NEW YORK — A contentious proposal aimed at delaying state regulation of artificial intelligence for a decade appeared to be gaining traction within the U.S. Senate as part of a broader Republican tax and spending initiative supported by President Donald Trump. However, increasing opposition from various conservative factions led to a significant decline in support for the measure.
As discussions progressed toward a final vote, a coalition of conservative governors, lawmakers, think tanks, and advocacy groups mounted a vigorous campaign against the proposed moratorium. Conservative activist Mike Davis took to social media, calling on followers to urge their senators to dismiss what he labeled an “AI amnesty” benefiting “trillion-dollar Big Tech monopolists.” He communicated directly with Trump, recommending that the president maintain a neutral stance amid pushback from figures within the administration, including AI czar David Sacks and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Relentless efforts by conservatives opposed to the provision highlighted a divisive debate within the party. While some members argued that the moratorium was crucial for maintaining the U.S. competitive edge against China in AI, others contended that states should retain the authority to impose regulations on emerging technologies to safeguard public welfare.
Ultimately, those advocating for regulatory oversight prevailed, underscoring a notable shift within a segment of the Republican Party that increasingly views Big Tech with skepticism. They argue that states must have the ability to protect their constituents from possible harms associated with emerging technologies, including AI and social media.
The contrasting views featured prominently on the Senate floor, where a range of organizations rallied against the moratorium, including the Heritage Foundation, children’s safety groups, and various GOP lawmakers. Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who opposed the moratorium, collaborated with Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington to propose eliminating the entire provision. By morning, the Senate voted overwhelmingly—99-1—to strike it from the legislation.
The rapid downfall of a proposal initially backed by party leadership disappointed some conservatives, who feared it would weaken the United States’ position against China in the AI arena. Ryan Fournier, chairman of Students for Trump, supported the moratorium, arguing it was necessary to prevent states like California and New York from compromising the country’s future.
Supporters of the provision, including tech companies and venture capitalists, claimed that allowing states to set their own regulations could create a chaotic environment for innovation, hindering advancements in artificial intelligence. They argued that federal standards were necessary to enable American companies to compete effectively and develop crucial technologies without facing conflicting state rules.
After the Senate’s decision, a spokesperson relayed Trump’s endorsement of the legislation sans the AI provision. Nevertheless, the outcome prompted reactions among opponents, including Cruz, who suggested that the news pleased Chinese interests and liberal factions.
In the aftermath, Blackburn highlighted ongoing legislative voids at the federal level regarding critical AI issues, such as child safety and copyright protections, insisting that state-level initiatives have been proactive in addressing these concerns.
Many conservatives emphasized the need for a unified approach to combat China. Still, disagreements surfaced on how to achieve this objective, with some arguing that without federal guidance, states were left best equipped to mitigate potential risks associated with AI technologies.
Texas State Senator Angela Paxton expressed a desire for a minimal federal framework to help standardize AI regulations without overstepping state authority. In an email, she called for limited legislation that would provide essential protections while allowing states the flexibility to handle local issues.
As the debate continues, the fate of federal AI regulation remains uncertain, fueled by the Republican Party’s divisions over how best to navigate the technological landscape and its implications for the future.
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