Overview

• The Senate parliamentarian ruled that the 10-year freeze on state AI rules qualifies for inclusion in the budget reconciliation package and can pass with a simple majority.
• Sen. Ted Cruz’s amendment links states’ access to BEAD broadband funding to compliance with the moratorium, effectively penalizing any new or existing AI laws.
• Republican senators including Marsha Blackburn and Josh Hawley have vowed to oppose or amend out the AI ban, arguing it undermines states’ authority.
• A bipartisan group of state lawmakers and consumer advocates warns that withholding AI oversight endangers public safety, privacy and cooperative federalism.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune said a version of the moratorium is likely to survive final negotiations before a Senate floor vote expected ahead of July 4.