AI threats loom over cautious Congress 

Wide-ranging risks created by artificial intelligence (AI) loom over a Congress that appears cautious to regulate as lawmakers head into a monumental election year.   After a year filled with hearings and forums discussing the risks and benefits of AI as the technology expands into critical sectors, experts say it is time for Congress to act — while some warn lawmakers are already behind.   “If there’s no action before the end of this Congress, I think there’s going to be a perception that they failed,” said Dewey Murdick, executive director at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.   “It’s going be a super tough year to do anything, but I think the pressure is on pretty high to do something,” he added.   Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), leader of the chamber’s bipartisan working group on AI, has avoided setting a timeline for expected AI legislation. The leader initially promised new AI rules would take “months,” not “years” in June when the AI working group outlined its approach to crafting regulations. But when Congress left at the end of last year, lawmakers hadn’t moved on any proposals put forward on AI rules. The group also includes Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Schumer spokeswoman Allison Biasotti said in an email that “conversations continued over break between the AI gang staff and senators directly.” “The success of the AI Insight Forums led to many recommendations and we aim to produce a framework— working in tandem…AI threats loom over cautious Congress