As the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global landscape, U.S. lawmakers find themselves grappling with the urgent need to develop effective regulations. However, the task is daunting, given the complexity of the technology and the existing knowledge gap within Congress itself.

Many members of Congress, including those who still use flip phones, recognize the pressing need to enhance their understanding of AI to legislate and oversee the technology effectively. "We need to dramatically increase the base knowledge of Congress if we're going to legislate meaningfully," stated Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) in a recent interview. This sentiment underscores a widespread acknowledgment among lawmakers that their ability to keep pace with technological innovations is critical yet insufficient.

Historically, Congress has adopted a reactive rather than proactive approach to technology regulation. For instance, the internet saw minimal regulatory intervention as it became a ubiquitous part of daily life over the past four decades. Today, the political landscape presents additional hurdles, with sharp divisions among Democrats about how to manage AI and concerns from Republicans, such as former President Donald Trump, who argue that regulation could hinder innovation and weaken the U.S. position against international competitors like China.

While some members of Congress have taken personal initiatives to deepen their understanding of AI—Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) have even pursued master's degrees in AI-related fields—the majority still rely heavily on staff expertise. However, attracting and retaining knowledgeable staff is challenging due to the competitive salaries offered by the private tech sector.

To bridge this gap, Travis Moore, a former congressional staffer, founded TechCongress in 2015. This nonprofit places technology experts in congressional offices, aiming to build long-term capacities by encouraging offices to hire fellows full-time. "You should have a technologist at the table to at least mitigate the unknown unknowns," Moore emphasized.

The demand for TechCongress fellows has surged, with over 1,200 applications for approximately 36 slots in the past two years alone. Of the nearly 130 fellows placed since its inception, 32 have been hired full-time, with two-thirds continuing in public service roles.

Some lawmakers advocate for re-establishing an in-house hub to provide expertise on emerging technologies. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) has been a vocal proponent of reviving the Office of Technology Assessment, which provided crucial insights to Congress from 1972 until its closure in 1995.

Despite these efforts, skepticism remains. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) express concerns over Congress's current capability to effectively regulate AI, highlighting a fundamental distrust in the ability of lawmakers to grasp the intricacies of such advanced technology.

Conversely, others like Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) argue that while understanding AI is undoubtedly challenging, Congress has successfully tackled complex issues in the past and must do so again. The industry, according to Murphy, perpetuates the notion that only a select few can comprehend AI, which he views as an excuse for inaction.

As AI continues to evolve, the debate over how best to regulate it remains a critical concern for U.S. lawmakers. The path forward requires a significant enhancement of technological expertise within Congress, a challenge that members like Rep. Liccardo are determined to meet by educating their colleagues and advocating for comprehensive, informed legislative action.