More than 100 House Democrats asked Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sept. 16 to cancel the House’s upcoming recess and keep lawmakers in Washington until Congress passes safeguards on advanced artificial intelligence (AI).
The letter, dated Sept. 15 and signed by 107 Democrats, was led by Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), George Whitesides (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.). Signers include former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
“Reasonable minds may disagree about precisely how Congress should regulate this rapidly evolving technology. We cannot disagree about the imperative for Congress to act,” the lawmakers wrote. “Instead of action, you have announced vacation.”
Johnson’s office pointed to the House’s legislative output and to the Speaker’s past comments on AI….