OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is visiting Washington this week to brief U.S. lawmakers on proposed approaches to artificial intelligence oversight. According to multiple reports, Altman plans to ask Congress to increase funding for AI testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce already carries out model testing work in coordination with AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, the outlets report.
In addition to seeking more resources for testing, Altman is also expected to argue against requiring AI companies to obtain government approval before releasing AI models. The accounts describe his position as a distinction between funding for testing and a potential approval-and-release requirement. While the reporting agrees on the core messages—greater support for testing capacity at the Department of Commerce and opposition to pre-release model approvals—none of the summaries provide details on specific legislation or timelines.
