Lawmakers wearing 'JCPenney leisure suits' with '8-track tape players' regulating AI means trouble: GOP rep

Members of Congress shared their concerns over needing regulation for growing artificial intelligence while also avoiding limitation of tech innovation. WASHINGTON, D.C. – AI regulation is in the hands of "JCPenney leisure suit"-wearing lawmakers who still have "8-track tape players," which could mean trouble, says one Republican lawmaker. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives took a small step toward building an AI regulatory framework by advancing the AI Accountability Act, which called for the government to study AI accountability and report back in 2025. "Let a bunch of guys up here that are wearing JCPenney leisure suits that still have 8-track tape players in their '72 Vegas start talking about technology, then you got some problems," Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told Fox News when asked about regulation keeping pace with innovation in the AI sector. "I don't know that we need regulation," Burchett said.