Sen. Bernie Sanders pointed to growing public concern over artificial intelligence in a March 31, 2026 post, arguing that the federal government has not kept pace with the rapid expansion of the technology and renewing his call for legislative action. Citing polling data, Sanders wrote, “74% of Americans now say the government isn’t doing enough to regulate AI. They’re right,” adding that his proposed legislation is intended to pause development while risks are addressed.
Sanders said the proposal, described as a moratorium bill, is designed to “give us time to address the risks and to ensure that this technology works for all of us, not just the billionaires who own it.” His remarks align with broader concerns he has raised about the influence of major technology companies and the speed at which AI systems are being deployed without comprehensive federal oversight.
74% of Americans now say the government isn’t doing enough to regulate AI.
— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) March 31, 2026
They’re right.
That’s why I introduced a moratorium bill – to give us time to address the risks and to ensure that this technology works for all of us, not just the billionaires who own it.
The legislation referenced in his post, the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, was introduced on March 25 alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. According to the announcement, the bill would impose a federal pause on the construction and expansion of AI data centers until Congress establishes nationwide safeguards governing the technology’s development and use.
In announcing the bill, Sanders described artificial intelligence and robotics as “the most sweeping technological revolution in the history of humanity,” adding that “the scale, scope and speed of that change is unprecedented.” He argued that lawmakers have fallen behind in understanding its implications, stating, “Congress is way behind where it should be in understanding the nature of this revolution and its impacts.” He further warned against allowing “a handful of billionaire Big Tech oligarchs” to shape outcomes without public input, calling for “serious public debate and democratic oversight.”
The proposed measure would halt new AI data center projects until federal laws are enacted to ensure safety, protect workers, and limit environmental and economic impacts. It also includes provisions aimed at preventing increases in utility costs, requiring transparency in data center operations, and restricting exports of advanced AI infrastructure to countries without comparable safeguards. Sanders framed the effort as a necessary step to allow regulatory systems to catch up with technological advancement, reiterating that immediate action is required as AI continues to evolve rapidly.
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