Facing a growing backlash over data center construction and concerns over artificial intelligence, Congress is set to depart Washington this week ahead of the midterm elections having accomplished nothing to address either issue. Eager to show they hear public alarm over A.I., Republicans in the Senate on Wednesday attempted to bring up a bill intended to insulate Americans from rising electricity costs tied to data centers. But Democrats blocked it, noting the legislation was not enforceable and would do little to curb energy prices.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Jon Husted of Ohio, also would not impose any regulation on the use or deployment of artificial intelligence. With widespread disagreement over the best path forward, lawmakers have released a barrage of legislation and held a Senate hearing on “Rogue A.I.” as they rushed for the exits. Senator Mark Warner said, “I remain an A.I. optimist... but we are at a moment in time where I think the whole world has recognized we’ve got to do something.”
It comes as President Trump has played down A.I. safety risks and lawmakers remain uncertain on how to proceed as industry players spend heavily to influence the midterms. Some Republicans, like Senator Josh Hawley, have argued for stronger oversight, saying companies should face consequences when their technology is misused. None of the executives who joined the White House meeting attended; Mr. Hawley said Sam Altman declined his invitation.
A poll by The New York Times and Siena University found neither party had a clear advantage with voters on A.I., even as voters broadly opposed data center construction. Democrats have made data centers a central issue in competitive races, including Mr. Husted’s in Ohio, spending millions on ads labeling him as the “face of data centers.”
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