Washington, D.C. — Top executives from leading tech companies testified before Congress on Thursday, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and urging lawmakers to invest in infrastructure and policy support.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed the Senate, expressing his belief in AI’s profound impact on society. “I believe this will be at least as big as the internet, maybe bigger,” Altman stated. “For that to happen, investment in infrastructure is critical.”
Altman highlighted the ongoing “dual revolutions” of AI and energy production, emphasizing their potential to bring about positive global change. He called on senators to facilitate advancements that could redefine business, culture, and geopolitics.
The hearing also featured testimonies from Lisa Su, CEO of semiconductor giant AMD; Michael Intrator, co-founder of AI cloud startup CoreWeave; and Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. The leaders unanimously pressed for streamlined policies to support AI projects and funding.
As the race to lead in AI technology intensifies globally, American companies like OpenAI are competing with both domestic rivals such as Alphabet and Meta, and international competitors. The executives discussed the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in AI to foster innovation and secure the nation’s position in the global market.
Topics ranged from advancements in chip performance and the future of jobs to the ethical implications of AI on human relationships. The discourse also touched on the broader global competition, including developments in China and the European Union.
Altman concluded with a forward-looking perspective: “The AI revolution will change the world we live in, I think, in incredibly positive ways.” The tech leaders’ collective message underscored the critical role of government support in shaping the future of AI for the benefit of all.
