Democrats plan a wave of AI and data-center bills when they take Congress in January 2027

Bills on electricity costs, independent AI testing and corporate liability would mark a sharp turn from the Republican-led Congress Democrats are preparing to introduce a long list of artificial intelligence bills once they take control of the US Congress in January. Their targets include AI systems, data centers and the electricity bills tied to both. What Democrats want to pass Lawmakers, congressional aides and advocates told Reuters the agenda has three main pillars. The first is protecting consumers from rising power costs linked to data centers. The second would require independent testing of advanced AI systems before they reach the public. The third would clarify when AI companies can be held liable for harm their products cause. Senator Chuck Schumer, who is expected to become Senate Majority Leader, made energy-cost protections a stated priority during the first week of November 2026. In the House, Representative Lori Trahan is pushing for independent evaluations of AI models and clearer corporate liability for harms. Representative Zoe Lofgren is also among the Democrats backing the broader agenda. The groundwork is not new. A House Democratic Commission released a polic...