Democrats plan a flood of AI and data-centre bills when they take control of Congress in January, Reuters reports

Democrats who take control of Congress in January are preparing a run of AI legislation, Reuters reported on 6 November, citing lawmakers, congressional aides and advocates. The plans have three main parts: shielding consumers from electricity costs tied to data centres, requiring independent testing of advanced AI systems, and making clear when AI companies are liable for harm their products cause.

Senator Chuck Schumer, expected to become majority leader, has named data-centre power costs as one of his priorities, Reuters reports. Representative Lori Trahan of Massachusetts plans bills that would have independent experts test leading AI models against safety standards. Representative Zoe Lofgren, who is seeking to chair the House Science Committee, said Democrats would pursue “responsible regulations for AI while also fostering innovation.” Progressive Caucus chair Greg Casar wants AI executives to testify under oath, and Democrats also plan closer scrutiny of OpenAI and Anthropic, Reuters reports.

Any legislation would face steep odds while President Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed calls for mandatory AI rules, is in the White House, Reuters notes. Ed Mills, who manages policy research at Raymond James, told Reuters: “The probability of legislation is much higher than people anticipate.”

The plans follow the midterm elections, in which voters turned against the rapid development of data centres, and after which tech shares sold off sharply on Thursday 5 November, Reuters notes.

• Reported Democrats plan bills on data-centre power costs, independent testing of advanced AI and AI liability when they take control of Congress, Reuters reports. Reuters, via Investing.com
• Reported Representative Lori Trahan plans bills requiring independent experts to test leading AI models against safety standards, Reuters reports. Reuters, via West Hawaii Today
• Claimed Representative Zoe Lofgren says Democrats will pursue “responsible regulations for AI while also fostering innovation.” Reuters, via Claims Journal