Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet wrote to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) following last week’s Senate AI Insight Forums to highlight the growing consensus around the need for a new independent regulatory agency to oversee Big Tech companies and artificial intelligence (AI). Last month, Bennet called on Schumer to adopt a principles-based approach as the Senate discusses writing legislation on AI, and listed several proposed requirements for AI developers including risk assessments, third-party audits, and AI disclosure standards
“Congratulations on the success of the inaugural AI Insight Forum. We heard a range of views on the significant risks and enormous opportunities artificial intelligence presents. Although the perspectives did not always align, everyone seemed to agree that we must meet the transformative challenge of AI with a thoughtful and comprehensive regulatory framework,” wrote Bennet. “In my view, this moment requires a new federal agency to effectively protect consumers, promote competition, and assert the public interest.”
Bennet underscores Congress’ long history of creating dedicated, independent federal agencies to regulate complex new industries, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. Today, Congress has the opportunity to replicate this success by creating a new independent agency able to effectively oversee artificial intelligence and digital platforms.
“As you have said from the outset, we must ensure any AI framework preserves American innovation without sacrificing the safety and security of the American people, especially our kids,” continued Bennet. “We must balance the twin imperatives of global leadership and effective government oversight. An independent regulator can translate these principles into practice, keep pace with innovation, and write rules that adapt to new technology as it develops.”
Bennet was the first senator to propose creating an expert federal body to regulate digital platforms with his Digital Platform Commission Act. In June, Bennet called on major technology companies to identify and label AI-generated content, and introduced the Global Technology Leadership Act to bolster the government’s ability to assess U.S. capacity in emerging technologies relative to other countries. Bennet earlier introduced the Oversee Emerging Technology Act and the ASSESS AI Act to ensure government use of AI complies with fundamental rights, and joined his colleagues to introduce the REAL Political Ads Act to require a disclaimer on political ads for federal campaigns that use content generated by AI.
The text of the letter is available HERE and below.
Dear Majority Leader Schumer:
Congratulations on the success of the inaugural AI Insight Forum. We heard a range of views on the significant risks and enormous opportunities artificial intelligence presents. Although the perspectives did not always align, everyone seemed to agree that we must meet the transformative challenge of AI with a thoughtful and comprehensive regulatory framework. In my view, this moment requires a new federal agency to effectively protect consumers, promote competition, and assert the public interest.
In May, I reintroduced the Digital Platform Commission Act with Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.). Like the Federal Communications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commission would have the power to hold hearings, conduct research, pursue investigations, establish common-sense rules, and enforce them with strong penalties.
As you have said from the outset, we must ensure any AI framework preserves American innovation without sacrificing the safety and security of the American people, especially our kids. We must balance the twin imperatives of global leadership and effective government oversight. An independent regulator can translate these principles into practice, keep pace with innovation, and write rules that adapt to new technology as it develops.
Our history provides excellent examples of Congress establishing new agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration, when changing economic circumstances demanded administrative innovation. In our time, we have the chance to finally put the American people in a negotiation with companies that have transformed every aspect of our society and economy, and amassed vast power over our lives and our children’s lives.
I am grateful for your leadership, and look forward to working with you on this essential project.
