A new report from Senate Democrats warns that artificial intelligence and automation could eliminate nearly 100 million jobs in the United States over the next decade . The report, set to be released Monday, places the potential for widespread job loss at the center of the ongoing debate in Washington over how to regulate AI .
Widespread Job Losses Predicted
The analysis, conducted by Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee using a ChatGPT-based model, projects that AI could impact both white-collar and blue-collar professions. The report sounds the alarm on the rise of “artificial labor” that it says could “reshape the economy in less than a decade” .
Key findings from the committee include :
- Fast Food:Â 89% of jobs could be replaced.
- Accounting:Â 64% of roles could be automated.
- Trucking:Â 47% of positions are at risk.
In total, the report estimates that close to 100 million U.S. jobs could be automated within the next ten years .
A Political Divide on AI Regulation
The report highlights a sharp partisan divide on the issue. Democrats, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, argue that the push for AI is driven by corporate interests looking to slash labor costs and increase profits, which will lead to a greater concentration of wealth and power . Sanders stated that “artificial intelligence and robotics… will allow corporate America to wipe out tens of millions of decent-paying jobs” . The report points to companies like Amazon and Walmart, which have already cut thousands of jobs while expanding automation, as examples of this trend .
Furthermore, the report criticizes the Trump administration’s approach to AI, accusing it of prioritizing deregulation and handing policymaking over to Silicon Valley insiders. It claims that recent executive orders have reduced federal oversight and discouraged states from regulating AI, giving corporations more freedom .
On the other hand, Republicans have advocated for the U.S. to be a global leader in AI development. They caution that excessive government regulation could stifle innovation and give a strategic advantage to other countries, such as China .
