Senate Rejects Ted Cruz's AI Regulation Moratorium in Overwhelming Vote
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[1]
Ted Cruz plan to punish states that regulate AI shot down in 99-1 vote
Facing overwhelming opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accepted defeat and joined a 99-1 vote against his own plan to punish states that regulate artificial intelligence. "The Senate came together tonight to say that we can't just run over good state consumer
[2]
Congress might block state AI laws for five years. Here's what it means. | TechCrunch
A federal proposal that would ban states and local governments from regulating AI for five years could soon be signed into law, as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and other lawmakers work to secure its inclusion into a GOP megabill -- which the Senate is voting on Monday -- ahead of a key July 4
[3]
Congress might block state AI laws for a decade. Here's what it means.
A federal proposal that would ban states and local governments from regulating AI for 10 years could soon be signed into law, as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and other lawmakers work to secure its inclusion into a GOP megabill ahead of a key July 4 deadline. Those in favor - including OpenAI's Sam Altman,
[4]
US senate removes controversial 'AI moratorium' from budget bill | TechCrunch
U.S. senators voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to remove a controversial 10-year ban on states' abilities to regulate AI from the Trump administration's "Big Beautiful Bill," reports Axios. The provision to the reconciliation bill was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX). Many prominent Silicon
[5]
Senator Blackburn Pulls Support for AI Moratorium in Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Amid Backlash
As Congress races to pass President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," it's also sprinting to placate the many haters of the bill's "AI moratorium" provision which originally required a 10-year pause on state AI regulations. The provision, which was championed by White House AI czar and venture
[6]
Congress Dropped a Plan to Block State AI Rules. Why That Matters for Consumers
Expertise Artificial intelligence, home energy, heating and cooling, home technology. After months of debate, a plan in Congress to block states from regulating artificial intelligence was pulled from the big federal budget bill this week. The proposed 10-year moratorium would have prevented
[7]
Trump's big, revised bill will slash AI funding for states that regulate AI
Senators add exemptions for state laws targeting unfair or deceptive practices and child sexual abuse material. The Trump administration's tax bill -- also called its "big, beautiful bill," which is facing a vote today -- includes a rule that would prevent states from enforcing their own AI
[8]
Senate pits AI regulation against state funding
A now-revised proposal in Trump's bill would ban states from regulating AI for 5 years. Here's what it means. The Trump administration's tax bill -- also called its "big, beautiful bill," which is facing a vote today -- also includes a rule that would prevent states from enforcing their own AI
[9]
How the Senate's ban on state AI regulation imperils internet access
A Senate rule is pitting state AI regulation against broadband funding. The Trump administration's tax bill -- also called its "big, beautiful bill" -- which rounds up key pieces of the president's agenda, also includes a rule that would prevent states from enforcing their own AI legislation for
[10]
Senate drops plan to ban state AI laws
The US Senate has voted overwhelmingly to remove a moratorium on states regulating AI systems from the Republican "big, beautiful bill." Legislators agreed by a margin of 99 to 1 to drop the controversial proposal during a protracted fight over the omnibus budget bill, which is still under
[11]
Senate removes ban on state AI regulations from Trump's tax bill
States will be able to enact AI legislation again - but a federal plan remains unclear, and the clock is ticking. Until now, the Trump administration's tax bill -- also called its "big, beautiful bill," which passed in the Senate on Tuesday -- included a rule that would prevent states from
[12]
Senate axes proposal banning state AI regulation
States will be able to enact AI legislation again - but a federal plan remains unclear, and the clock is ticking. Until today, the Trump administration's tax bill -- also called its "big, beautiful bill," which is facing a vote today -- included a rule that would prevent states from enforcing
[13]
Senate Removes Tax Bill Provision Limiting State AI Regulation
The Senate killed a controversial effort to prevent US states from regulating artificial intelligence, delivering a win for critics of the biggest tech companies after a compromise proposal collapsed. Senators voted 99-1 early Tuesday to strip the language out of President Donald Trump's signature
[14]
Senate nixes Trump's ban on state AI rules
It took a tie-breaking vote from the Vice President JD Vance to pass Trump's budget reconciliation bill through the Senate on Tuesday, but a controversial section that would have barred states from regulating AI was struck down in a much clearer fashion. Lawmakers were definitive in their vote,
[15]
Senators Came to Their Senses on AI Regulation Ban
Some sense has prevailed in the Senate -- a 99-1 vote against a provision in its huge tax and spending bill that would have banned state-level artificial-intelligence laws for the next 10 years. It's been just 944 dizzying days since ChatGPT was launched into the world -- imagine what might have
[16]
US Senate debates whether to adopt revised state AI regulation ban
WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - Two key U.S. Republican senators agreed to a revised federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence to five years and allow states to adopt rules on child online safety and protecting artists' image or likeliness. Senate Commerce Committee chair
[17]
US Senate rejects plan to stop states regulating AI
The US Senate has voted down a proposed 10-year ban on states regulating artificial intelligence models, ending a controversial plan supported by Big Tech companies. Senators voted by a margin of 99 to one in favour of an amendment to remove the wording from Donald Trump's flagship tax and
[18]
US Senate strikes AI regulation ban from Trump megabill
WASHINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) - The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to remove a 10-year federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence from President Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. Lawmakers voted 99-1 to strike the ban from the bill by
[19]
Ban on state AI laws set to pass, after exemption deals struck on musicians' rights and child safety
An amendment to Trump's tax bill would prevent states from legislating the AI industry for five years. If there's one thing the AI industry needs it's more regulation. Yet, soon individual US states might not have much say in what AI companies can and can't do thanks to Trump pleasing senators.
