Schumer says Biden’s AI executive order is not enough

Speaking at a Washington Post Live event on Thursday, Schumer said his team has been in “constant touch” with the White House and that he plans to meet with Biden “pretty soon” to discuss the topic, but he argued administrative action was not a replacement for legislation.

“There’s probably a limit to what you can do by executive order,” Schumer said, noting that Congress has previously passed proposals to deal with AI that have gone unfunded.

He added, “They are concerned and they’re doing a lot regulatorily but everyone admits the only real answer is legislative.”

Schumer is leading a series of bipartisan private forums with industry leaders, advocates, academics and other AI experts as the chamber ramps up efforts to craft AI legislation. Lawmakers have clamored for action as the popularity of generative AI tools has exploded in recent months.

The New York Senator emphasized the need for federal investment in promoting and creating safeguards for AI tools on Thursday, saying officials have discussed needing as much as 32 billion in funding for the effort. “If the government doesn’t do it, no one will,” he said.

Schumer said he also hoped to address concerns about how AI could disrupt U.S. elections, calling it a “top, quick priority.” But he also cautioned that Congress needs to learn more about the topic before taking action, saying, “If you move too quickly … you might screw it up.”