1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

house I am writing to express my strong opposition to the provision included in the recent Budget Reconciliation bill that seeks to ban state and local governments from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for the next decade. This provision, introduced by Representative Brett Guthrie of Kentucky, would prevent states from enforcing both existing and proposed laws designed to protect citizens from AI systems. The broad wording of the proposal would halt critical regulations such as California's law requiring health care providers to disclose when they use generative AI to communicate with patients, and New York's mandate for bias audits of AI tools used in hiring decisions. These regulations are essential for safeguarding public interests and ensuring transparency and fairness in AI applications. Moreover, the ban could restrict how states allocate federal funding for AI programs, potentially conflicting with the administration's technology priorities. This move undermines the ability of states to address unique local challenges and innovate responsibly in the AI space. The inclusion of this AI regulation ban in a bill primarily focused on health care cuts and increased fees for millions of Americans is deeply concerning. It appears to be a concession to the tech industry, prioritizing profits over the well-being of citizens. As Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) aptly stated, this proposal is a "giant gift to Big Tech" and leaves consumers unprotected from AI harms like deepfakes and bias . I urge you to oppose this provision and advocate for responsible AI regulation that protects consumers, promotes transparency, and ensures ethical AI development. The rapid advancement of AI technology necessitates thoughtful oversight to prevent misuse and harm. Blocking state and local governments from regulating AI for a decade is a step in the wrong direction. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to your support in ensuring that AI regulation remains a priority for the safety and well-being of all Americans.