Tech is about to get hammered in Congress

Democrats have won majorities in both chambers of Congress and, from January, will control committee agendas, putting technology firms and the Trump administration under greater scrutiny. Party lawmakers have signalled plans for hearings and investigations, alongside efforts to advance rules on AI, data centres, privacy and consumer protection.

Proposed targets include AI company leaders, tech firms’ agreements with public officials over data centre projects, and Elon Musk’s government role and business interests. Democrats have also raised issues including data centre impacts, billionaire taxation and possible limits on AI. Representative Sam Liccardo cautioned that investigations should be paired with practical legislation; even with control of Congress, Democrats may face presidential vetoes.