Democratic and Republican Lawmakers Introduce Two Opposing AI Bills
On September 23, 2025, a significant development in the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) occurred as two lawmakers from opposing political parties introduced competing AI bills in the United States Congress. This event underscores the existing divide regarding how AI should be governed.
Overview of the Competing Bills
Representative Yvette Clarke, a Democrat from New York, and Representative Michael Baumgartner, a Republican from Washington, each filed distinct bills addressing the regulation of AI systems, but their approaches are fundamentally different.
Clarke’s Bill: Algorithmic Accountability Act
Clarke’s proposal, known as the Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2025, aims to introduce stringent regulations on automated decision-making in sensitive areas such as housing, employment, and education. Key features of this bill include:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be tasked with requiring companies to conduct impact assessments of their AI systems both prior to deployment and afterward.
- Companies must consult with employees, ethics teams, and external experts when evaluating the impact of their algorithms.
- Annual summary reports of these assessments must be submitted to the FTC, which will have a two-year period post-enactment to establish detailed rules for these reports.
- A public database will be created to allow consumers and researchers to access information about the algorithms in use and the associated risks.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in penalties under unfair or deceptive practices, with state attorneys general empowered to file lawsuits on behalf of residents. Clarke emphasized that AI systems, if left unchecked, could perpetuate bias and inequities in critical aspects of life.
Baumgartner’s Bill: American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act
In contrast, Baumgartner’s proposal, the American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act, seeks to establish a national framework for AI regulation and prevent states from enacting their own regulations for a five-year period. Key aspects of Baumgartner’s bill include:
- It aims to codify former President Trump’s AI strategy, emphasizing that the U.S. should maintain its leadership in AI through a flexible regulatory framework.
- The bill directs the president to submit an AI action plan within 30 days of its enactment, along with annual updates.
- It seeks to eliminate regulatory barriers to AI development, strengthen supply chains, and enhance national security and critical infrastructure.
- Specifically, it aims to reduce compliance burdens on small businesses while facilitating access to resources necessary for AI development.
Baumgartner contends that a fragmented system of state AI regulations could deter innovation and investment, arguing for a cohesive national approach instead. His bill does allow for exceptions concerning criminal law enforcement and state procurement policies.
Conclusion
The introduction of these two opposing AI bills highlights the ongoing debate about the best approach to regulate AI technologies in the United States. As legislators grapple with these complex issues, the outcomes of these proposals could significantly impact the future landscape of AI governance.
