Sanders: $300M in AI funding could shape next Congress

Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke in Washington as lawmakers draft legislation on AI safety, data privacy and industry oversight, warning that $300 million in AI-related political spending could affect control of the next Congress. He said the funding would come from technology companies, trade groups and allied political organizations.

Sanders said the money is likely to be spent on digital advertising, lobbying and political organizing ahead of congressional elections. He urged lawmakers to adopt stricter disclosure rules and limits on corporate-directed independent expenditures tied to AI interests.

The senator described how much of the projected $300 million would move through political action committees, independent expenditure groups and trade associations. Those channels can pay for targeted digital ads, fund research backing specific policy positions and run lobbying campaigns without always revealing the full source of financing.

He called for legislation requiring detailed disclosure of political spending related to AI and for rules that would limit corporate-directed independent expenditures in federal races. Sanders also recommended stronger ethical rules for lawmakers who meet with major tech donors.

Congress is considering standards for AI safety testing, algorithmic transparency and accountability for harms from automated systems while private investment and lobbying in the AI sector have grown. Sanders warned that high-stakes policy choices combined with heavy outside spending could influence votes and policy debates in Congress.

Current court rulings and federal regulations allow corporations and independent groups to spend on political advertising and issue campaigns so long as their expenditures are not coordinated with candidate campaigns. Sanders pointed to that framework as a gap that can be used to shape public messaging and policy outcomes without clear attribution.

Other lawmakers and advocacy groups have raised related concerns about undisclosed political spending by trade groups and Super PACs. Sanders urged lawmakers to consider both campaign finance reforms and stricter disclosure requirements as they draft AI policy and oversight measures.