Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
The Washington Times recently published an op-ed by Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In his piece, Guthrie discussed the impact of technological advancements on American society, noting that cooperation between business leaders and the government has historically driven innovation.
"From the lightbulb to the computer, Americans have dreamt, built, and scaled the most advanced machines and technologies, changing the trajectory of human history for the better," Guthrie wrote.
The congressman emphasized that new technologies should be seen as opportunities rather than threats and advocated for a balance between innovation and regulation. "Sometimes folks in Washington, D.C., forget a basic truth: new technologies are an opportunity, not a threat," he stated.
Guthrie highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors, suggesting that a flexible regulatory environment is necessary for its wide-scale implementation. "For AI to be implemented at scale in the U.S., we must have a flexible, pro-innovation regulatory environment," he wrote.
He also touched on energy needs related to AI expansion, pointing out the requirement for increased electricity production. "With the dramatic expansion of AI data centers, the U.S. will need to double or triple our electricity load growth by 2028," Guthrie noted.
The op-ed further addressed international competition, particularly with China, underscoring the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in AI and energy sectors. "When bad actors attempt to undermine our supply chains and critical infrastructure, these technologies can help mitigate risks and respond to threats in real time," he wrote.
Guthrie concluded with a call for strategic investments in AI infrastructure, aligning with President Donald Trump’s administration efforts. "The president has already secured multiple hundred-billion-dollar investments that will put America on track to be the global leader we need to be during this critical time," he affirmed.
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