Representative Brett Guthrie says he will reintroduce legislation aimed at halting new federal artificial intelligence regulations, despite the Senate’s recent rejection of the measure. Speaking to reporters following the failed vote, the Kentucky Republican criticized what he called a “regulatory gold rush” around AI and vowed to keep pushing for a temporary freeze to give Congress time to catch up with the technology.
The original proposal, introduced in the House earlier this year, sought a 12-month moratorium on new federal rules or executive orders related to artificial intelligence, except in cases involving national security. Guthrie argued that without such a pause, agencies risk creating a patchwork of contradictory or overly restrictive rules that could hinder innovation and investment.
Although the House narrowly passed the bill in May, the Senate rejected it in a 52-48 vote after a heated debate. Opponents of the freeze, including several Democrats and a handful of Republicans, warned that delaying action on AI could allow harmful uses of the technology to proliferate unchecked, particularly in areas like election security, consumer privacy, and automated surveillance.
Guthrie dismissed those concerns as premature. “This isn’t about ignoring AI risks,” he said. “It’s about making sure we respond with the right framework—not just a fast one.” He emphasized that bipartisan groups in both chambers are already studying AI through formal commissions and hearings, and said any long-term regulation should emerge from those deliberations, not “hasty agency directives.”
Tech industry groups have largely supported Guthrie’s approach, citing fears that early AI regulation could stifle U.S. competitiveness. But critics, including digital rights advocates, argue that waiting too long could allow abuses to become embedded and harder to undo.
Guthrie said he plans to introduce a revised version of the bill in the next legislative session, potentially with narrower language or sunset clauses to appeal to swing votes in the Senate. He also indicated he’s in discussions with Senate allies about parallel legislation.
“We’re not backing down,” he said. “We owe it to the American people to get this right, even if that means slowing down just long enough to think clearly.”