OpenAI has publicly endorsed key provisions of a bipartisan federal bill that would mandate independent audits of large language AI models to ensure safety standards, marking its first support for such a federal regulatory measure. The company’s chief global affairs officer, Chris Lehane, spoke in favor of the proposal during a congressional roundtable in Washington, D.C., highlighting the need for rigorous third-party scrutiny to mitigate catastrophic risks posed by advanced AI.
What Happened
The bipartisan FRONTIER Act, sponsored by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA), is currently under consideration by Congress. The legislation would require leading AI developers to submit their most advanced AI models to independent organizations for safety audits, ensuring that built-in safeguards meet acceptable risk levels. It also calls for transparency measures, including mandatory public reports on AI model specifications and disclosures of safety incidents. Lehane’s remarks on September 15, 2026, conveyed OpenAI’s support for these audit requirements, though the company has not endorsed the bill fully.
Key Facts
The FRONTIER Act is a federal legislative proposal aimed at controlling AI risks through mandatory third-party assessments of safety protocols for large language models.
OpenAI’s endorsement targets the audit provision specifically.
Other elements of the bill include transparency mandates—such as publishing safety incident reports.
Lehane articulated OpenAI’s position publicly during a Washington roundtable and previously urged regulatory action in a September 9 blog post.
The company advocates for nationally mandated AI safety standards and cooperative industry protocols to manage AI risks.
What This Means
This endorsement signals a major shift from a leading AI company in favor of federal oversight, reflecting industry recognition that voluntary compliance may not be sufficient to address growing AI risks. Independent audits could significantly improve trust and accountability by assuring the public and regulators that AI developers implement robust safety measures. For policymakers, the bill offers a concrete mechanism to monitor AI models’ potential harm, setting a precedent for how advanced technologies might be governed nationally. For consumers and industries relying on AI, these audits could help mitigate risks ranging from misinformation and misuse to more severe societal impacts.
Moreover, OpenAI’s support underscores increasing consensus among experts that AI development needs external checks beyond internal ethics frameworks. The bipartisan nature of the bill points to growing political will to act on AI safety as a matter of public concern. While it remains to be seen whether full legislation will pass, this move helps frame a regulatory baseline that may influence not only developers but the broader AI ecosystem worldwide.
Background
OpenAI has previously voiced support for state-level AI regulations, but backing a federal mandate for independent audits marks a stronger advocacy for structured federal oversight. The company acknowledged the dual-use nature of AI technology: its vast potential benefits, like accelerating medical research and infrastructure improvements, alongside serious risks if left unchecked. Meanwhile, other AI safety advocates emphasize government intervention as a critical step given the private sector’s perceived reluctance to self-regulate adequately.
What Remains Unclear
The full details of the FRONTIER Act’s timeline, scope, and enforcement mechanisms remain under discussion in Congress. It is not confirmed what criteria will define “acceptable levels of catastrophic risk,” nor precisely how independent audits would be operationalized. OpenAI’s partial support indicates some reservations or unresolved issues with the bill’s other provisions. Furthermore, it is unclear how quickly other AI developers may align with this approach or how the bill would affect smaller AI companies.
What Comes Next
The bill remains under legislative review, with further congressional hearings and stakeholder consultations expected. OpenAI and other AI leaders are calling for swift passage of national AI safety regulations and industry-wide collaboration on standard-setting. The evolving regulatory landscape will likely shape future development priorities and public accountability requirements for AI technologies.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following sources:
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