House Republicans are pushing a proposal that could reshape how artificial intelligence is regulated in the U.S., Politico reported May 13.
The measure is already drawing backlash from state officials, lawmakers and policy experts.
Here are six things to know:
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee unveiled a budget reconciliation bill that includes a 10-year moratorium on state and local governments regulating AI. The provision would prevent any laws targeting AI models, systems or automated decision tools during that time.
- The ban is seen as a major concession to the tech industry, which has lobbied Washington to stop states — especially California — from introducing strict AI rules. NetChoice, a tech lobbying group, praised the move as “incredibly exciting.”
- Brad Carson, president of the AI policy group Americans for Responsible Innovation, warned the ban could harm small businesses, young people and the public by limiting lawmakers’ ability to address emerging technology issues.
- The proposal could face hurdles under the Byrd rule, which limits what can be included in reconciliation bills to provisions that directly impact the federal budget. That means the AI ban may not make it into the final version passed by the Senate.
- House Energy and Commerce aides defended the measure, saying it supports a $500 million AI modernization project at the Commerce Department. They also said the moratorium is part of a broader push by committee Chair Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.
- Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., the top Democrat on a key Commerce subcommittee, criticized the proposal, calling it a “giant gift” to Big Tech and a sign that Republicans are prioritizing industry profits over public safety.