Let Me Be Blunt: AI is at a Crossroads

Dear Friend, Almost every week there’s a new report on the growing capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), and like many of you, I’ve been laser-focused on these headlines. While this technology offers opportunities for our economy, our health, and the potential to solve some of the most challenging problems, experts continue to highlight risks and are urgently calling for us to guard against unintended consequences. This summer, leading AI companies disclosed cybersecurity incidents where thousands of AI agents, called swarms, gained unauthorized access to the internet and autonomously (without human authorization) hacked third party systems in an effort to solve very complex tasks. Before being discovered, they collaborated with each other on hidden message boards and coordinated to launch direct attacks on real-world targets. Last month,  I pressed OpenAI, Meta, and Anthropic for clarity on what they’re doing to keep us safe (learn more HERE ). Now, researchers are claiming AI could pose more severe threats to all of us  as it self-improves at this rapid pace and that we should slow the progress. This has many implications — from competition with other countries, particularly China, and threats from bad actors as well as the need for global cooperation and potential treaties. In addition, there are financial system implications. As a member of the Banking Committee, you may recall, I pressed Federal Reserve Chair Warsh on his views on AI and “betting on it” for our economic future. It has been reported that President Trump and his family stand to gain substantially from AI-linked ventures, which is impacting his policy position on guardrails. All in all, this is something we must address together which is why I’ve partnered with my Republican colleague, Senator John Curtis (R-UT), to call for a Commerce Committee hearing. These AI companies must come before the American people and give real answers as we work to ensure progress — putting people first! Keep reading to see how I’m working to ensure AI development doesn’t compromise our safety. A Call for Transparency Recent headlines on AI’s ever-growing capabilities have led to strange bedfellows in Washington. This week, leaders on both sides of the aisle came together to push for transparency. I partnered with Senator John Curtis (R-UT), a fellow member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to call for public congressional hearings on the rapid advancements of AI. As new facts come to light, the American people need transparency so we can address this new challenge head-on. Read our statement HERE . Additionally, I joined my colleagues at a briefing on AI hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). We spoke with leading AI experts, including one of the “Godfathers of AI,” Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, MIT Professor, Dr. Max Tegmark, and Executive Director of Palisade Research, Jeffrey Ladish. We need all hands-on-deck to develop policies that help us effectively harness AI. Hear what I learned from the experts HERE . Counting Every Vote This week there was good news from the Supreme Court, which ruled against the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting. With 30% of Americans voting by mail and an election less than 50 days away, this is a pivotal ruling. We’ve seen mounting attacks on voter participation — including ongoing pressure from the Trump administration to pass the SAVE America Act . We must do everything we can to ensure our voices are heard. As a member of the Senate Democrats’ Election Protection Taskforce, I’m working with my colleagues to ensure every vote is counted this November. I joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and fellow members of the Taskforce for a roundtable with labor leaders to discuss how organized labor is helping protect our right to vote and get out the vote. The presenters from various unions — including the nurses, teachers, communications workers, SEIU, AFSCME and AFL-CIO — shared efforts to mobilize voters of all ages. This election is incredibly consequential, so make sure you and those you know have a plan before Election Day, get your information from trusted sources, and beyond voting, consider volunteering. We will have more information in the coming weeks, so stay tuned and use your power! The State of Healthcare A few weeks ago, I surveyed Delawareans on what issues they want to see Congress working on in the upcoming session, and “addressing healthcare costs and accessibility” was near the top of the list. In addition to costs, folks are concerned about the quality. With recent increases in food safety issues and the spread of measles, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the current state of public health. And while I have concerns with the quality of our federal public health leaders, I know that we have amazing physicians on the ground who are working hard to keep us safe. I sat down with Dr. Leroi Hicks, the President of ChristianaCare-Wilmington and new CEO and Executive Vice President of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Hicks and I discussed strategies to support physicians navigating this environment and ways to improve our health outcomes. Congrats to Dr. Hicks on this national appointment and we look forward to working together for the well-being of Delaware and the nation! Expanding Access, Opening Doors Community colleges play a critical role in strengthening our workforce and economy. They’ve helped millions of students access higher education and have closed gaps across industries. In Delaware, they are helping address shortages in areas like nursing. This week, I joined the Center for American Progress and the Association of Community College Trustees to kick-off a briefing session called “Strengthening America’s Workforce Pipeline: The Role of Community Colleges in Federal Education and Workforce Investments.” I was proud to share updates on my bipartisan bills to uplift community colleges and make sure they are accessible for all students. I’m grateful for trusted partners like this who strengthen our workforce and economy. Breaking Ground After years of work, local leaders broke ground on the Port of Wilmington Edgemoor expansion this week. This expansion will quadruple the port’s container capacity and has been years in the making. This project encompasses so many of my priority issues: securing good-paying jobs, strengthening supply chains, and supporting critical infrastructure. But I’m most proud of its integration of clean energy practices, which are made possible by the Clean Ports Program. I championed this program with my predecessor and friend Senator Tom Carper, so I could not be more thrilled to see our efforts help make Delaware healthier and stronger. Check out my recent visit to the port HERE . Congratulations to everyone involved in the groundbreaking of this critical project. This week’s Constituent Corner honors Emeri Cotton, an 8-year-old from Bear. This summer, Emeri competed in the Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games, where she won both the 100- and 200-meter races. During the events, she even broke a record in the 100-meter race, completing the event in just 13.67 seconds! Amidst her success, Emeri’s family says she continues to approach the sport with joy and humility. I love seeing the great accomplishments of our youngest Delawareans, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Emeri’s future. Capitol Conversations with LBR (Time Change) My Washington office will host our next Capitol Conversations on Wednesday, September 23 rd at 2:30 pm. If you find yourself in the D.C. area, drop by to connect with me and my team. CLICK HERE to RSVP. Free PFAS Testing for Delawareans Delawareans who rely on private wells for drinking water can now request free testing for PFAS and a variety of other contaminants through a statewide program. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is partnering with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, on the drinking water sampling initiative. CLICK HERE to learn more. See the World! The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange is a joint exchange program offered by the U.S. and German governments that offers opportunities to study or work abroad for high school students, recent high school graduates with a vocational interest, and young professionals. Applications are open until November 3. CLICK HERE to learn more. Service Academy Are you a young person interested in serving our country? Every year, I have the honor of nominating exceptional students to one of our U.S. Service Academies. The 2026 application process is now open through October 15. CLICK HERE to learn more. Please head to my website’s Resources for Delawareans page for information about lowering your energy costs, scheduling passport appointments, finding emergency housing, accessing food assistance, paying for prescription drugs, connecting with mental health resources, and more. CLICK HERE FOR MY RESOURCES PAGE.