More than 100 House Democrats called on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to cancel the chamber’s upcoming recess and prioritize legislation to regulate advanced artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that Congress must act swiftly to address safety concerns.
In a Sept. 15 letter led by Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), George Whitesides (D-Calif.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), the lawmakers—including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—stated that Congress cannot afford to delay action on AI safeguards. The letter was sent ahead of the House’s planned adjournment for a seven-week recess starting Sept. 20.
Johnson’s office confirmed that the House would adjourn as scheduled, with Speaker Johnson emphasizing the chamber’s recent legislative output. Griffin Neal, a spokesman for Johnson, noted that the House had passed more than 70 bills this week alone, including measures on fraud enforcement, sanctions against Russia and Iran, and oversight of EPA regulations. Johnson has previously warned against what he describes as ‘hyperregulation’ of AI, arguing for a cautious approach to avoid stifling innovation.
‘We do not want to jump in—the reflex of legislative bodies is to cover things up with red tape and hyperregulation,’ Johnson said in recent remarks, advocating for self-regulation by AI developers rather than government intervention.
Democrats’ Urgency vs. GOP’s Legislative Approach
The Democratic push for immediate action reflects growing concerns about AI’s potential risks, including misinformation, job displacement, and national security threats. Rep. Liccardo criticized Johnson’s decision to proceed with the recess, stating in a press release: ‘While we're seeing this firestorm of concern throughout the country around AI safety, we've got Speaker Johnson fiddling, and at least Nero had the decency to stay in town while Rome burned.’
Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has called for ‘decisive congressional action immediately’, aligning with warnings from industry leaders and advocates for stricter oversight. Jeffries’ stance contrasts with Johnson’s preference for voluntary industry compliance, which he argues would prevent the U.S. from falling behind China in AI development.
Pending AI Legislation and Broader Policy Debate
Several AI-related bills are under consideration in the House, though none have advanced to a vote as of Sept. 18. The Brennan Center for Justice tracks a range of proposals, including measures to establish independent AI oversight bodies, mandate transparency in AI systems, and address algorithmic bias. However, lawmakers remain divided on the scope and necessity of federal regulation.
Industry leaders have sent mixed signals. While some, like OpenAI and Anthropic, have expressed support for independent watchdogs, others argue that premature regulation could hinder innovation. Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have separately called for restrictions on AI development, reflecting bipartisan skepticism about unchecked technological advancement.
What’s Next?
The House is expected to adjourn for recess on Sept. 20, with no immediate plans to reconvene AI-specific votes. Johnson’s office has indicated that discussions on AI safety will continue, though no timeline for legislative action has been set. The debate over AI regulation is likely to persist into the November elections, with both parties positioning the issue as a key priority for the next Congress.