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Who Is Set To Oversee AI If Democrats Take Back Control Of Congress?
If Democrats regain control of the House, New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone is positioned to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he would influence AI regulation and data center policy. Pallone advocates for a national moratorium on data center construction due to concerns about the power grid and has previously supported stricter AI regulations. He also focuses on issues like AI-driven scams and data privacy.
Should Democrats take control of the House in November, New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone is set to become chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. In this role, Pallone would significantly influence the party's legislative agenda on artificial intelligence (AI) and data center regulation, controlling which related bills advance for consideration.
Pallone is a proponent of tougher AI regulations and supports a national moratorium on data center development, citing concerns about the strain on the American power grid. He stated in June that while current bills aim to minimize data center impact, they are insufficient, and a national moratorium is needed to address widespread public opposition. He has also highlighted issues such as AI-driven scams, data privacy loopholes, and algorithmic pricing practices.
Despite his calls for stricter tech regulation, Pallone has received campaign donations from various tech and telecom corporate PACs, including Google, Microsoft, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, as well as energy company PACs like Southern Company Employees PAC, Constellation Energy Corporation Employee PAC, and Dominion Energy.
Pallone recently stated he would not support a dedicated House select committee for AI, arguing that it would only cause further delays in legislative action. He emphasized the urgency for Congress to act, noting the rapid evolution of AI technologies.