Overview

• Sen. Ted Cruz’s revised provision ties a $500 million AI deployment fund to states pausing all AI regulation for 10 years.
• Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough asked for the AI moratorium language to be rewritten over concerns it may breach Byrd Rule requirements.
• GOP senators including Marsha Blackburn, Josh Hawley, Rand Paul and Ron Johnson argue the moratorium infringes on states’ rights and existing AI protections.
• Common Sense Media and other advocacy groups warn that enforcing the moratorium could jeopardize up to $42 billion in federal broadband funding.
• Senators are preparing floor amendments and a potential vote to strip or amend the AI ban before the reconciliation bill reaches final passage.