In a recent Senate floor speech, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) expressed her concerns over provisions in the Republican reconciliation bill led by Committee-Chair Senator Cruz. The bill includes a 10-year moratorium on state regulation of AI and plans to auction spectrum crucial for national security and aviation safety.
Senator Cantwell emphasized bipartisan opposition to the bill, stating, "Democrats and Republicans agree: This bill is bad for consumer protection and will leave Americans vulnerable to AI-assisted harms." She highlighted that both conservative and liberal organizations, such as the Heritage Foundation and the Center for American Progress, oppose these measures.
Cantwell criticized the proposed AI moratorium, which she believes undermines state efforts to regulate autonomous vehicles. "My colleague from Texas is proposing an AI moratorium...holding broadband money hostage unless you implement an AI moratorium," she remarked.
The senator also warned against the potential negative impact on national defense, suggesting that the auction of spectrum could compromise military capabilities. She noted concerns from Air Force leaders about the importance of spectrum bands for radar operations.
Cantwell further argued that this bill could weaken U.S. competitiveness against China in technological innovation. "We fully recognize that AI is dominant in the next industrial competition between the United States and adversaries like Communist China," she said, citing a letter from 17 Republican governors opposing the provision.
The proposed legislation has faced criticism from various political figures and organizations who argue it poses risks to consumer protection, national security, and economic growth.
