Senate Report: AI Could Eliminate Nearly 100 Million US Jobs

A report released by Democratic staffers on Senator Bernie Sanders' Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee warns that artificial intelligence and automation could eliminate nearly 100 million US jobs over the next decade. The analysis, which utilized OpenAI's ChatGPT, identified 20 occupations at significant risk, with 15 potentially seeing more than half their positions replaced. Specific projections include 89% of fast food workers, 83% of customer service representatives, and 81% of warehouse workers potentially being replaced by AI technologies.

The report emerges amid growing national focus on artificial intelligence development. President Donald Trump has pledged billions toward AI and related energy investments, expressing his intention to establish the United States as the global leader in artificial intelligence. Private investment in AI technologies has reached approximately half a trillion dollars over the past decade, contributing to stock market growth while raising concerns about labor market disruption across both blue-collar and skilled professional sectors.

While the Senate report presents a concerning outlook, alternative perspectives exist regarding AI's impact on employment. The report acknowledges its projections represent one potential scenario where corporations aggressively implement artificial labor. Management consulting firm McKinsey forecasts 30% of American roles could be automated by decade's end, while a World Economic Forum report suggests AI might create a net increase of 78 million jobs globally by 2030, with 92 million eliminated but 170 million new positions created.

Senator Sanders expressed concern about wealthy technology investors developing AI systems that could eliminate jobs while increasing corporate profits. Former presidential candidate Andrew Yang similarly noted insufficient attention to AI's potential downsides, including job replacement and hiring practice changes. The Senate report concludes with policy recommendations including transitioning to a 32-hour workweek, requiring corporations to distribute stock to workers, and implementing a "robot tax" on larger firms to benefit workers affected by automation.

The debate highlights the complex economic and social considerations surrounding technological advancement. While AI presents opportunities for economic growth and competitiveness, questions remain about how to manage workforce transitions and ensure technological benefits are broadly distributed. The report's findings contribute to ongoing national discussions about balancing innovation with employment stability in an increasingly automated economy.