Greg Casar Calls for Democratic Split from AI Industry Lobbying

The Texas Democrat, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued his warning during a recent interview, targeting the pro-industry group Leading the Future (LTF). With $70 million in cash reserves, LTF has already funneled over $1 million into individual campaigns for candidates like Jesse Jackson Jr. and Melissa Bean. Casar argues that accepting this money creates a toxic environment that alienates voters, noting that a vast majority of Americans—over 75%—favor stricter safety regulations and data security over rapid, unchecked development.

To counter the industry's influence, Casar teamed up with Reps. Valerie Foushee and Sara Jacobs to introduce the AI Tax and Work Protection Act. The bill proposes taxing major industry giants to fund a new Work Protection Administration, a move designed to create jobs for those displaced by automation. "We will not let AI billionaires get rich by putting you out of work," Casar stated. The legislation joins a growing list of progressive efforts, including proposals from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aimed at curbing the unchecked power of AI firms. As public anxiety mounts over job security and surveillance, a coalition of activist groups has scheduled a week of action for August 9–16 to pressure lawmakers to align with the public rather than tech interests.