Sam Altman meets with lawmakers as OpenAI advances policy framework amid AI regulation push

Sam Altman is conducting a series of high-level meetings on Capitol Hill to discuss AI policy as OpenAI prepares its own regulatory framework. Key meetings include discussions with Senator Bernie Sanders about his proposal for a sovereign wealth fund partially funded by AI company equity, as well as with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. OpenAI is simultaneously pursuing a state-level regulation strategy designed to create uniform legislation across key states that would effectively establish national standards in the absence of federal regulation. The timing coincides with President Trump's executive order requiring AI companies to provide 30 days' notice before releasing new powerful models. Recent developments, including Anthropic's delayed release of its Mythos AI model with advanced cybersecurity capabilities, have intensified policymaker concerns about AI safety, particularly regarding recursive self-improvement capabilities where models could improve themselves autonomously. While comprehensive equity seizures appear unlikely, the convergence of industry engagement and regulatory momentum suggests AI guardrails are increasingly probable, though their practical impact remains unclear.