Altman Urges Congress to Act Fast on AI Leadership

Sounding the Alarm on Global AI Race

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared before the U.S. Senate to deliver a sobering message: the U.S. risks falling behind in the escalating global AI race unless it makes bold moves now. Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, Altman emphasized the need for federal action to maintain American competitiveness. He pushed for investments in compute infrastructure, AI research, and regulatory frameworks to counter growing capabilities from China and other nations. While praising recent governmental steps, Altman called them insufficient given the pace of international developments. The hearing framed AI not just as a technological challenge but as a geopolitical imperative, with bipartisan concern about both innovation and safety on full display.

Balancing Safety, Innovation and Regulation

While Altman’s testimony struck a tone of urgency, he also stressed responsibility. He advised lawmakers to implement clear, carefully designed guardrails that support innovation while minimizing risks. He encouraged a flexible licensing regime for high-risk AI models and drew attention to OpenAI’s own safety practices, highlighting its phased deployment methods and commitment to transparency. Lawmakers grappled with the challenge of embracing AI’s benefits without stifling progress, signaling tentative support for legislative momentum. Altman’s participation marked another high-profile moment in tech’s ongoing courtship with Washington—and a reminder that policy decisions made now could steer the trajectory of global AI for decades to come.