even narrow regulations have faltered. Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., questioned the likelihood of passing AI legislation, citing past legislative failures. Ossoff criticized Washington's inability to address significant issues, stating, "What fills us with dread is the crushing weakness of our politics against the massive stakes of our times." After tech leaders called for oversight, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., mentioned discussions with Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., about a legislative path forward. He emphasized the need for balance between innovation and addressing advanced threats. Senator John Kennedy, R-La., plans to propose a "kill switch" measure requiring developers to have the ability to shut down their systems if necessary. However, with the November elections approaching, swift legislative action appears unlikely. Johnson expressed skepticism about a legislative response, suggesting Trump should meet with AI leaders to address concerns. Any emerging legislation would require Trump's support, which seems uncertain. Hawley, who has introduced bipartisan legislation for federal tracking of AI safety concerns, emphasized the need to protect workers and children online. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that advanced AI models do not pose significant risks. Rahm Emanuel, former chief of staff to Obama, expressed confusion over congressional inaction, noting that he has never seen an industry request regulation and oversight. Representative Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat and leader in the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, believes Congress can pass stronger AI rules and sees support for multiple bills, including one establishing guardrails for AI models and another with the kill switch provision. Beyer stated, "It's very much a leadership issue," as the House is set to adjourn at the end of the week until after the elections.