Lawmakers urge balanced federal approach to AI that promotes innovation while safeguarding workers.

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) called on the Administration to incorporate worker-centered principles into federal artificial intelligence (AI) policy, guidance, and procurement. As AI technologies are rapidly deployed across industries, the lawmakers highlighted the AFL-CIO's AI principles as a roadmap to ensure that AI strengthens the American workforce while supporting innovation, economic growth, and U.S. global competitiveness.

"Making AI benefit American workers is not only a matter of fairness, but is essential to U.S. global competitiveness, economic leadership, and long-term security. Artificial intelligence can support innovation, new industries, and expanded opportunity, but its impact will ultimately be determined by the working people whose skill and judgment put those tools to use. That promise will only be realized if AI is developed and deployed with meaningful worker involvement and input," said the lawmakers.

The pair stressed the importance of worker input and human oversight as AI becomes more prevalent at work: "As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the workplace, it is essential that technology be developed and deployed in ways that elevate worker voices and support collaboration between labor and management. Workers should have clear information about how AI is used, what data is collected, and how decisions are made […]. Human judgment must remain central, and workers should have recourse when automated systems affect job assignments, evaluations, or employment decisions."

Fitzpatrick and Kelly also urged the Administration to ensure workers have a seat at the table as federal AI policy continues to evolve: "We respectfully urge the Administration to incorporate worker-centered guardrails into federal AI policy, guidance, and procurement. We also request that the Administration include labor organizations, frontline workers, and workforce experts as part of ongoing AI policy development. We stand ready to work with you in a bipartisan manner, so that American workers are full partners in shaping the future of artificial intelligence."

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the effort and emphasized the importance of worker-centered AI policies saying: "AI is reshaping the future of work, and it is vital that workers' voices are centered in the adoption of new technologies. America's unions are meeting the AI innovation wave head-on with a vision for how AI can improve workers' lives, rather than threatening their freedoms or their livelihoods. I commend Senator Mark Kelly and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick for standing with workers and advocating for an AI agenda that puts working people first at every step. The AFL-CIO looks forward to partnering with members of Congress-Republicans and Democrats alike-who are committed to prioritizing working families over tech billionaires."

This effort reflects Congressman Fitzpatrick's broader commitment to ensuring America leads the world in artificial intelligence with both strength and responsibility. He has consistently advanced the view that if the United States is going to lead in AI, it must also lead in establishing the standards and safeguards needed to earn the public's trust. He has been equally clear that American workers must not be sidelined by this transformation, but empowered within it. In his view, innovation and worker protection are not competing priorities-they go hand in hand, and long-term American competitiveness will depend on building AI in a way that respects workers, strengthens the workforce, reinforces accountability, and serves the national interest. It is the same worker-first approach that has guided his broader efforts, like the Protect America's Workforce Act.

Click here to read the full letter.

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