Sanders urges Congress to regulate AI after 97% poll support

Sen. Bernie Sanders urged Congress to adopt federal rules for artificial intelligence, citing recent surveys that found 97% of Americans support AI safety regulations and 70% say AI is developing too quickly.

He posted the comments on social media this week and cited multiple polls showing broad concern about the pace of AI development. One survey found 77% of respondents believe entire industries could be eliminated by the technology.

In March, Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the AI Data Center Moratorium Act, which would pause construction of new AI data centers while lawmakers study safety standards and oversight. Sanders described the pause as a way to allow time for public debate and congressional rules.

“Maybe, just maybe, it’s time Congress listened to the American people, not just the billionaires pushing it, and regulated AI,” he wrote.

Supporters of regulation point to public unease and instances of backlash at events where speakers mentioned AI. Recent polling also shows nearly two-thirds of respondents favor either strict regulation or broader guidelines for the industry, while a separate survey found 44% think AI is developing too quickly.

Not all lawmakers back a moratorium. Some argue strict limits could give foreign competitors an advantage. Sen. John Fetterman labeled the moratorium “China First” in a post, and Sen. Mark Warner described the bill as “idiocy” at a public forum, warning it could let Beijing pull ahead in AI capabilities.

Lawmakers have not agreed on a legislative path forward. The debate in Congress centers on how to balance public safety concerns with competitiveness as hearings and studies on AI continue.