House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries launched the Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy on December 9, 2025. The group is co-chaired by Representatives Ted Lieu, Josh Gottheimer, and Valerie Foushee, with Zoe Lofgren and Frank Pallone Jr. serving as ex officio co-chairs.
The commission is currently developing a formal policy framework, which is scheduled for release later this fall. This document aims to define the Democratic Party's stance on AI regulation, global leadership, and accountability for potential harms caused by the technology.
Democratic lawmakers are focusing on specific issues such as the energy consumption of AI data centers. The party seeks to balance support for innovation with the implementation of protections for workers, consumers, and local communities.
The party is also considering the creation of a select committee on AI with subpoena power to compel testimony and documents from companies. This initiative is contingent on Democrats regaining a majority in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections.
