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NewsThe HillMay 7, 2026United States

Senator Bernie Sanders Calls for AI Slowdown and U.S.-China Cooperation

Senator Bernie Sanders is advocating for a pause in AI development and international cooperation with China to mitigate potential existential risks. His position, which includes proposed legislation to halt new data center construction, contrasts with the prevailing Washington focus on maintaining a competitive technological edge over China.

Artificial IntelligenceInternational RelationsTechnology RegulationData CentersNational Security
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Why It Matters

Senator Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have introduced legislation that would prohibit the construction of new data centers until national safeguards are established, potentially impacting infrastructure development and energy costs.

Key Facts

  • Senator Sanders and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez introduced legislation in March to bar new data center construction until national safeguards are in place.
  • Proposed safeguards include measures to prevent mass job displacement and limit consumer electricity price increases.
  • Senator Sanders advocates for international cooperation with China on AI regulation, comparing the need for treaties to Cold War nuclear disarmament.
  • President Trump and President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss AI during a meeting in mid-May.
  • Senator Sanders organized an event featuring AI researchers from the U.S., Canada, and China to discuss existential AI threats.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly criticized the inclusion of Chinese researchers in the Sanders-led event.
  • Senator Mark Warner publicly dismissed the moratorium approach as 'idiocy' due to concerns about China's technological advancement.
  • The Trump administration's AI policy focuses on maintaining a competitive advantage over China and preempting state-level AI laws.

Who's Mentioned

personXi Jinping“President of China.”personMark Zuckerberg“Meta CEO cited by Sanders as a wealthy tech titan influencing AI.”personAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez“U.S. Representative (D-N.Y.) who co-introduced AI legislation with Sanders.”personScott Bessent“Treasury Secretary who criticized Sanders' inclusion of Chinese researchers.”personMax Tegmark“MIT professor and AI researcher supporting Sanders' concerns.”personBernie Sanders“U.S. Senator (I-Vt.) leading the push for AI regulation and international cooper”personMark Warner“U.S. Senator (D-Va.) who criticized the moratorium approach.”personDonald Trump“U.S. President.”personElon Musk“Tesla CEO cited by Sanders as a wealthy tech titan influencing AI.”personJeff Bezos“Amazon founder cited by Sanders as a wealthy tech titan influencing AI.”organizationCato Institute“e can’t lose.” Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow in technology policy at the ”