Ocasio-Cortez Advocates Against AI Funding for Politicians

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York has called for politicians, particularly those within her party, to refrain from accepting funding tied to artificial intelligence (AI). She emphasized that receiving such funds could undermine their credibility and influence, especially as midterm elections approach.

In a recent article, members of the progressive Squad stated, “Politicians, especially Democrats, should vow not to accept AI funding. They are buying influence ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats who receive AI funding will lose authority and credibility as the public bears the costs.” Ocasio-Cortez added, “Either way, their money is going to end up being harmful. People are starting to realize that.”

Tennessee Representative Justin Pearson, a Democrat, showed his support for Ocasio-Cortez’s stance, exclaiming his agreement on social media.

Alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez is working on a proposal that would temporarily halt the construction and upgrades of AI data centers in the U.S. until regulations are firmly established.

At a press conference, Ocasio-Cortez stated, “Our bill learns from the lack of regulation following the similar rise of the internet and calls for a new approach to AI, one that protects the American people from the gross excesses of Big Tech and centers the prosperity of the many over the outrageous profits of the few.”

However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Senator John Fetterman criticized the idea of a moratorium, labeling it “China first.” He argued, “A new foundation for AI must be built by the United States. We can put in place the right guardrails without handing the AI victory to China. Pause is China first.”

Ocasio-Cortez expressed that if companies are willing to invest in their own infrastructure and energy sources, the development and exploration of AI technology could proceed responsibly.