Bernie Sanders' plans to schmooze with top Beijing AI experts ignite backlash: 'Holy s---'

Sen. Bernie Sanders is drawing scrutiny for hosting a panel discussion on Capitol Hill with Chinese AI governance officials. The event will feature Xue Lan, a professor at Tsinghua University, and Zeng Yi, Dean of the Beijing Institute of AI Safety and Governance. Critics argue that Sanders' policies, including the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, would hinder the US AI industry. The bill would impose a federal ban on the construction or upgrading of new AI data centers until Congress passes a broader regulatory framework. Sanders' office said the bill is designed to 'slow down the development of AI.' Critics, including Rep. Pat Harrigan and China policy expert Michael Sobolik, argue that Sanders is partnering with foreign adversaries and proposing policies that would slow the construction of AI infrastructure needed to keep the US ahead in the AI arms race.