AI could take your job. Here's how Congress wants to help workers.
Sen. Ron Wyden on Friday introduced a bill that would double unemployment benefits to 52 weeks if the jobless rate jumps.
As AI technology advances, an increasing number of lawmakers in Washington are drafting legislation to prepare for potential job displacement caused by the innovation. Senators Ron Wyden, Mark Kelly, and Josh Hawley have introduced bills aimed at safeguarding the workforce against AI-related disruptions.
The Stability and Opportunity for Workers Act, proposed by Sen. Wyden, would extend unemployment benefits for up to 52 weeks if the unemployment rate surpasses 8.5%. This provision would provide financial support to workers whose jobs are eliminated due to AI advancements. Additionally, the bill would offer education and retraining programs to help displaced workers secure higher-paying positions.
Another bill introduced by Reps. Greg Casar, Valerie Foushee, and Sara Jacobs focuses on taxing AI companies based on token usage. The proposed tax rate would increase alongside rising unemployment rates. These funds would be used to create new jobs and offset layoffs caused by AI.
Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Josh Hawley have introduced the AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act. This legislation aims to enhance transparency regarding workforce disruptions caused by AI. It would require major companies and federal agencies to report AI-related layoffs to the Department of Labor, which would then make the data publicly available.
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