Kelly Urges Congress to Act on AI Regulation
Senator Mark Kelly, representing Arizona, has emphasized the critical need for Congress to play an active role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into the daily lives of millions of Americans, the regulatory framework surrounding it is paramount.
Impact on Society
Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Kelly highlighted the potential implications of AI on jobs, infrastructure, and communities. He advocates for a comprehensive approach from policymakers to tackle the challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technology.
AI for America
Pointing to his “AI for America” white paper released in September 2025, Kelly proposed a framework to prepare workers and communities for the changes driven by AI. He stated, “The idea is to make this worker-centric; we have to focus on people.” He warned that by 2030, an estimated 12 million people could be unemployed due to AI advancements, stressing the importance of workforce development programs to facilitate adaptation.
Safety Concerns
Kelly also raised concerns regarding the safety of AI technologies, drawing parallels to the early days of social media. “We don’t want to be in a situation where we have this technology harming young people,” he cautioned, advocating for early legislative action to prevent long-term negative consequences.
AI Horizon Fund
Another significant element of his proposal is the establishment of an AI Horizon Fund. This fund aims to finance the necessary infrastructure for extensive AI development, including data centers and energy systems. Kelly stated that companies benefiting from AI should contribute to the fund to support the electrical infrastructure needed to power these facilities, rather than placing the financial burden on ratepayers, homeowners, and small businesses.
Addressing Rising Costs
With rising electricity costs posing serious challenges for vulnerable communities, Kelly argued that a dedicated fund could help prevent utilities from increasing rates to cover the costs associated with new energy generation and distribution for AI systems.
Legislative Timeline
While Kelly did not specify when he plans to introduce new legislation, he expressed optimism about bipartisan support for a bill that addresses these pressing challenges.
AI in National Defense
In addition, Kelly mentioned the possibility of including guidance on AI use in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This consideration comes amid tensions between the Pentagon and the AI company Anthropic, which has refused to permit its technology for mass surveillance of U.S. citizens or autonomous lethal weapons.
Contractor Concerns
Kelly criticized the administration’s handling of the dispute, asserting that contractors should reasonably express concerns regarding the use of their technologies. He emphasized the necessity for clarity in expectations during negotiations involving advanced technologies, particularly regarding military operations.
As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, the call for proactive measures and comprehensive regulatory frameworks becomes increasingly urgent. Kelly’s proposals aim to ensure that the deployment of AI technologies is both beneficial and responsible.