[20]
Senate strikes AI provision from GOP bill after uproar from the states
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A proposal to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade was soundly defeated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, thwarting attempts to insert the measure into President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts. The Senate voted 99-1 to strike
[21]
Senate votes against curbing state-level AI regulation
Yesterday, the senate was poised to restrict states' power to regulate AI. Now, the measure is dead in the water, with the Senate voting 99-1 to remove the provision. Are you also having a bit of whiplash? Here's what you need to know about the amendments rightful journey into the trash can of
[22]
How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill
NEW YORK (AP) -- A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the Republican tax cut and spending bill championed by President Donald Trump worked its way through the U.S. Senate. But as the bill neared a final vote, a
[23]
Senate's New A.I. Moratorium Proposal Draws Fresh Criticism
Language in the chamber's spending bill says that state laws related to A.I. cannot pose an "undue or disproportionate burden" to tech companies. Two senior senators have reached a compromise on an amendment in the Republican economic policy bill that would block state laws on artificial
[24]
Defeat of a 10-Year Ban on State A.I. Laws Is a Blow to Tech Industry
All but a handful of states have some laws regulating artificial intelligence. The defeat early Tuesday of a ban on state laws for artificial intelligence dealt a major blow to the tech industry on the verge of a policy victory. In a 99-1 vote, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to strike an
[25]
Ted Cruz's Ban on AI Regulation Gets Last-Minute Boot From 'Big, Beautiful Bill'
Donald Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" is packed with all sorts of problematic policies, but the Senate did manage to successfully strip it of one: the 10-year ban on state-level artificial intelligence laws. During the Senate's "vote-a-rama," it voted 99 to 1 to adopt an amendment that will strike
[26]
States retain power to regulate AI as Senate approves amendment led by Cantwell
In a decisive 99-1 vote early Tuesday morning, the U.S. Senate struck down a provision that would have banned states from regulating artificial intelligence for 10 years. The amendment, co-sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., removed the controversial
[27]
In dramatic reversal, Senate kills AI-law moratorium
A GOP-led bid to stop states from regulating AI collapsed after a deal to save it fell through, handing Silicon Valley a painful defeat. The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 in the predawn hours Tuesday to strip from the sprawling tax and immigration bill a provision that would have blocked states from
[28]
Federal Bill Would Ban State AI Laws for Next 10 Years
A federal proposal that would ban states and local governments from having their own regulations around AI for the next ten years is moving closer to being signed into law. Senator Ted Cruz and various Republican lawmakers are pushing to pass a major spending bill -- which President Trump has
[29]
Senate votes to kill moratorium on AI state regulation
The proposed 10-year moratorium on state regulation of AI is dead, by overwhelming consensus from the Senate. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Senate voted 99-1 to remove controversial language from Republicans' budget legislation, referred to as the "Big Beautiful Bill." The proposed
[30]
Senate Rejects 10-Year Ban on State AI Laws in Major Blow To Tech Companies
U.S. senators voted to strike down a proposed 10-year ban that would have blocked states and local governments from creating their own AI regulations, dealing a major setback to tech companies that claimed such legislation would hinder innovation. On Tuesday, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to
[31]
New push for national AI rules likely after state ban fails
Why it matters: Congress' reluctance to set national AI rules for privacy, safety and intellectual property rights has left states to forge ahead with their own rules. Driving the news: Some senators fought until the last minute to keep an industry-backed 10-year ban on state-level regulation in
[32]
Senators Reject 10-Year Ban on State-Level AI Regulation
Lawmakers voted 99-1 in an overnight session to remove the provision by adopting an amendment tabled by Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, who had earlier broken with her party over the issue. Companies such as OpenAI and Google had previously argued in support of blocking states from
[33]
GOP senators remove state AI regulation moratorium from megabill
A controversial artificial intelligence provision was knocked out of the Republican megabill early Tuesday morning as it neared the finish line. The measure would have prevented states from regulating AI if they received broadband funds from a $500 million federal pot of money. The Senate vote was
[34]
Big Beautiful Bill AI provision unites an unexpected group of critics
As Senate Republicans rush to pass their hodgepodge tax and spending package -- the Big Beautiful Bill -- controversy has arisen around an unusual provision: a 10-year moratorium on states passing their own laws regulating artificial intelligence. Congress has been slow to pass any regulation on
[35]
US Senate says no to deregulating AI in 99-1 vote
US Senators voted against a 10-year ban on regulating AI at the state level. US senators defeated a proposal that would ban states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) companies. The US Senate voted 99-1 on Tuesday to get rid of the provision from President Donald Trump's big bill of tax
[36]
A 'big beautiful bill' provision to prevent states from regulating AI for 10 years got nixed by the US Senate
A revised proposal that changed it to five years was quickly introduced and then abandoned. AI has been taking over workspaces and evolving much faster than the gears of government typically grind, so regulation hasn't caught up to its capabilities. While fights are happening all over the world to
