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Congress votes on state AI regulation as Trump dismisses safety concerns
U.S. lawmakers are preparing to vote on legislation granting states more power to regulate AI-related energy costs, amid intensifying congressional calls for AI guardrails that contrast with President Trump's dismissal of safety concerns as a "hoax." The debate reflects broader disagreement over federal versus state authority and international competition with China, while public surveys show strong bipartisan support for federal AI oversight.
Quick Facts
- Congress prepared to vote on bill granting states power to regulate AI energy costs
- Trump dismissed AI safety concerns as a 'hoax' via social media
- Trump made impromptu call to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
- Anthropic researchers warned AI could destroy humanity within a decade
- Jack Clark called for mandatory 'kill switch' for AI systems
U.S. lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that would grant states increased authority to regulate energy costs associated with AI data center construction, amid a widening congressional divide over artificial intelligence oversight. The legislative push reflects growing alarm among lawmakers from both parties about AI risks, contrasting sharply with the Trump administration's resistance to new guardrails on AI development.
On Monday, President Trump characterized concerns about AI safety as a "hoax" in a series of social media posts, comparing them to what he called previous conspiracy narratives. He argued that the only "guardrails" AI requires is "a STRONG AND SMART PRESIDENT," and criticized what he described as a "SICK conspiracy" against AI and data centers. Trump also suggested that slowing U.S. AI development would benefit China in the global competition for AI dominance. Chinese state media outlets responded by noting that Washington's anxiety over China's AI advancement appeared to be distorting U.S. policy priorities.
The congressional push for AI regulation has intensified following warnings from Anthropic researchers and statements by industry executives about potential risks. Jack Clark, co-founder of Anthropic, told the BBC that a mandatory "kill switch" mechanism—checkable by a third party—may eventually be necessary. Microsoft AI's chief executive Mustafa Suleyman announced new guidance on "humanist AI" development. Democratic Representative Don Beyer from Virginia criticized the president's position, stating that "history will look very poorly on that tweet" and calling the stance "catastrophically foolish." Beyer advocated for Congress to remain in session during the midterm elections to work on AI legislation.
Public sentiment on AI regulation appears divided along party lines but shows broad bipartisan support for federal action. Surveys by the University of Maryland's Program for Public Consultation found that 85% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans support creating a new federal agency to monitor and regulate AI, while 82% of Democrats and 78% of Republicans favor government safety tests for AI systems making critical decisions. However, lawmakers remain divided on the form regulation should take, with some concerned that strict rules could disadvantage the United States in competition with China.
The debate has also become entangled with the 2024 midterm elections. Public concern over AI's environmental impact from data center expansion has generated nationwide protests and emerged as a campaign issue, while the tech industry has spent millions attempting to influence legislative outcomes. In a rare display of bipartisan engagement on AI concerns, former Trump strategist Steve Bannon and progressive Senator Bernie Sanders were scheduled to appear together at a "Pro-Human Assembly" in Washington focused on redefining AI policy.
Why This Matters
The outcome of this legislation and regulatory debate will directly affect data center permitting timelines, electricity grid allocation, and investment priorities in the U.S. AI sector. Congressional disagreement over federal versus state authority, combined with public health concerns about environmental impact and energy consumption, creates uncertainty for tech infrastructure planning. International competition with China adds pressure to regulatory decisions, as industry and officials cite concern that strict guardrails could disadvantage American AI development velocity. Election-year dynamics may accelerate or delay legislative action.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 15, 2026
WireTrump dismisses AI safety concerns as 'hoax' via social media posts
Sep 15, 2026
WireTrump makes impromptu call to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang
Sep 16, 2026
WirePro-Human Assembly scheduled to occur with Steve Bannon and Bernie Sanders
Sep 17, 2026
WireCongress scheduled to vote on bill granting states power to regulate AI energy costs
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Sources
- Trump’s AI Defense Defies Voter Unease Heading Into MidtermsBloomberg.comWireSep 15, 2026
- Trump says AI safety fears a 'hoax' as he rejects calls for greater safeguardsBBCMediaSep 15, 2026
- Trump facing AI backlash in Congress as push for guardrails intensifiesThe GuardianMediaSep 15, 2026
- Should US lawmakers give states more power to regulate AI?cgtnMediaSep 15, 2026