In a move that has sparked significant debate, the U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a provision within the «One Big Beautiful Bill» that would impose a 10-year moratorium on state and local governments enacting or enforcing laws regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The measure, passed with a vote of 215 to 214, aims to centralize AI governance at the federal level, preventing a patchwork of state regulations that proponents argue could hinder innovation and economic growth.
Supporters of the moratorium, primarily House Republicans, contend that a unified federal approach is essential to maintain the United States’ competitive edge in AI development. They argue that disparate state laws could create compliance challenges for AI companies and slow technological advancement.
However, the provision has faced bipartisan criticism. A group of 35 California lawmakers, including three Republicans, has urged Congress to reject the measure, expressing concerns that it would undermine state efforts to protect residents from AI-related harms such as deepfake scams and algorithmic discrimination.
Child-protection advocates, including Common Sense Media, have also voiced opposition, warning that the moratorium could impede states’ abilities to enact laws safeguarding children from AI-generated content and other online risks.
Legal experts have noted that the provision’s inclusion in a budget reconciliation bill may face procedural challenges in the Senate, particularly under the Byrd Rule, which restricts non-budgetary items in such legislation.
As the bill moves to the Senate, the debate underscores the ongoing tension between fostering technological innovation and ensuring adequate regulatory oversight to protect public interests.