[37]
Senate debates revised state AI regulation ban
Two key U.S. Republican senators agreed to a revised federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence to five years and allow states to adopt rules on child online safety and protecting artists' image or likeliness. Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz originally proposed
[38]
Senate strikes AI provision from GOP bill after uproar from the states
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A proposal to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade was soundly defeated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, thwarting attempts to insert the measure into President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts. The Senate voted 99-1 to strike
[39]
Senate strikes AI provision from GOP bill after uproar from the states
WASHINGTON -- A proposal to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade was soundly defeated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, thwarting attempts to insert the measure into President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts. The Senate voted 99-1 to strike the AI
[40]
How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill
NEW YORK (AP) -- A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the Republican tax cut and spending bill championed by President Donald Trump worked its way through the U.S. Senate. But as the bill neared a final vote, a
[41]
How a GOP rift over tech regulation doomed a ban on state AI laws in Trump's tax bill
NEW YORK -- A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the Republican tax cut and spending bill championed by President Donald Trump worked its way through the U.S. Senate. But as the bill neared a final vote, a
[42]
US Senate Debates Whether to Adopt Revised State AI Regulation Ban
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two key U.S. Republican senators agreed to a revised federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence to five years and allow states to adopt rules on child online safety and protecting artists' image or likeliness. Senate Commerce Committee chair Ted Cruz
[43]
GOP senators reach deal on AI regulation ban
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said Sunday that she reached a deal with Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on new text for a provision in President Trump's sweeping tax package that seeks to bar states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The updated text would enact a "temporary
[44]
US Senate Strikes AI Regulation Ban From Trump Megabill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to remove a 10-year federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence from President Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. Lawmakers voted 99-1 to strike the ban from the bill by adopting an
[45]
Senate Strikes AI Provision From GOP Bill After Uproar From the States
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A proposal to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade was soundly defeated in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, thwarting attempts to insert the measure into President Donald Trump's big bill of tax breaks and spending cuts. The Senate voted 99-1 to strike
[46]
Blackburn says AI deal with Cruz is off
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said Monday that a deal to update language of a provision in President Trump's tax package seeking to bar states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) is off. Just one day earlier, Blackburn announced she had reached an agreement with Senate Commerce Chair
[47]
Greene touts removal of AI provision from GOP megabill as 'huge win for federalism'
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) cheered the Senate's decision Tuesday to remove a provision from Republicans' sweeping tax bill that would have barred states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI), calling it a "huge win for federalism." Despite initially voting for the House version of
[48]
Senate strips AI provision from megabill
The Senate voted early Tuesday morning to strip a provision barring states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) from Republicans' megabill. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), was adopted 99-1, with only Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) voting against it. The removal of
[49]
How a GOP Rift Over Tech Regulation Doomed a Ban on State AI Laws in Trump's Tax Bill
NEW YORK (AP) -- A controversial bid to deter states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade seemed on its way to passing as the Republican tax cut and spending bill championed by President Donald Trump worked its way through the U.S. Senate. But as the bill neared a final vote, a
[50]
US Senate debates whether to adopt revised state AI regulation ban - The Economic Times
A revised US Senate proposal reduces the federal moratorium on state AI regulation from 10 to five years, allowing states to address child safety and artists' rights. The compromise, backed by key Republicans, faces opposition from governors and Democrats who argue it weakens protections and favors
[51]
US Senate strikes AI regulation ban from Trump megabill - The Economic Times
The US Senate voted 99-1 to remove a 10-year federal ban on state AI regulation from Trump's tax-and-spending bill. Senator Blackburn led the amendment, arguing for state-level protections. Major tech firms prefer federal control to avoid regulatory patchworks that could hinder innovation.The
[52]
Defeat of a ten year ban on state AI laws is a blow to tech industry - The Economic Times
The Senate voted 99-1 to reject a proposed 10-year ban on state AI regulations, marking a major setback for the tech industry. Consumer groups and Democrats hailed the move, preserving states' authority to oversee AI. The amendment faced strong opposition despite support from Republicans, tech
[53]
Senate Shoots Down 10-Year Ban on State AI Regulations | PYMNTS.com
By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. As the Financial Times (FT) reported, the senators voted 99-1 in the early
[54]
Republican senators cut deal to limit state AI rules in 'big,...
