Summary
The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 to remove a proposal that aimed to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for ten years from a larger bill related to tax breaks and spending cuts. The proposal faced opposition from both Republicans and Democrats, who argued it restricted states' ability to regulate AI effectively. The vote took place after an overnight session, and the amendment to strike the provision was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Maria Cantwell.
Key Facts
- The proposal tried to stop states from regulating AI for ten years.
- The proposal was connected to federal funding, offering subsidies only to states that did not regulate AI.
- The Senate voted 99-1 to remove this proposal from the bill.
- The provision faced criticism from both Republican and Democratic governors and state officials.
- A last-minute effort to save the measure was abandoned after amendments proposed by Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Maria Cantwell.
- Prominent tech leaders initially supported the idea, fearing complex compliance with varied state laws.
- Opponents argued that the proposal benefited the AI industry by reducing accountability.
- Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders led a group of GOP governors in opposing the measure.
- A group of parents urged lawmakers to strike the proposal, citing safety concerns related to harmful AI products.
