Congress Faces Challenges in Regulating AI Amid Limited Personal Experience

<p>Members of Congress and governors are facing increasing pressure to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), but more than two dozen lawmakers interviewed by Axios reported that they either do not use the technology or have rarely done so.</p><p><strong>Importance: </strong>This admission, particularly among older lawmakers, comes as there are calls for a slowdown in AI development and warnings from industry experts about potential risks associated with unregulated AI.</p><hr /><ul><li>Critics argue that without personal experience with AI, lawmakers may struggle to understand the rapid changes in technology and the associated risks or benefits.</li></ul><p><strong>One House Democrat </strong>described the situation as "f*cking absurd," stating, "Anyone who's overseeing this has to be someone who's a regular user."</p><ul><li>Rob Flaherty, a Democratic digital strategist, emphasized the need for lawmakers to understand AI to effectively legislate on the subject.</li><li>Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) noted that experience with AI is beneficial for those involved in legislation.</li></ul><p><strong>Details: </strong>Several senior lawmakers indicated that they have not tried AI. For instance, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), 75, chair of the Armed Services Committee, stated, "Heavens no," when asked about his use of AI. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), 74, also admitted he has never used it, while Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), 78, acknowledged she does not use AI but is open to it. Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho), 83, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), 83, also reported not using AI, with DeLauro expressing a need for more knowledge about the technology.</p><ul><li>A GOP senator, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the number of lawmakers using AI is low, which has contributed to a negative perception of AI among some members.</li></ul><p><strong>Some officials reported limited personal use of AI:</strong></p><ul><li>Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) stated he uses AI for simple searches but not for research or writing. He supports regulation but believes decisions should be made by humans.</li></ul><p><strong>Uncertainty about AI usage:</strong> Some lawmakers were unsure if they have used AI, with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), 70, saying he only engages with it incidentally. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), 88, could not recall if she has used it, while Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), 73, noted that AI appears on her phone occasionally.</li><li>Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), 68, mentioned he is familiar with AI tools but does not use them intentionally.</li></ul><p><strong>Perspectives: </strong>Some lawmakers, including Kaine, believe that personal experience with AI is not necessary for writing legislation about it. Pallone later stated through a spokesperson that lawmakers do not need to engage with AI to understand the need for regulation.</p><ul><li>Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), 74, expressed surprise at colleagues who do not use AI, stating, "I use it for everything!"</li></ul><p><strong>Contrasting views: </strong>Some members of Congress are regular users of AI. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), 79, reported using AI daily, while Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), 76, has pursued further education in machine learning.</p><p><strong>Background: </strong>Several prominent elected officials have previously stated they do not use AI. In late 2025, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), 54, indicated he had never used AI, and Karoline Leavitt, then press secretary to President Trump, commented that Trump likely does not use AI personally, despite AI-generated content appearing on his social media accounts.</p>