State AI rules ban survives in Senate rule fight
Share and Follow


The Senate parliamentarian concluded the controversial push to ban state regulation of artificial intelligence for the next 10 years can remain in President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

The decision, announced by lawmakers over the weekend, followed weeks of speculation from both parties over whether the provision would overcome the procedural hurdle known as the Byrd Rule.

The parliamentarian’s decision will allow the provision to be voted on in the budget reconciliation process with a simple-majority vote.

It comes after Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, the chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, altered the language of the House’s version in hopes of complying with the Byrd Rule, which prohibits “extraneous matters” from being included in reconciliation packages.

Under their proposal, states would be prohibited from regulating AI if they want access to federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

The House’s version called for a blanket 10-year moratorium on state laws regulating AI models and systems, regardless of funding.

Still, some GOP members remained skeptical it would pass the Byrd Rule. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said last week it was “doubtful” the provision survives.

The provision has further divided Republicans, while Democrats are largely against it.

While many Republicans are concerned with overbearing regulation of the emerging tech, a few GOP members argue it goes against the party’s traditional support of states’ rights.

Republican Sens. Marsha Blackburn, Tenn., and Ron Johnson,Wis., told The Hill they are against the provision, while Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said he is willing to introduce an amendment to eliminate the provision during the Senate’s marathon vota-a-rama if it is not taken out earlier.

The provision received pushback from some Republicans in the House as well.

A group of conservatives argued in a letter earlier this month to Senate Republicans that Congress is still “actively investigating” AI and “does not fully understand the implications” of the technology.   

This was shortly after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ,R-Ga., confirmed she would be a “no” on the bill if it comes back to the House with the provision included.  

“I am 100 percent opposed, and I will not vote for any bill that destroys federalism and takes away states’ rights, ability to regulate and make laws when it regards humans and AI,” the Georgia Republican told reporters.   

Several Republican state leaders and lawmakers are also pushing back.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Russia claims US strikes on Iran have opened a ‘Pandora's box' and could lead to global ‘nuclear catastrophe’

Russia claims US strikes on Iran have opened a ‘Pandora’s box’ and could lead to global ‘nuclear catastrophe’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Russia’s United Nations ambassador…
Firefighters rescue people from possible arson in Putnam County

Firefighters save individuals from suspected intentional fire in Putnam County

The video shows firefighters pulling off a window air conditioning unit to…
Gov. JB Pritkzer joins in DHS briefing with other governors day before Iran attacks US base in Qatar

Governor JB Pritzker Attends Briefing with DHS and Other Governors Ahead of Iran’s Attack on US Base in Qatar

CHICAGO (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker joined in a briefing with other…
D.C. chiropractor who 'scuffled' with officers on Jan. 6 sentenced to prison

Man ordered to pay $500K for assaulting police officer involved in Capitol riot incident that led to officer’s death

WASHINGTON — A federal jury on Monday awarded $500,000 to the widow…
Student, 19, held by ICE after traffic stop makes surprise revelation

19-year-old student detained by ICE following a traffic stop reveals unexpected information

A 19-year-old nursing student whose detention by ICE following a routine traffic…
Elisabeth Faircloth fights the E. coli infection, daily.

Child gets E. coli infection after visiting lake in Oklahoma

TULSA, Okla. (KFOR) A hot day on the lake changed drastically and…
Crushing it. What do you do with 4,000 hailstones that you collect while chasing storms

How to Utilize 4,000 Hailstones Collected During Storm Chasing

LEVELLAND, Texas (AP) — Dozens of researchers are chasing, driving and running…
Country singer Ronnie McDowell hospitalized after slurring words mid-concert

Country music performer Ronnie McDowell taken to the hospital due to speech difficulties during his live performance

Ronnie McDowell suffered an apparent medical emergency during his latest concert. According…