House Republicans Push 10-Year Federal Ban on State AI Laws

President Donald Trump's proposed 'One Big Beautiful Bill' includes a controversial provision that would impose a 10-year federal moratorium banning states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI), effectively centralizing AI governance at the federal level. This measure would override existing state laws addressing AI concerns such as algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, and AI-generated child exploitation material, raising fears among critics about a lack of necessary oversight in areas like ethics, privacy, and safety, particularly for technologies like autonomous vehicles. Supporters argue the moratorium would simplify the regulatory landscape for businesses operating nationwide and prevent a patchwork of conflicting state laws, while opponents warn it could stall progress and allow potential abuses, as the federal framework's robustness and timeliness remain uncertain. The moratorium, passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee along party lines, faces procedural hurdles in the Senate, where bipartisan support is uncertain, and its future is unclear. Additionally, the bill includes significant AI-related funding for military applications and government modernization, highlighting the GOP's focus on advancing AI technology while restricting localized regulation. This federal preemption contrasts with traditional GOP advocacy for states’ rights, drawing criticism for ideological inconsistency and concerns that it primarily benefits big tech at the expense of consumer and public protections.