Hill Staffers Overwhelmingly Support Regulation of AI Industry
A recent survey of senior congressional staffers has shown that nearly three-quarters of them support regulation of the AI industry. The CNCT Capitol Pulse survey from November 2024 found that 86% of congressional aides believed the federal government should lead on AI regulation, with 77% of Republican staff and 96% of Democratic staff in favor.
Support for regulation is consistent across surveys, including a February 2026 poll that found 57% of aides supported a hybrid approach that splits regulatory authority between Washington and the states. However, partisan disagreements on federal preemption, safety standards, and industry self-regulation have hindered the passage of comprehensive federal AI legislation.
Despite the lack of progress on regulation, it is likely that lawmakers will need to bridge these disagreements in order to create a framework for the AI industry. The survey highlights the role that congressional staffers play in shaping policy, with many using AI tools in their day-to-day work and having a significant influence on the legislative process.