Congressional lawyers are spending significant time correcting AI-generated bills that are riddled with errors, according to a Politico report. The problems are so widespread that the errors are affecting how laws could be interpreted and enacted, impacting U.S. federal programs and policy. The issues stem from AI tools missing nuances and tiny but crucial details that are essential in legal drafting.
Wade Ballou, who headed the relevant Congressional office for nearly a decade until 2024, explained that AI cannot determine the correct designation for a pot of money, such as whether it should be a tax credit, tax deduction, tax exclusion, or a grant. Additionally, the AI sometimes defines "state" as only the 50 U.S. states, which would exclude Washington, D.C., and tribal nations from federal programs. A lawyer who worked with the office also told Politico that AI would incorrectly cite previous statutes in draft bills.
Beyond the technical errors, AI-generated proposals are creating a separate issue for Congressional staffers. Because they use AI to draft their proposals, staffers reportedly are not as deeply familiar with what their bills are about or hope to accomplish anymore. The reliance on AI means they are not forced to learn the issue as deeply as they would if they were writing the legislation themselves.
To keep up with the increasing workload brought about by AI-drafted bills, the office is exploring the use of AI to improve its own efficiencies. A working group within the office has developed an AI tool called the Comparative Print Suite, which helps staffers visualize how a proposal will change current laws. Unlike general AI tools, this specialized tool returns an error if it cannot figure out where changes in the proposal should be made, preventing hallucinations from making it into draft bills.
The situation highlights a growing tension in the U.S. Capitol as AI becomes more integrated into the legislative process. While the tools offer speed, they lack the precision required for legal work, leading to a new burden on the lawyers tasked with cleaning up the drafts. The office’s own AI development suggests a practical response, but the underlying challenge of ensuring accuracy in lawmaking remains a key concern for the American public.
