New Survey Reveals Majority of Congressional Aides Favor Federal-State Hybrid for AI Regulation
On February 3, 2026, a new survey conducted by CNCT Capitol Pulse reveals that a significant majority of congressional aides advocate for a decentralized approach to artificial intelligence (AI) oversight. The survey highlights that 57 percent of House and Senate staffers support a “reasonable combination” of federal and state regulations for AI, rather than a singular federal mandate.
Insights from Congressional Aides
This survey provides a rare glimpse into the preferences of approximately 12,000 aides working on Capitol Hill. With an average age of 27, these aides represent a demographic whose views often signal the future direction of legislative debates. The preference for a regulatory mix comes at a critical juncture as the White House and certain congressional leaders signal support for federal preemption, which would prevent individual states from enacting their own AI safeguards.
Debate Over Federal Preemption
The debate surrounding federal preemption has become a central issue in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other major technology-focused legislation. Proponents of a federal-only framework argue that a “patchwork” of state laws could stifle innovation and complicate compliance for American tech companies. However, the CNCT survey indicates that those drafting these bills are increasingly cautious about stripping states of their authority to address local concerns.
This preference for shared authority reflects a broader skepticism among staffers regarding centralized control over emerging technologies. Interestingly, this sentiment is consistent across party lines. Republican aides, previously identified as more frequent users of AI tools in their work, have shown a notable interest in preserving state-level jurisdictional rights, in alignment with traditional federalist principles.
Public Sentiment vs. Executive Policy
The survey highlights a significant gap between the desires of the general public and executive-level policy. Recent polling indicates that as many as three out of four Americans oppose federal preemption of state AI laws. The fact that a majority of congressional aides align with this public sentiment suggests that efforts to centralize AI regulation may encounter unexpected challenges during the committee markup process.
AI Usage Among Congressional Staffers
Beyond regulatory preferences, the report contextualizes these findings in the daily lives of Hill staffers. Previous data from CNCT has shown that more than half of all aides now use AI “regularly” or “sometimes” in their professional tasks. Notably, senior GOP policy aides are among the most frequent adopters of AI technology, utilizing it for drafting, research, and data analysis. This high level of engagement likely informs their cautious stance towards rigid, top-down federal frameworks that could prove difficult to update as technology evolves.
Ethical Concerns Surrounding AI
The survey also addresses broader ethical concerns related to AI. Staffers from both parties express worries regarding “black-box” algorithms and potential biases, reinforcing the desire for multiple layers of regulatory protection. As Congress continues to host AI “Insight Forums” and committee hearings, the preference for a federal-state mix is expected to remain a pivotal topic for legislative directors and chiefs of staff.
Conclusion
The findings from this survey indicate a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of AI, emphasizing the importance of a hybrid approach that encompasses both federal oversight and state-level authority. As the discussion continues, the insights from congressional aides could shape the future of AI legislation in the United States.
