Lawmakers are continuing to take bipartisan aim at the use of artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems and at data center development and operations.
Lawmakers introduced several measures this week looking to rein in some of the potential abuses and dangers of using AI, as well as a proposal that looks to leverage AI for pediatric cancer research and treatment.
Four lawmakers stressed the need for more working days and bipartisan teamwork to respond to the national calls for strong artificial intelligence protections.
The Government Accountability Office reported that contract terminations pushed by the Department of Government Efficiency yielded a net of $92 million — much less than the Homeland Security Department’s public report of as much as $10.5 billion in potential savings.
Legislation introduced this week seeks to police the use of algorithmic price-setting for home rentals and rein in how the federal government influences new data center construction.
The chamber’s final hours before the August recess included votes on Russia sanctions and an attorney general nominee, but several high-profile measures were left unresolved.
Congress’ latest bills look to apply AI for both public benefit and enhanced federal operations, namely safeguarding AI chatbots, helping the government strengthen pediatric cancer research and securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
The fund that supports the U.S. DOGE Service would receive less than half of what was requested, and the bills do not include explicit reauthorization for the Technology Modernization Fund.
Lawmakers from both parties and good government groups have argued that recent moves by the Trump administration will chill whistleblowing and watchdog offices.
