Senate leader Schumer urges FCC to block AI robocalls before midterms

Schumer and Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez warned the petition could flood phones with deceptive AI‑generated messages.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:08:26 GMT

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged the Federal Communications Commission on Monday to reject a petition that would permit AI‑generated political robocalls ahead of the November midterm elections, according to Al Jazeera and The Independent.

What happened

The petition was filed by the conservative group Club for Growth on August 31. The FCC opened a public comment period on September 4, which is set to close on Monday. The petition seeks permission to use an artificial or prerecorded voice – including an AI‑generated voice – for political calls to cell phones without prior express consent.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera noted that Schumer said the change could allow campaigns to use opponents’ voices to spread disinformation, describing the potential messages as “at best, disingenuous and, at worst, a blatant lie.” The Independent quoted the same statement from Schumer and added that Club for Growth President David McIntosh argued the FCC should treat political speech the same way it treats calls about package deliveries, bank accounts and doctor’s appointments. Both outlets reported that Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez also urged colleagues to reject the petition, echoing Schumer’s concerns.

What was said

"Under this change, campaigns could use their opponents’ voice to send out a message that is, at best, disingenuous and, at worst, a blatant lie," Schumer told Al Jazeera.

Club for Growth President David McIntosh said the group wants "the FCC to treat First Amendment‑protected political speech the same way it already treats wireless calls about package deliveries, bank accounts, and doctor's appointments," as reported by The Independent.

Anna Gomez, a Democratic commissioner at the FCC, warned that allowing the petition would "bring chaos so close to Election Day," a sentiment echoed by Schumer in both reports.

How it came about

The petition follows a broader debate about AI‑generated political messaging that has intensified ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Earlier this month, public interest groups and Democratic officials raised similar concerns, as documented in Felo News’ coverage of bipartisan Senate actions on other election‑related issues, such as the recent demand for the reversal of a Russian diesel deal (link). Schumer’s intervention reflects the growing scrutiny of AI tools in political campaigns.

Key facts

Chuck Schumer urged the FCC to reject Club for Growth's petition to allow AI‑generated political robocalls. (aljazeera.com)
The petition was filed on August 31 and the public comment period ends on Monday. (independent.co.uk)
Club for Growth wants AI political calls treated like routine service calls. (independent.co.uk)
Democratic FCC commissioner Anna Gomez also opposed the petition. (aljazeera.com)