Transcript: Sam Altman Testifies At US Senate Hearing On AI
On May 8, 2025, OpenAI cofounder and CEO Sam Altman testified at a United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled Winning the AI Race: Strengthening US Capabilities in Computing and Innovation. The hearing also included testimonies from Microsoft President Brad Smith, AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su, and CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator. They collectively urged US lawmakers to adopt a hands-off approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of innovation and adoption in the field.
Senate Commerce Committee Hearing Highlights:
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the critical importance of AI in shaping the global order, highlighting the competition between the United States and China in the AI race. He urged Congress to draw on the lessons learned from the early days of the internet, advocating for a light-touch regulatory approach similar to the one adopted in the 1990s. Cruz criticized President Biden's AI executive order, arguing that it could hinder innovation and harm American competitiveness.
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA): Senator Maria Cantwell focused on the need for continued investment in computing power, algorithms, and data sources to ensure US leadership in AI. She praised initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act and emphasized the importance of developing robust data centers and energy sources. Cantwell also stressed the significance of export controls to prevent the unauthorized transfer of AI technology to countries like China.
In their testimonies, the witnesses highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, investments in research and development, and the need for smart regulation that fosters innovation and growth in the AI sector.
Overall, the Senate Commerce Committee hearing underscored the critical role of AI in shaping the future of technology and the need for strategic policies that support American leadership in this rapidly evolving field.
