Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton Uses AI-Cloned Voice to Deliver Historic Speech on House Floor

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, representing Virginia, made history on Thursday by delivering a speech on the House floor using an artificial intelligence (AI)-cloned voice. Wexton, who had lost her ability to speak clearly due to a rare neurological disorder, regained her voice with the help of a powerful AI program. This marks the first instance of a speech being given on the House floor using an AI-cloned voice.

Wexton expressed her joy and gratitude upon hearing her new voice for the first time, stating that it was a moment she never imagined could happen. The congresswoman now types out her thoughts, which are then transformed into her own voice by the AI program. While the process is time-consuming, it has provided Wexton with a renewed opportunity to have her voice heard.

In 2023, Wexton was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), an aggressive neurological disorder that severely impacts speech and other aspects of life. As a politician whose career has revolved around public speaking, the diagnosis was particularly devastating. However, the AI voice model has given Wexton a chance to continue using her voice and remind listeners that she is still herself.

Wexton’s use of AI-powered voice cloning technology highlights the positive applications of this technology. However, it also raises concerns about potential misuse, such as fraud and the dissemination of fake political messages. Wexton, along with experts like Hany Farid from the University of California, Berkeley, emphasizes the need for better checks and balances to prevent abuses of AI technology.

While Wexton acknowledges the limitations of the technology, she remains grateful for the opportunity it has provided. Her new voice allows for more emotional expression, making it particularly impactful during important moments. Wexton plans to make the most of this technology, using it to advocate for Americans facing accessibility challenges and disabilities.

Doctors, like Jori Fleisher, Director of the PSP Center of Excellence, believe that AI-cloned voices could be life-altering for individuals diagnosed with neurological disorders. Traditional speech-to-text programs often use robotic voices that perpetuate stigma and lead to social isolation. Fleisher praises Wexton’s use of her own voice through AI technology, describing it as empowering.

Wexton’s experience highlights the need for insurance coverage and early access to AI voice cloning technology for individuals with neurological disorders. She believes that this aspect of care and quality of life should be covered by insurance, similar to speech-language therapy.

Although Wexton’s political career will end next year due to her diagnosis, she remains determined to be a voice for Americans facing accessibility challenges and disabilities. By continuing to fulfill her duties to the best of her ability, Wexton aims to show that her inner self remains unchanged.

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