Congress Ponders AI Power Grab with State Regulation Ban

A Decade-Long Pause Button on State AI Laws

In a controversial move, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee has advanced a legislative proposal that would prohibit U.S. states from enacting their own rules regulating artificial intelligence for the next 10 years. The goal, according to proponents, is to create a uniform national framework for AI governance and avoid a confusing patchwork of state-level rules. The proposal comes as Congress seeks to assert federal authority over emerging AI technology and prevent potentially conflicting regulations from stifling innovation. However, critics argue the moratorium would tie the hands of states and ignore the need for local accountability and innovation in tech governance, especially as AI proliferates rapidly across sectors from healthcare to law enforcement.

Federal Control vs. Local Accountability

While key lawmakers like Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) argue that a federal framework will provide clarity and consistency for developers and companies, opponents warn the policy could stifle much-needed regulatory experimentation. States like California and Illinois have already taken action on AI-related issues, such as biometric data protection or algorithmic accountability—moves that would be invalidated under the proposed ban. Consumer advocates and some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are voicing concern that this approach prioritizes industry interests over public welfare and democratic input. In their view, the bill empowers Washington without ensuring that federal regulations will be timely or effective in addressing AI-related harms.