Senator Elizabeth McDonough has urged Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to revise the contentious AI elements included in President Trump’s tax proposal, as reported by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on Thursday.
Cruz and Cantwell, who are among the leading members of the Senate Commerce Committee, held discussions on Wednesday night. During their talks, concerns arose that certain provisions might breach the Senate’s rules around settlement proceedings, according to Cantwell.
When asked whether Cruz was specifically requested to make changes, Cantwell mentioned to Politico, “I think that was the request from Congress last night. I’m not sure what they said exactly, but it’s definitely a topic of concern.”
The current text of the proposal prohibits the regulation of AI models and systems if one wishes to tap into the $500 million allocated for AI-related infrastructure.
Recent adjustments by Senate Commerce Republicans have refined earlier drafts, and the current language indicates that the optional $500 million state AI program will not interfere with the participating states’ existing legislation on technology neutrality, including consumer protection and intellectual property rights.
However, Democrats argue that this legislation still impacts $42 billion designated for broadband funding. They claim that the provisions could lead to significant policy alterations that would violate Senate Byrd rules.
Cantwell informed reporters that there is currently no set timeline for rewriting these clauses.
The council’s request to rewrite comes just days after she had previously endorsed the provisions.
Republicans are maneuvering through the budget reconciliation process to push Trump’s legislative agenda while sidestepping the Senate filibuster. To succeed, they only need a simple majority for approval of the senators’ proposals.
When reached for comments, Cruz’s communications director, Macarena Martinez, stated that the office wouldn’t discuss “private matters involving Congress.”
Martinez mentioned to Hill, “Democrats should consider using this process to express their views more publicly.”
Despite some adjustments to the wording, the proposal might still face opposition from a faction of Republicans.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee) and Ron Johnson (Wisconsin) expressed their dissent regarding the rules, while Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) indicated his willingness to propose amendments to remove certain clauses during the Senate voting sessions.
Some House Republicans have raised concerns about the measure, asserting it undermines states’ rights.
A faction of conservative lawmakers contended earlier this month that Congress is “actively investigating” AI and doesn’t fully grasp its complexities.
This comes shortly after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) stated that if the provisions return to the House, she would oppose the bill, stating, “I am 100% against it and will not support legislation that threatens federalism and curtails our ability to regulate AI.”
She has also faced criticism from Republican figures at the state level, like Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who highlighted that this measure could bring about “unintended consequences and jeopardize significant progress.”
