In May, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer published an AI Policy Roadmap outlining key policy priorities for the U.S. Senate in addressing artificial intelligence (AI). The roadmap called for significant investments in AI, including in $32 billion in annual spending on research and development for the new technology.

New polling from Data for Progress and Accountable Tech surveyed voters on their support for funding AI innovation in the U.S. without Congress passing certain consumer protection laws.

First, voters were asked whether they support or oppose a proposal to spend nearly $32 billion of taxpayer money to fund the research and development of AI in the U.S. 3 in 5 voters — across political affiliations — oppose Congress spending taxpayer money to fund AI innovation:

Second, voters were asked if they agree with the statement that “Congress should not fund the research and development of AI until they pass laws that require AI companies to implement safety guidelines and third-party testing on their products before being sold to the general public.” 73% of voters agreed with that statement:

Third, upon learning that AI companies spent $64 million on lobbying member of Congress, including Chuck Schumer, ahead of the proposal’s release to spend nearly $32 billion of taxpayer money to fund the research and development of AI, voters’ opposition to funding AI innovation increased to 68% opposing this proposal:

Finally, voters were asked if knowing about the attempts made by companies in certain industries to lobby elected officials, including Senator Chuck Schumer, affect their trust in legislation related to that industry from those officials. 60% of voters say their trust in that type of legislation decreases after being informed about attempts to lobby elected officials:

Voters are ultimately cautious to fund AI research and development without action from Congress first to pass consumer protections for the new technology.