- A CNBC analysis shows that ChatGPT accounts for approximately 88% of the identifiable AI spending by the US House of Representatives between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
- Total identifiable spending on AI providers reached at least $113,740, with ChatGPT receiving about $100,580 through 798 transactions, while Anthropic’s Claude reached $13,160 through 37 transactions.
- ChatGPT was purchased by at least 71 congressional offices—equivalent to about one-sixth of the House—with 44 Democratic and 27 Republican offices using the service.
- Democratic offices spent approximately $54,165 on AI, more than three times the $15,782 spent by Republican offices.
- Congressional staff use AI to summarize bills, draft memos, prepare for hearings, respond to constituents, analyze policy, and create media content.
- Representative Julie Fedorchak stated that ChatGPT helps build a database of laws and documents, saving dozens of staff hours per week.
- These figures do not fully reflect total AI usage as they exclude free accounts, integrated Microsoft Copilot software, bundled contracts, and most Senate activities.
- The House began testing ChatGPT in 2023 with its first 40 ChatGPT Plus licenses for a bipartisan group of staff, contributing to OpenAI’s first-mover advantage.
- OpenAI significantly increased its lobbying in Washington, spending $1 million in Q1 2026 (up 82.5% year-on-year), while Anthropic spent nearly $1.6 million, more than triple the previous year.
- Experts argue that Congress needs to test various AI models to understand their pros and cons before enacting regulations to manage the AI industry.
📌 ChatGPT is leading the wave of AI adoption in the US Congress, not only in terms of spending but also in its presence within legislative activities. With approximately 88% of identified AI spending attributed to OpenAI, ChatGPT has become a tool for research, drafting, and constituent services. However, the data reflects only part of the reality as it excludes free accounts and Copilot. As Congress builds AI legislation, the competition between OpenAI, Anthropic, and other tech giants is unfolding right within the policymaking bodies.
