RELEASE: AI Commission Co-Chairs Lieu, Foushee, Gottheimer Travel to California’s Bay Area on Fact-Finding Mission

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: AI Commission Co-Chairs Lieu, Foushee, Gottheimer Travel to California’s Bay Area on Fact-Finding Mission May 08, 2026 Press Commission Travels to Gain Policy Insights and Meet with Experts Above: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Co-Chairs of the House Democratic Commission on Artificial Intelligence and the Innovation Economy – Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-4), Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) – traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area for a two-day fact-finding mission to build the Commission’s expertise and solicit input on policy solutions related to AI and the innovation economy. The Co-Chairs met with academics, researchers, scientists, students, educators, labor experts, startup founders, companies, and state officials to gain a deeper understanding of how AI is already reshaping the economy, workforce, and our national security. “If Congress is going to get AI policy right, we need to get out of Washington and hear directly from the people building, studying, and teaching it,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “This trip gave us an unfiltered look at the breakthroughs happening in real time, and the real risks we need to address. We came back with a clearer picture of what a strong, smart federal AI framework needs to look like.” “I was pleased to join Reps. Gottheimer and Foushee to meet with the people working on the front lines of AI innovation and research,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36). “As the AI Commission continues its work, it is critical that we learn from and speak to the practitioners who are deeply engaged with this technology and its societal impact.” “I will always welcome the opportunity to learn more about AI development directly from leading researchers, academics, civil society experts, and educators. While many Americans have growing concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and civil rights, understanding the full scope and progression of AI is essential if we want to move forward with responsible policies that put people, labor, and human rights ahead of corporate interests,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-4). Congressman Gottheimer serves as a Co-Chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence. The Commission is working to develop AI policies that protect consumers, workers, and national security while keeping the United States at the forefront of global AI innovation. Below: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee and Dr. Erik Brynjolfsson at the Stanford Institute for AI. Below: Rep. Gottheimer with Reps. Lieu and Foushee at the College of San Mateo. ### Share on