House TV/AP
In this video clip, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) speaks using an AI program on an iPad on the House floor at the Capitol in Washington on Thursday.
CNN
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Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia made history on Thursday by becoming the first lawmaker to use an artificial intelligence-generated voice model to speak for herself on the House floor.
“My life with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) has left me unable to use my full voice, move about or step confidently onto the House floor to vote,” Wexton said through an AI model on the floor of the House.
Wexton announced in September that he would not seek re-election due to health issues, which he said he expects will worsen.
“I use a walker to get around, and it's likely that before the end of my term I'll be taking to the House floor to vote in a wheelchair,” she said Thursday.
John McDonnell/AP
Rep. Jennifer Wexton uses an AI program on her iPad at her home in Leesburg, Virginia, on July 19, 2024.
Rep. Wexton is the first member of Congress to use an assistive and alternative communications device on the House floor.
When Wexton first heard the AI reproduction of his voice, he described it as “music to my ears.”
“Those were the most beautiful words I've ever heard. I cried tears of joy,” she said.
The congressman said his diagnosis “gave me an opportunity to use this unique platform to try to help others.”
