Mark Kelly Urges Integration of AFL-CIO Principles into Federal AI Policy

Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are calling for integrating the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations' (AFL-CIO) principles on artificial intelligence (AI) into federal workplace policy.

In October, the AFL-CIO issued its vision for the safe and responsible implementation of AI in the workplace, including ensuring that workers whose jobs are rendered obsolete by AI receive reemployment, income support, and/or retraining.

Other measures include guardrails against AI acting as an overseer in the workplace, ensuring consensual data collection from workers, copyright protections, and transparency about how AI is used.

Sen. Kelly's letter to President Donald Trump reflects AFL-CIO's vision, stating that "making AI benefit American workers is not only a matter of fairness, but is essential to U.S. global competitiveness, economic leadership, and long-term security."

"Artificial intelligence can support innovation, new industries, and expanded opportunity, but its impact will ultimately be determined by the working people whose skill and judgment put those tools to use," Sen. Kelly continued. "That promise will only be realized if AI is developed and deployed with meaningful worker involvement and input."

In September, the Arizona Senator unveiled his 'AI for America' plan, which similarly lays out how AI, as it continues to develop, should be handled responsibly.

A key component of Kelly's program is the AI Horizon Fund, a system in which leading AI companies contribute resources to reinvest in workers, infrastructure, and responsible deployment.

For instance, in November, Kelly called for a Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on the impact of AI on America's seniors, as they are among the most vulnerable to AI-generated scams.

"Older Americans deserve to participate fully and safely in our evolving digital society, not be left behind or put at risk as technology races ahead without necessary guardrails," the Arizona Senator urged. "The Committee's leadership on this topic can help ensure the federal approach to AI supports strong innovation and protections for all generations."