WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers are outlining possible rules for artificial intelligence ahead of November’s midterm elections, positioning the party for a potential shift in congressional oversight if it wins control of either chamber. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, released a framework describing core AI safety principles. Rep. Lori Trahan, a Massachusetts Democrat, separately circulated a discussion draft focused on liability. Neither proposal is law, and details of the measures were not included in the announcements described by lawmakers. The proposals are part of a wider effort to define the party’s approach to a fast-changing technology amid concern about powerful AI systems and cyberattacks. Other lawmakers weighing proposals include Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, and Democratic Reps. Greg Casar of Texas, Sara Jacobs of California and Don Beyer of Virginia. A House Democratic AI Commission, formed by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and led by Reps. Ted Lieu of California, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, is also developing a party policy platform. The election could determine whether Democrats can turn those ideas into hearings, investigations or legislation. Cantwell would be positioned to lead the Senate Commerce Committee if Democrats win the Senate, giving her panel broad authority over AI policy. Democrats have also signaled interest in scrutinizing major technology companies and the energy demands and local impacts of data centers. For now, the proposals amount to policy planning rather than a unified or enacted agenda. Their development offers an early indication of the issues Democrats may prioritize if voters give the party a role in setting congressional policy next year.