Show-Me State Times

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley addressed a gathering of startup founders, policy experts, journalists, and other thought leaders at the Little Tech Competition Summit in Washington D.C. The event focused on the impact of big technology companies and the future of artificial intelligence (AI) policies.

Senator Hawley highlighted the need for policies that enhance liberty and prosperity. He emphasized that these policies should benefit the middle class and blue-collar workers. "We’ve got to figure out a path forward that is liberty and prosperity-enhancing," he remarked. He asserted the importance of ensuring these changes are positive for families across the nation, saying: "Where we can say–honestly–to the middle class in this country, this is going to be good for you and your family. Where we can say–honestly–to blue collar workers, this is going to be good for you and your family. It’s going to make you more prosperous, more free, [and] we’re going to protect your rights."

In a related development, Senator Hawley called on his colleagues during Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing to reconsider the role of private lawsuits in managing the power of Big Tech. He has consistently raised issues about the influence of Big Tech and has actively supported measures to allow Americans to defend themselves against unchecked AI. In 2023, he proposed a law to refuse AI companies the protection of Section 230 immunity.