Brendan Bordelon, a POLITICO reporter focused on tech policy, dives into the urgency of Congress addressing stalled tech legislation after recent elections. He discusses the pressing topics of artificial intelligence regulation and children's online safety, emphasizing the shift towards piecemeal approaches in AI legislation. Bordelon also highlights bipartisan challenges surrounding the Kids Online Safety Act and the complexities of managing risks posed by Chinese technology. With a packed agenda, lawmakers are eager to push through critical tech issues in a shifting political landscape.
The upcoming congressional session is focused on advancing stalled tech legislation, particularly in artificial intelligence, spectrum authorization, and online safety for children.
Lawmakers aim for incremental measures on AI regulation, reflecting a shift from previous ambitions for a comprehensive national strategy on technology oversight.
Deep dives
New Reward Options at Baker's
Baker's has introduced a new rewards system that allows customers to choose how to use their points, either for fuel savings or discounts on future purchases. This fresh approach emphasizes flexibility, as shoppers can save up to $1 per gallon at the gas station or apply their points to reduce costs at checkout. Every purchase continues to earn points, encouraging customers to engage more with the store. This change is designed to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty through tailored savings options.
Congressional Tech Agenda Amid Lame Duck Period
The upcoming congressional session is expected to focus heavily on tech-related legislation, with lawmakers eager to address issues that have been stalled, such as artificial intelligence, spectrum authorization, and online safety for children. Given the recent election results, Democrats are motivated to push through as much legislation as possible before potential shifts in power. The significant backlog of tech priorities suggests a bustling agenda, even as past efforts, like the data privacy bills, have struggled to gain traction. The end-of-year defense bill may serve as a key vehicle for advancing some of these stalled tech bills.
Artificial Intelligence Legislation Prospects
Numerous bills related to artificial intelligence are being discussed for inclusion in the National Defense Authorization Act, highlighting the importance of AI as a legislative priority. Key proposals include a bill aimed at establishing basic guidelines for high-risk AI systems and ensuring transparency from leading companies. While comprehensive AI reform seems unlikely, lawmakers are looking to pass incremental measures that contribute to regulatory frameworks surrounding AI. This piecemeal approach signals a shift from earlier aspirations for a sweeping national strategy on AI.
Congress returns to Washington tomorrow with the results of last week’s election hanging overhead. But the weeks ahead could be a busy time for tech. Congress has let legislation languish on issues like artificial intelligence, spectrum authorization and kids online safety — and some lawmakers are now eager to get them done. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly and reporter Brendan Bordelon break down expectations for the lame duck session.