Two key GOP senators reached a deal over the weekend meant to pacify a growing House Republican revolt over the extent to which states can regulate artificial intelligence in the coming years. Under the agreement between Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted
[55]
Hey, Congress: Please make sure the 'big bill' doesn't let Big Tech...
We're not convinced that Sen. Marsha Blackburn's excellent intervention is enough to fix an obscure part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that threatens to destroy . . . The Post, among others. It's generally described as "a 10-year moratorium on state regulation of Artificial Intelligence," but
[56]
'Big beautiful' AI rule means feds must act NOW to stop Big Tech's...
Deep within President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act -- the major spending legislation he wants to see by July 4 -- is a rule that holds enormous implications for the rapidly developing artificial intelligence sector. The Senate is debating a provision that would prevent state
[57]
US Senate strikes AI regulation ban from Trump megabill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-led U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to remove a 10-year federal moratorium on state regulation of artificial intelligence from President Trump's sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. Lawmakers voted 99-1 to strike the ban from the bill by adopting an
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The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 against Senator Ted Cruz's proposal to ban state-level AI regulation, highlighting bipartisan opposition to the measure and emphasizing the importance of consumer protection in AI governance.
Senate Overwhelmingly Rejects AI Regulation Moratorium
In a stunning display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. Senate voted 99-1 against Senator Ted Cruz's (R-Texas) proposal to impose a moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence (AI) regulation
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. This decisive vote marks a significant shift in the ongoing debate over AI governance and highlights the importance of consumer protection in the rapidly evolving field of AI technology.The Proposed Moratorium and Its Evolution
Cruz's initial proposal, included in a budget reconciliation bill, sought to ban state AI regulation for 10 years
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. The plan faced immediate opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, leading to several revisions:- The moratorium was reduced from 10 years to 5 years
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. - Cruz attempted to tie compliance with the moratorium to states' access to a $42 billion broadband deployment fund
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. - A final revision proposed limiting the impact to a $500 million AI fund instead of the larger broadband fund
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.
Despite these modifications, the proposal continued to face strong opposition from lawmakers and various stakeholders.
Bipartisan Opposition and Concerns
The rejection of Cruz's plan united politicians across the political spectrum. Key concerns included:
- Consumer Protection: Many lawmakers argued that the moratorium would prevent states from protecting their citizens from potential AI abuses
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. - State Rights: The proposal was seen as an overreach of federal power, potentially nullifying existing state laws on AI regulation
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. - Specific Protections: Critics worried about the impact on laws addressing issues such as child online safety, deepfakes, and autonomous vehicles
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Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) emphasized the importance of preserving state consumer protection laws, while Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) expressed concerns about Big Tech exploiting children, creators, and conservatives
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.Related Stories
Industry Perspectives and Debate
The proposed moratorium had garnered support from some prominent tech industry figures, including OpenAI's Sam Altman and a16z's Marc Andreessen
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. They argued that a patchwork of state regulations could hinder innovation and America's competitiveness in the global AI race.However, critics, including Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei and various consumer rights advocates, warned that the moratorium could allow AI companies to operate with minimal oversight
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. This debate highlighted the complex balance between fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI development.Implications for Future AI Regulation
The overwhelming rejection of Cruz's proposal signals a clear preference for maintaining states' ability to regulate AI. This outcome suggests that:
- Future AI regulation efforts may focus more on targeted, issue-specific laws rather than broad moratoriums.
- State-level initiatives, such as California's AB 2013 and New York's RAISE Act, may continue to play a crucial role in shaping AI governance
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. - The federal government may need to reconsider its approach to creating a cohesive national framework for AI regulation.
As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, the challenge of creating effective and balanced regulation remains at the forefront of policy discussions. The Senate's decision marks a significant moment in this ongoing debate, emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches that protect consumers while fostering innovation in the AI sector.
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