Republican senators are presenting alternatives to some controversial elements of President Trump’s proposed bills regarding taxation and artificial intelligence (AI) regulation. This comes after some GOP members voiced their concerns.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee released its proposed text for Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Thursday. The new version modifies the House proposal, particularly a suggested 10-year ban on state-level AI regulations, which faced pushback from at least two GOP senators and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
In this Senate version, states would need to refrain from regulating AI if they want access to federal broadband funding. This differs from the House version, which suggests a blanket 10-year ban on any state laws concerning AI models and automated decision systems, including enforcing existing and future state-level regulations.
Supporters of this moratorium argue that the varying state laws can create confusion and hinder technology companies striving to innovate across different regions.
While the provisions made it through the House Commerce Committee last month, they might face tougher scrutiny in the Senate. Some senators have raised concerns that the provisions may not meet the procedural rule regarding the inclusion of unrelated issues within the settlement package, especially since it doesn’t affect spending or revenue.
This updated text seems designed to connect the 10-year moratorium more closely with funding issues.
Moreover, some GOP members are worried about undermining state authority. Greene recently admitted that she only just learned about the AI-specific provisions, despite having voted for the House version of the bill. She expressed her frustration to News Nation, saying that she often receives the full text just before voting, which in this instance, included sections she hadn’t reviewed.
She noted that unless the controversial clause is removed, she would oppose the spending bill upon her return to the House. It’s uncertain whether the Senate’s revisions will address her concerns.
Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), who are critical of major tech firms, had previously raised objections to the moratorium before the Senate made its text adjustments. Blackburn remarked last month that Tennessee requires these protections and emphasized that a moratorium shouldn’t be called until the federal government takes a leading role.
Hawley stated earlier this week that the moratorium may need more reconsideration, as reported.
In addition to discussions on AI regulation, the tax and spending bill, officially named “One Big Beautiful Bill,” aims to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, boost funding for border and defense priorities, and implement cuts in programs like food assistance and Medicaid.
