Over Two Dozen Lawmakers Rarely or Never Use AI Despite Regulating It
More than two dozen lawmakers admitted to rarely or never using AI themselves.
Why it matters: Lawmakers' limited personal experience with AI raises concerns about their ability to create effective, informed regulations on this complex technology affecting legal tech and other sectors.
- Senator Roger Wicker, chair of Armed Services Committee, says he has never used AI.
- Representative Frank Pallone, ranking member on Energy and Commerce, doesn’t think he’s ever used AI.
- The House purchased 6,000 Copilot licenses in 2024 to integrate AI tools internally.
- House’s bipartisan Innovators Caucus formed to address AI challenges, co-chaired by Reps. Russell Fry and Suhas Subramanyam.
The rapid push for AI regulation in Congress contrasts sharply with how few lawmakers have actually used AI themselves. Over two dozen members of Congress and governors have admitted to rarely or never using AI, raising questions about their direct understanding of the technology they seek to govern.
Among those is Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), 75, chair of the Armed Services Committee, who told Axios, "Heavens no" when asked if he uses AI personally. Similarly, Representative Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), 74, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said, "Personally? I don't think I've ever used it." Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai'i), 78, also acknowledged not using AI but expressed openness to the technology.
Other senior lawmakers, including Senator James Risch (R-Idaho), chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, confirmed they do not personally use AI tools. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), 83, ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, admitted needing a primer to better understand AI.
Despite this lack of personal use, Congress is incorporating AI tools into its operations: in 2024 the House purchased 6,000 licenses for Microsoft Copilot to facilitate legislative work. Yet, questions remain about the impact and oversight of these tools.
On the regulatory front, bipartisan efforts have emerged to address AI’s challenges. The newly formed Innovators Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives Russell Fry (R-S.C.) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.), aims to find ways to shape AI policy responsibly. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.), co-chair of the House AI Caucus, highlighted the moment as a tipping point for AI awareness and action.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) cautioned that while AI safety is a critical concern, Congress itself may not lead regulatory efforts.
This dichotomy—between AI regulation drive and limited AI experience among lawmakers—may affect the quality and direction of AI governance, especially as it intersects with legal technology and compliance.
By the numbers:
- 2 dozen+ lawmakers and governors rarely or never use AI — raising informed policymaking concerns
- 6,000 Copilot licenses purchased by the House in 2024 — integrating AI into congressional work
- 1 bipartisan House Innovators Caucus — working on AI challenges and opportunities
Yes, but: While most admit low AI usage, some lawmakers are actively forming caucuses and purchasing AI tools to improve understanding and oversight.
What's next: Congressional AI caucuses will continue developing policy proposals; more lawmakers might receive AI training as regulatory pressure grows.