President Donald Trump responded to calls for a slowdown in artificial intelligence (AI) development on Monday, stating on social media that concerns about AI taking over the world are a "HOAX." He argued that the only control needed for AI is a "strong and smart" president. This view contrasts with that of senior Democrats in Congress and leading figures in the AI sector, who have raised safety warnings and advocated for government regulation.
In the U.S., the likelihood of new safety legislation on AI passing soon is low. Any bill would need approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Trump's opposition to new regulations means that the Republican Party, which holds a majority in both chambers, is unlikely to support restrictions. Even if a bill were passed, it would require the president's signature to take effect, and Trump's dismissal of the need for regulations has paused any hope for executive action.
The House is scheduled to enter recess at the end of the week until after the midterm elections in early November. Some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have called for delaying the recess until AI safeguards can be passed. A group of House Democrats has written to Republican Speaker Mike Johnson, urging more time for debate on the issue.
Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna suggested that Congress should convene a special session on AI, but it is unlikely that the recess will be delayed or a special session convened. Speaker Johnson, when asked about taking action on AI before the midterms, stated that it is a "very complex issue." He mentioned that Trump would meet with AI executives to discuss safety responsibilities and the government's role.
While Democrats are advocating for more time to address AI safety, they are divided on how to regulate the technology. Even if they gain control of both chambers in the November elections, swift action is not guaranteed due to differing proposals. Legislative proposals on Capitol Hill vary widely, including independent reviews, a federal "kill switch," and a total moratorium on data centers proposed by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar are working on a bill that would require some AI companies to submit to federal oversight. Thune emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with the need to mitigate advanced threats.
Democratic Congresswoman Lori Trahan has proposed bipartisan legislation that would allow the government to halt the use of an AI model if it poses an imminent catastrophic risk. Trahan has collaborated with Republican Jay Obernolte on the Frontier Act, which includes provisions for independent audits of AI research labs. However, Trahan acknowledged that movement on the issue this week is unlikely.
Some Republicans, including Speaker Johnson, have suggested that self-regulation by AI companies is necessary. David Sacks, an AI adviser to Trump, stated that warnings from insiders have been exaggerated and emphasized that companies should ensure the safety of their products.
Experts have differing opinions on the need for regulation. Some argue that companies should autonomously regulate themselves, while others believe that federal legislation is necessary to address safety and bias testing. Alexandra Reeve Givens, who leads the Center for Democracy and Technology, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of meaningful federal AI regulation passing soon. She noted that the Trump administration has established a voluntary framework for AI companies to submit their models for government assessment, but the framework remains undisclosed.
The White House's approach, combined with a lack of political will and consensus, complicates the passage of AI legislation. Givens pointed out that Congress must address various types of AI risks, emphasizing that while AI is not ungovernable, each risk requires a tailored approach.