Sanders Calls on Congress to Regulate AI; Polls Show 97% Support

Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Congress to regulate artificial intelligence, citing recent polls that show 97% of Americans want AI safety rules. He posted the call on X and framed the issue as a choice between voters and large tech companies. In March, he and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, proposing a temporary pause on new AI data centers to allow public debate and oversight. Sanders wrote, “Maybe, just maybe, it’s time Congress listened to the American people – not just the billionaires pushing it – and regulated AI.”

Recent surveys cited by Sanders reported 97% support for regulation, about 70% saying AI is moving too fast, and 77% saying entire industries could be eliminated by AI. Another poll found 44% of respondents believe AI is developing too quickly, and nearly two-thirds support either strict regulation or broader regulatory guidelines.

Public criticism of AI has appeared at events and public forums, including incidents where speakers were booed after mentioning the technology. Lawmakers have pointed to such incidents when arguing over how quickly AI is being deployed and the potential effects on workers and public institutions.

Some Democratic lawmakers have opposed the moratorium on the grounds it could weaken U.S. competitive standing. In a post on X, Sen. John Fetterman labeled the proposal ‘China First.’ Sen. Mark Warner called the moratorium ‘idiocy’ at a policy summit and warned a pause could allow Beijing to gain an edge.

Introducing the bill in March, Sanders described the pause as a ‘reasonable’ step to protect democracy and the economy. He wrote that a small number of tech executives should not make decisions that will ‘reshape our economy, our democracy and the future of humanity’ and that Congress needs ‘serious public debate and democratic oversight’ before more AI infrastructure is built.

Lawmakers face competing priorities: responding to voter concerns about safety and workforce impacts while weighing how to keep U.S. researchers and companies competitive. The debate over regulation, funding and international strategy is expected to continue as Congress holds hearings and considers legislation.