At a high-profile Pro-Human Assembly in Washington hosted by the Future of Life Institute, prominent US politicians and public figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, joined forces to demand increased government regulation and a temporary pause on the progression of advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
- Sanders and Bannon advocate for stronger AI regulation and a development pause
- Calls include an executive order and US-China AI treaty negotiations
- New Pro-Human AI Coalition launched to promote legislative efforts
What happened
During the Pro-Human Assembly in Washington, hosted by the Future of Life Institute, several hundred attendees heard calls for urgent AI oversight from across the political spectrum. Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized the need to 'hit the brakes' on AI progress to avoid substantial economic and social harm. He criticized Congress for inaction and proposed a treaty with China to pause advanced AI development and prohibit superintelligence.
Steve Bannon agreed on the urgency but highlighted that legislative delays made executive action necessary. He also advocated cutting China off from US-made computer chips. Other notable voices included Senator Elizabeth Warren, who supported a pause on advanced AI, though stopping short of banning superintelligence. The event saw participation from lawmakers, religious leaders, and activists, many underscoring the necessity of human-centered AI governance.
Why it matters
AI technologies are advancing at a rapid pace, raising concerns about significant job displacement, ethical management, and geopolitical risks. The discussions at the assembly spotlight growing bipartisan concern over the potentially destabilizing effects of unregulated AI innovation. The potential elimination of millions of jobs and the rise of uncontrollable superintelligent systems were central fears presented.
The establishment of the Pro-Human AI Coalition—comprising over 50 organizations—signals concerted efforts to influence policy at multiple levels, including state legislatures and upcoming international summits. This movement reflects an increasing recognition that existing regulatory frameworks may be insufficient to address AI's complex challenges.
What to watch next
The coming months will be critical as the US Congress weighs multiple AI-related bills that currently lack voting timelines. Executive actions addressing AI oversight may be announced, following Bannon’s call for urgent intervention. Additionally, the prospect of a bilateral AI treaty between the US and China represents a major diplomatic development aimed at imposing global limits on AI development.
The Pro-Human AI Coalition will present policy proposals at the Geneva AI Summit in June 2027, potentially shaping international standards. Observers should also watch for responses from technology companies, state governments already enacting AI legislation, and federal positions shaped by political leaders including President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Vice President Kamala Harris.