Opinion: Op-Eds
View editorials written by the Representative in various publications.
OpenAI recently asked its most advanced artificial intelligence model to complete a cybersecurity test inside what is known as a "sandbox," which is supposed to be a sealed environment with guardrails and no internet access meant to keep the experiment contained. But the model decided the fastest way to pass the test was to find the answer key online. So it broke out of the sandbox.
In 2015, the year I was sworn into Congress, the West LA VA was a mess. Because of mismanagement and neglect, significant portions of the campus had been leased out to private enterprises that were doing anything but serving veterans. Medical care did not meet expectations for excellence. Large chunks of the land were being used for parking lots, a parrot sanctuary, a rental car company, and other purposes that did not principally benefit veterans.
Imagine a world where autonomous weapons roam the streets, decisions about your life are made by AI systems that perpetuate societal biases and hackers use AI to launch devastating cyberattacks. This dystopian future may sound like science fiction, but the truth is that without proper regulations for the development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it could become a reality. The rapid advancements in AI technology have made it clear that the time to act is now to ensure that AI is used in ways that are safe, ethical and beneficial for society.
Last year, the House Judiciary Subcommittee heard a harrowing, but increasingly common, story of injustice. Robert Williams, a Black man, was arrested in 2020 for stealing watches from a store in Detroit.
From 1947 until 1961, one of the biggest environmental crimes of the past century was taking place right under our noses. Now, in 2022, this reckless action has proven to have major health implications — like cancer — not just for wildlife, but potentially for humans.
For so many of us, the conclusion of 2021 was bittersweet. It was a difficult year with numerous challenges, but we've made incredible strides on managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including rolling out miraculous vaccines to millions of Americans and preventing thousands of deaths in the process. In Congress, we've been able to accomplish a lot – including historic investments in infrastructure and American workers through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue plan.
by Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33)
It's hard to pass up a bargain – especially when the outcome is life-changing and, potentially, lifesaving.
Millions of Californians have an unprecedented opportunity right now to pocket significant savings on their health care coverage, to the tune of hundreds of dollars a month thanks to the American Rescue Plan. This new law, passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, means more than saving money. It represents new hope and immediate relief as we emerge from the pandemic.