Congress just swung again at blocking states from making their own AI laws… and yep, another clean miss.
This thing went down faster than a beta feature nobody asked for, and the tech world is buzzing — because this wasn’t some random side quest. This was the second attempt this year to shut down state-level AI laws, and it still couldn’t get through.
So here’s what actually happened:
Lawmakers tried to slip a nationwide ban on state AI regulation into — wait for it — the defense bill. As in: fighter jets, troop funding, and apparently “please don’t let California regulate chatbots.” And both parties basically hit the brakes.
Even Steve Scalise, who’s been quarterbacking this move with Trump cheering from the sidelines, had to admit the vibes weren’t vibing, in his own words: “We’ll find another place for it”.
But let’s zoom out: why does Silicon Valley keep trying to squash state laws like it’s Whac-A-Mole? Easy. A 50-state patchwork of AI rules is a compliance nightmare. Companies hate it. Investors hate it. Anyone building fast hates it.
But here's the twist: most of these state laws aren’t even wild. They’re aiming at stuff the federal government still hasn’t properly addressed — we’re talking consumer safety, transparency, bias checks, industry-specific rules. You know… basic responsibilities that are kinda hard to argue are outrageous.
And critics are like: if we block states before a real federal framework exists, we basically hand the steering wheel to Big Tech and say, “figure it out.” And after the whole crypto-regulation rollercoaster? Yeah… nobody wants to rerun that.
So what happens next?
Scalise might try a standalone bill. There’s a leaked draft executive order floating around somewhere in DC, though that’s reportedly on pause.
As for states? They’re probably feeling emboldened to keep cooking up their own rules. And companies? They’re gonna have to prep for a world where California, New York, Texas, and everyone else all decide to do their own thing.
The Big picture
This isn’t just another failed amendment — it’s a sign that AI governance is going to be layered, messy, and shaped by way more than just Washington.
