Every day, Washington gets closer to passing a federal framework for artificial intelligence.
The Trump administration is doing its part to mainstream the discussion around advanced AI’s cybersecurity and national security systems. Not only have they issued an executive order on “Promoting Advanced AI Innovation and Security” and banned the import of new Chinese humanoid robots, but they are also set to host a September summit on global AI risk and safety with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Meanwhile, members of Congress are introducing bipartisan proposals to establish oversight for frontier AI systems, including the FRONTIER Act from Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Lori Trahan (D-MA). In the Senate, Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the AI Risk Evaluation Act last fall, which would require AI developers to submit their most advanced AI models for testing and risk assessment before deployment.
We need Congress to understand the urgency of the moment. Every day lost poses a threat to not only American interests, but humanity itself. AI is the defining issue of our time, and federal momentum is welcomed.
But there is a looming risk that lawmakers will allow one politically divisive issue – federal preemption of state AI laws – to derail legislation that is otherwise needed. Congress should not make that mistake.
