Lawmakers question Congress’ ability to regulate AI

Lawmakers raise doubts

Lawmakers from both parties are questioning whether Congress is prepared to regulate rapidly developing artificial intelligence, NBC News reported.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said many members lack relevant experience. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., also questioned whether lawmakers who struggle with internet technology can understand AI.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said Congress does not need more computer scientists as much as members who understand and use the technology. Khanna, whose district includes parts of Silicon Valley, said lawmakers should have practical familiarity with AI before setting rules for it.

Congress’ record on technology

Congress is not close to passing broad AI regulations. It has addressed the internet through existing laws and narrower measures rather than comprehensive legislation, and efforts to establish online protections for children remain stalled amid disagreements between House and Senate negotiators.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., supports AI regulation but said Congress does not move quickly. Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy combat pilot, described passing AI legislation as harder than flying a fighter jet.

A case for congressional capacity

Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., said lawmakers do not need advanced technical degrees to regulate AI, just as Congress did not need lawmakers trained as biologists, chemists, lawyers or stockbrokers to create federal regulators.

Beyer is pursuing a master’s degree in machine learning at George Mason University. He served on the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and now serves on a Democratic AI commission.

Beyer said House members have already introduced multiple AI bills. He blamed the lack of major action on political will among Republicans and said a House speaker would need to allow legislation to reach the floor. He has also urged Democratic leaders to create a select committee on AI if the party takes control of the House.