Congress Stalls on AI Law as Partisan Divide Widens
Congressional Democrats are rejecting the White House's AI regulatory framework, citing insufficient consumer protections and a lack of bipartisan input. The resistance raises questions about whether Congress can pass any national AI legislation as individual states move ahead with their own rules.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), co-chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI, called the White House plan a "half-measure" that lacks key safeguards. He blamed Republican leadership for dismantling a bipartisan AI task force and excluding Democrats from the process.
"Leadership in the House disbanded the AI committee, and they're going it alone," Gottheimer said. "They've not encouraged a bipartisan process here."
Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), a Silicon Valley Democrat with tech industry ties, said the debate has "become rapidly partisan." He told reporters he may step back from AI regulation work if the political divisions continue.
Republicans Warn on Senate Math
Some Republicans acknowledge the political reality: passing an AI law requires Democratic support. Any Senate bill needs 60 votes, not a simple majority.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), viewed by tech lobbyists as the GOP's best positioned negotiator with Democrats, called the White House blueprint "very helpful" but warned that Democrats are unlikely to support it given current partisan tensions. He said House Republican leadership should have created a bipartisan panel.
"We're running out of legislative runway to get this done this year," Obernolte told reporters.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said the White House has not presented him with any AI proposals and he hasn't spoken with administration officials about their roadmap.
Outreach Remains Limited
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) acknowledged that Republicans are "working amongst ourselves" on AI but said Democrats are aware of the effort. He framed the issue as a competition with China.
A White House official said the administration continues productive conversations with lawmakers. David Sacks, a venture capitalist serving as a top science and tech adviser, previously suggested Congress could pass a version of the framework within months.
Few in Congress share that assessment. A Democratic staffer granted anonymity said: "I don't take any of this very seriously. I don't know that folks are taking it very seriously."
State Preemption Remains the Sticking Point
The core dispute centers on whether a federal law should prevent states from setting their own AI rules. Democrats generally oppose preemption without strong federal standards in place.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), co-chair of the House Democratic Commission on AI, said in a post this week: "I can't support and I believe Congress won't support preemption of states without federal standards."
Senate Commerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) told reporters in late March that talks with the White House remain "at that conceptual level." Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed openness to a national law with state preemption and guardrails but doubts a deal can happen soon.
Republicans could attempt to include AI provisions in a must-pass budget bill, which may be their last chance this year to advance partisan legislation. But a Democratic staffer said finding space in the package would be difficult given fights over immigration funding and other priorities.
Democrats Look Ahead
Lobbyists and advocates are already looking to next year, when Democrats are expected to control at least one chamber of Congress. Progressive advocates worry that some Democrats on the new House commission may be preparing their own preemption legislation for when they hold power.
Sean Vitka, executive director of progressive advocacy group Demand Progress, said the commission "seems designed to signal that some Democrats, a faction of corporate-aligned Democrats, are open for business" ahead of the midterms.
For government professionals tracking AI policy, understanding these legislative dynamics is essential. Learn more about AI for Government and explore the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers to stay informed on how regulation is being shaped.
Your membership also unlocks:
