STATEMENT: Sen. Schiff: With AI Rapidly Advancing “Washington Cannot Afford to Sit on its Hands”

Washington, D.C. – Senator Schiff released the following statement in response to recent AI news: “There’s been a lot of news and warnings this week about AI. And I think it’s fair to ask whether Congress is asleep at the wheel as we hurtle towards AGI and the unknown. “AI experts and industry executives are delivering a clear message — the risks of quickly evolving frontier AI pose serious threats to our safety and the future of our society. We must heed their call, and we can’t wait. “I’ve spent the last four years learning from experts, companies and researchers about AI, the threat it poses, and the promise it holds. Many of these companies and workers are in California, and I’ve been hearing about the existential threat to humankind for years. And I’ll be honest, I’m not sure everyone in Congress has been doing the same. I’m far from an expert, but this technology is improving and changing so fast that it’s incumbent on all of us to learn and understand the dangers. “AI undoubtedly holds great opportunity for scientific advancement and other innovation. However, we’ve seen harbingers of the threats that this technology holds as researchers and developers lose control of rogue collusive AI agents, and the technology is advancing far more rapidly than we originally assumed it would. It’s science fiction come to life. “The past decade has shown us what happens when Congressional inaction leaves private technology companies to regulate themselves. We failed on social media (and still are). We failed on foreign interference online. We cannot fail here. “Washington cannot afford to sit on its hands while our economy, national security and everyday lives are disrupted more rapidly than even AI labs themselves believed possible. I’ve put forth several bipartisan proposals to ensure Congress is keeping up with the state of this technology, and have many more that I’m working on. “I’m glad that the biggest AI companies are clamoring for regulation. One of the most promising suggestions has been to incorporate truly independent monitors within the AI companies, that can evaluate the risks, report them and ensure transparency. “Legislation is necessary to make this a requirement of all companies, not simply those who agree to do so, to ensure the requisite of these monitors, and that the companies properly and safely pace new developments. “But regulation and legislation should not be used to lock in monopolies, bypass important state laws or give broad exemptions that lock out a competitive landscape for decades to come. We also cannot afford to cede ground to China and their companies. “We must also confront the way that AI will change our economy, our livelihoods, and the nature of work. Any discussion of regulation without asking serious questions about our employment, the tax code, energy costs and benefits necessary to every day life isn’t complete. I’m working on major legislation in this area too. “Both government and industry must establish commonsense guardrails and provide real checks on the development and dangers of this technology. As I’ve said before, unenforceable voluntary commitments and self-regulation will not cut it. And I’m hopeful that we can all meet this moment, and regulate in a way that will both allow this industry to continue to grow, but put in place guardrails that are desperately needed. “The stakes could not be higher, and time is of the essence for Congress to act.” ###