Anthropic has contributed $40 million to a super PAC advocating for AI regulation, intensifying a lobbying war in Congress. Critics allege the move is a bid to stifle competition.
TL;DR
- Anthropic has donated $40 million to a super PAC pushing for AI regulation, with some lawmakers suspecting a power play.
- The lobbying effort has sparked a debate over the impact of regulation on competition in the AI industry.
- Anthropic's actions come as Congress faces mounting pressure to act on AI safety and oversight.
What happened
Anthropic has donated $40 million to Public First Action, a super PAC advocating for new regulatory 'guardrails' on the AI industry. The donations include a $20 million check in late July, according to disclosure reports.
The super PAC has spent $3 million supporting state Assemblyman Alex Bores (D-Manhattan) in a key race, part of a $10 million effort by Anthropic-affiliated groups. Bores lost to Micah Lasher, who received support from rival AI firms, including OpenAI-linked Leading the Future.
Anthropic's lobbying disclosures show a significant increase in spending, with $2 million spent in just three months, up from $1 million in the last quarter of 2025.
Why it matters
The lobbying effort has raised concerns about the potential for AI regulation to hinder competition and benefit established market incumbents. Critics argue that rules built around today's biggest players could box out smaller competitors and developers.
The debate over AI regulation is intensifying as Congress faces mounting pressure to act on AI safety and oversight. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), have called for committee action on legislation to impose 'guardrails' and a 'kill switch' on AI.
Anthropic's actions come as other lawmakers, like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), propose significant measures such as a 50% tax on AI to create a $7 billion sovereign wealth fund and a permanent ban on the development of super intelligent AI.
Key facts
- Anthropic has donated $40 million to Public First Action, a super PAC advocating for AI regulation.
- The super PAC has spent $3 million supporting state Assemblyman Alex Bores (D-Manhattan).
- Anthropic's lobbying disclosures show a $2 million spending in just three months, up from $1 million in the last quarter of 2025.
- Anthropic's board includes political players like Netflix founder Reed Hastings, who has donated over $20 million to Democrats.
- Public First Action has kept most of its funds, with roughly $100,000 spent on an ad touting Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.).
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has proposed a 50% tax on AI to create a $7 billion sovereign wealth fund and a permanent ban on super intelligent AI.
- Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) has called for committee action on legislation to impose 'guardrails' and a 'kill switch' on AI.
Context
The lobbying war over AI regulation is part of a broader debate about the role of government in overseeing the rapidly evolving AI industry. As AI models become more powerful, there is growing concern about the potential risks and the need for oversight.
The debate is also shaping up to be a clash between established AI companies and smaller competitors. Some lawmakers, like Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), argue that competition is the best way to avoid problems with AI, while others see a need for stronger regulatory measures.
The legislative brawl over AI regulation is not just confined to Washington, D.C. California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has indicated that he may call a special session to take up the issue, inviting a clash of tech firms in Silicon Valley's backyard.
