Don Beyer’s automobile dealerships were pioneers in establishing an online presence in the United States. As a U.S. Representative and a Democrat from Virginia, he is an advocate for fusion energy, spearheading a bipartisan group dedicated to its exploration. Geometry fascinates him during his leisure time.
Thus, when dilemmas about the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) emerged, 73-year-old Beyer naturally decided to delve deeper. Enrolling at George Mason University for a master’s degree in machine learning felt like the logical course of action for him. In contrast with lawmakers and Supreme Court justices who often confess their unfamiliarity with emergent technology, Beyer’s pursuit, although atypical, underscores a larger attempt in Congress to broaden their understanding of AI as they deliberate legislation that could potentially mold its future trajectory.
AI, though perplexing to many, carries the promise of radical transformation or potential threats to democracy, and even poses existential risks to mankind. It falls to Congress members to navigate through this complex field while devising regulations that foster its potential boons while minimizing the worst perils.
But before they can do so, they must first comprehend what AI truly is and what it isn’t.
Beyer, an AI enthusiast, post-class at George Mason’s Virginia campus,