Rep. Don Beyer pushes for House Select Committee on AI with subpoena power

The Virginia Democrat wants a dedicated AI panel that can compel documents and testimony and help move safety legislation Congress has spent years holding hearings about artificial intelligence. Rep. Don Beyer wants a committee that can actually demand answers. The Virginia Democrat is seeking to create a House Select Committee on AI equipped with both subpoena and legislative powers. If it happens, AI companies would face a panel that can compel documents and testimony instead of politely requesting them. What Beyer is proposing The idea first circulated among House Democrats in September 2026. At the time, planning for a dedicated AI select committee hinged on the party winning the House majority. The push now coincides with Democrats taking majority control of the chamber after the midterm elections. The headline feature is subpoena authority covering both documents and testimony. Beyer has framed the effort as bipartisan, with members from various parties signaling participation. The panel would also not take over the turf of existing House committees. Instead, it is designed to support and strengthen their oversight on AI safety and national security issues. The safety framewo...