As the pace of innovation accelerates, Lieu is determined to ensure that the future is not just intelligent — but wise
By Soumoshree Mukherjee
Editor’s note: This article is based on insights from a podcast series. The views expressed in the podcast reflect the speakers’ perspectives and do not necessarily represent those of this publication. Readers are encouraged to explore the full podcast for additional context.
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, economies, and even warfare, Congressman Ted Lieu stands at the forefront of a critical mission: how do we harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence without unleashing chaos?
Representing California’s 36th Congressional District and serving as co-chair of the bipartisan House task force on AI, Lieu is no stranger to innovation or its dangers. In a recent episode of the “Regulating AI Podcast,” he offered a sobering but optimistic take on how the United States should approach AI governance in a time of exponential change.
READ: California lawmaker Ted Lieu discusses AI regulation and legislative efforts (April 7, 2025)
Reflecting on the technology’s leap from text-based systems to generating videos and basic programming in just two years Lieu remarked that AI is advancing very fast which is simultaneously amazing and alarming. This rapid evolution, he argues, demands a regulatory framework that fosters innovation without compromising public safety. Lieu’s concerns are amplified by recent political shifts, particularly the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Biden administration’s AI safety measures, including an executive order that had garnered broad support. The chaotic firing of federal employees in critical sectors like nuclear safety further complicates the landscape, raising questions about the stability of AI governance.
One of Lieu’s most notable efforts is the Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023, a bill that prohibits AI from having autonomous control over nuclear weapons. “We’re not going to let AI ever launch a nuclear weapon by itself,” he stated firmly.
For Lieu, the unpredictability of large language models particularly their tendency to “hallucinate” facts makes them unsuitable for high-stakes decisions without human oversight. Beyond national security, Lieu sees AI’s transformative potential in healthcare, where it could streamline drug development and enhance patient care. Yet, he cautions, the technology’s propensity for errors demands perfection in critical applications like medical prescriptions. He stressed on the precisions and mentioned that the precision is non-negotiable when lives are at stake.
The congressman also criticized the Trump administration for dismantling several AI safety initiatives, including rescinding an executive order from the Biden administration aimed at establishing ethical AI use across sectors. He noted with disappointment that it was a bipartisan effort, and it had strong support from both industry and academia. Lieu advocates for a sector-specific approach to regulation, empowering agencies like the FDA to tailor rules for their domains. International coordination is also on Lieu’s radar. He emphasized the divergence between Europe’s centralized regulation and the U.S.’s decentralized approach, warning that without collaboration, governance gaps could be exploited globally.
Additionally, Lieu highlighted that the workforce faces disruption. “We’re not going to stop businesses and folks from using AI in ways that make what they’re doing more efficient and that’s invariably going to cause job loss,” Lieu acknowledges fears of job displacement. Also he draws parallels to historical technological shifts, like the rise of word processors, which eliminated some roles while creating others. “With every technological revolution historically, more jobs have actually been created because of the disruption. So, we have to wait and see exactly what this is going to look like.” he said. To prepare, Lieu advocates for educational reforms, emphasizing personalized AI-driven learning and bipartisan efforts to equip Congress with the knowledge to tackle AI’s complexities. His initiative to host AI-focused policy dinners has fostered collaboration across party lines, demonstrating the power of shared understanding.
Lieu also weighs the open-source versus closed-source debate, favoring open-source models for transparency and academic research but cautioning against unrestricted access to advanced, potentially dangerous technologies. The global race for AI supremacy adds another layer of complexity, with export controls on high-performance chips serving as a temporary edge for the U.S. Underscoring the geopolitical stakes, Lieu noted the accessibility of AI development means countries can quickly catch up.
READ: Regulating AI: Sanjay Puri on policy, challenges, and ethical innovation (November 1, 2024)
Lieu warns of AI-driven misinformation, particularly deepfakes, urging public awareness to combat their spread. His vision is clear: incremental, sector-specific regulations, robust human oversight, and a commitment to education will ensure AI serves humanity’s best interests. In a world racing toward an AI-driven future, Lieu’s balanced approach offers a roadmap for progress with guardrails, ensuring technology empowers rather than endangers.
Still, despite the enormity of the challenge, Lieu remains optimistic. He mentioned how AI can empower people who never had access before, pointing to personalized education tools and increased accessibility. “It’s the people that are going to be able to use AI in interesting, innovative ways that will advance in society,” he emphasized. But that empowerment, he added, must be guided with care. As the pace of innovation accelerates, Lieu is determined to ensure that the future is not just intelligent — but wise.