Democrats now hold investigative power in Congress. Starting in January, AI firms, tech contractors and federal agencies should expect more hearings and document demands.
The midterm results are expected to shift Washington's tech focus from building policy to checking up on it. When the new Congress meets in January, Democrats will have power to investigate in both chambers. AI developers and government tech contractors could face more hearings, document demands and questions. New rules, though, would still need new laws.
Democratic control gives lawmakers the power to demand records, question executives and challenge agency decisions. It also gives them more say over appointments and spending. In the Senate, Democratic committee chairs and leaders will have confirmation power over President Trump's nominees for defense, intelligence and homeland security jobs. Several dozen lower-level posts that need confirmation are still vacant.
Cybersecurity is likely to be an early focus. Democrats who questioned cuts to the federal cyber workforce will be able to investigate them and ask what they mean for government security.
Government use of AI is another likely flashpoint. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has expanded its use of AI-driven surveillance and private data brokers to track and profile people. That has raised concerns about misidentification and digital tracking. Investigations could look at how these systems are bought, used and supervised.
Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, expected to chair the House Homeland Security Committee, has pledged investigations. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top House Intelligence Committee Democrat, has warned that lawmakers could look into donations to the White House ballroom. He wants to know who asked for the money and whether donors thought it would help them win government contracts.
AI became an election issue partly because of worries about jobs, electricity prices and data center construction. An NBC News exit poll found 56% of voters called AI and data centers a crucial or major factor in their vote for Congress. A separate poll by the Alliance for Secure AI and YouGov found 81% backed candidates who favor AI safeguards.
Local voters also pushed back. Preliminary results show data center opponents won virtually all of 41 ballot measures across 10 states, though some votes were only advisory.
Ideas under discussion include:
These are proposals, not plans. Democrats are also expected to look harder at defense spending growth and tech purchasing. Reducing reliance on China for critical minerals is likely to keep support from both parties. Whether any of this becomes lasting AI rules or changes to federal cyber resources will depend on later legislative and budget talks.
Expect more public scrutiny of AI safety and data centers starting in January, but no new rules until Congress passes laws.
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