OpenAI CEO Sam Altman backs ‘light-touch’ AI safety bill after Senate hearing with Ted Cruz

Two years ago, Sam Altman sat in front of Congress and essentially asked lawmakers to regulate him. Now he’s back, and the tune has changed considerably. The OpenAI CEO testified before the Senate Commerce Committee on May 8, 2025, in a hearing chaired by Senator Ted Cruz. Altman voiced support for an AI safety bill and advocated for what he called a “light-touch” regulatory framework, one designed to keep the US competitive in the global AI race without smothering innovation under layers of pre-deployment red tape. From ‘regulate us’ to ‘regulate us gently’ Here’s the thing about Altman’s position: it’s almost unrecognizable from where he stood in 2023. Back then, he was the rare tech CEO actively calling for stricter safety regulations on AI systems, including licensing regimes and coordinated international safety efforts. Fast forward to 2025, and the message has done a full 180. Altman described proposals requiring pre-deployment vetting of AI models as potentially “disastrous” for the industry. Altman wasn’t alone at the hearing. AMD CEO Lisa Su also testified, underscoring the breadth of industry interest in shaping whatever framework Congress ultimately adopts. Cruz’s regula...