The White House is negotiating with Capitol Hill to secure federal preemption of some state regulations on artificial intelligence, according to The Hill. In exchange, the administration is offering to advance technology policies related to children's safety and deepfake protections.
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is reportedly spearheading the negotiations with the White House to finalize text for an AI preemption package, a spokesperson for the senator told The Hill. The deal would effectively override varying state-level AI laws with a single federal standard, a move long sought by industry groups.
The negotiations reflect a bipartisan push to shape AI governance, with Republicans generally favoring lighter regulation to spur innovation and Democrats emphasizing consumer protections. The preemption framework could smooth the path for broader AI legislation by addressing industry concerns about a patchwork of state rules.
Public opinion on AI regulation remains divided, with recent polling indicating that a majority of Americans support federal oversight to prevent harm, though specific views on preemption are less clear. The outcome could influence the 2024 elections as voters weigh government action on emerging technologies.
If finalized, the package would represent a significant step toward a unified national AI policy, though critics warn it could weaken stronger state-level consumer protections. The negotiations come as Congress faces pressure to act before state laws take effect.