Tech Industry Drive to Block State AI Laws Hits Wall in Congress

A powerful coalition of tech companies backed by the White House’s artificial intelligence chief appears to have failed to persuade lawmakers to use a must-pass defense bill to block state governments from regulating artificial intelligence, a key congressional Republican signaled Tuesday.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise told reporters the defense bill “wasn’t the best place” for a provision preempting state AI laws. “But we’re still looking at other places, because there’s still an interest,” he added.

The House and Senate Armed Services Committees, which are negotiating a final bill, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Representative Steve Scalise

Photographer: Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg

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