OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Pushes for AI Policy on Capitol Hill Visit After Middle East Tour

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman visited Capitol Hill on Thursday to push for U.S. artificial intelligence legislation amid stalling efforts in Congress. Following a Middle East tour, Altman's visit highlights a critical juncture for AI policy development as global standards evolve.

Altman Engages Capitol Hill on AI Policy Amid Legislative Uncertainty

Reporters spotted Mr. Altman exiting Sen. Todd Young's office after returning from a trip to the Middle East. The Indiana Republican is a Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus member and has worked closely with Democratic leadership to advance primary AI legislation, per The Washington Times.

Mr. Altman told CNBC that he spoke with the senator about his desire for the United States to write AI legislation, but he needed to leave with a clear understanding of when a bill could be introduced in Congress.

"There's obviously a lot to do, it's a complex thing, so we've been asking for updates on that in meetings," Mr. Altman said. "I don't think we have a view yet on when it'll happen."

Mr. Young had set low expectations for Congress to pass an AI legislative package earlier this year.

After working with Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and a small group of lawmakers to develop a comprehensive approach to AI, Mr. Young announced in January that the Senate would instead pursue a slew of more limited AI-related bills.

While Congress prioritizes other bills over AI policy, other efforts to develop AI rules are moving forward in Washington and abroad.

Global AI Regulation Advances as OpenAI Seeks Investment for Expansion

Last month, President Biden imposed new rules on the use of AI by US federal agencies, the European Parliament approved the EU AI Act to regulate AI, and China also announced new efforts to police generative AI.

Such efforts have kept the ambitions of AI developers worldwide.

Mr. Altman's OpenAI reportedly surpassed the $2 billion annual revenue threshold in the last six months, prompting him to launch an international search for additional funding, including from the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Wall Street Journal, he is looking to invest up to $7 trillion in a new effort to manufacture chips and power AI.

According to Bloomberg, Mr. Altman met with investors and government officials in the UAE this week to secure foreign funding.

Photo: The Economist/YouTube Screenshot