Congress Weighs Health AI Policy Amid Shifting Political Landscape

At a recent House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, lawmakers explored innovative use cases and challenges of artificial intelligence in health care, revealing deep partisan divides on AI regulations while acknowledging a few areas of bipartisan concern. Although Republicans praised the Administration’s hands-off approach to AI regulation, Democrats warned that innovation cannot thrive without adequate healthcare funding and equity. Despite broader disagreements, members found common ground on key issues: protecting mental health counseling using AI tools, safeguarding children’s use of AI, and addressing algorithm-driven denials of care. Data privacy and reimbursement challenges also surfaced as major hurdles. The hearing marked the first major step in shaping health AI policy in the 119th Congress.