Top U.S. tech executives, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft President Brad Smith, emphasized the urgency of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and policy reforms during a congressional hearing on Thursday. The session highlighted the accelerating global competition in AI development, with lawmakers and industry leaders underscoring the strategic stakes as the U.S. vies with China and the EU for dominance in the field.
Altman described AI’s potential to surpass the transformative impact of the internet, stressing that “investment in infrastructure is critical” to harness its benefits. He urged bipartisan support to facilitate “dual revolutions” in AI and energy production, which he claimed could reshape global economies and geopolitics.
Semiconductor leader AMD CEO Lisa Su and CoreWeave co-founder Michael Intrator joined Altman in advocating streamlined regulations to accelerate AI project approvals and funding. “This isn’t just about technology—it’s about maintaining leadership,” said Smith, addressing concerns over China’s rapid progress in developing domestic AI models.
The hearing also touched on workforce challenges, energy demands for AI data centers, and ethical considerations, reflecting the complex balance between innovation and accountability. As international rivals intensify investments, U.S. policymakers signaled a growing focus on sustaining technological competitiveness.
