Watch the video, House Democratic Leader Jeffries calls on lawmakers to 'act urgently' on AI, on ABC News.

Note: This video has strong political overtones. It is neither the intent nor desire of your author to present this material in a partisan way. Rather, it is intended to spark discussion regarding whether Congress should legislatively curtail the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Representative Jeffries Calls on Lawmakers to ‘Act Urgently’ on AI”

According to the article, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently said that lawmakers need to take urgent action on the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI). 

“We certainly need to begin to act urgently to address the challenges that exist," Jeffries said.

"We should take decisive action now so that we can slow down, as the CEOs have recently acknowledged, slow down the pace of development in order to protect the American people and ensure that AI is proceeding safely,” Jeffries added. 

Jeffries’ comments came after former Anthropic Researcher Jacob Coxon issued stark warnings on the future of AI development. Coxon said on an X thread, “The people building AI earnestly believe that it could kill us all by the end of the decade.”  

According to Jeffries, the Democratic caucus plans to meet soon and a “high priority will be action on artificial intelligence.”

Discussion Questions

  1. In your reasoned opinion, does artificial intelligence (AI) present a societal threat? If so, why? If not, why not?

    This is an opinion question, so student responses may vary.

    In your author’s opinion, although the future is difficult to discern, the risk may be overstated, particularly if Congress enacts legislation that crafts “checks and balances” on AI’s pace of growth, as well as its ability to control essential infrastructure and intelligence. 

    The “ball is in Congress’ court” in terms of putting bipartisanship aside and enacting sensible legislation to quell the potential adverse impact AI might otherwise have on society. Certainly, the opinions and advice of AI experts would be vital in terms of crafting such legislation.

  2. Does the U.S. Congress have the legal right to regulate the growth of AI, particularly if such regulation would negatively impact the economic benefits associated with AI? Explain your response. 

    The short answer here is “yes,” provided that Congress is mindful of the positive impact AI might have on the economy (but also takes into consideration potential job losses resulting from the technology), as well as the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution’s free-speech protections that apply to the use of AI for such purposes.  

  3. Are you optimistic that legislative regulation of AI will become a reality? Why or why not?

    This is an opinion question, so student responses may vary. 

    In this discussion, your author is reminded of the old quote that states the following: “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.” In your author’s opinion, Congress has essentially been a “no show” in recent years, not fulfilling its legislative responsibilities due to petty partisan squabbling. 

    Without a fundamental change in its approach, Congress will continue to face difficulty in enacting substantive legislation for the benefit of the American people.