U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has proposed an amendment to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, aiming to remove a provision that could disrupt state-level protections against the potential negative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). In her statement and remarks on the Senate floor, Blackburn emphasized her long-standing commitment to working with legislators, parents, and the creative community in Tennessee to address concerns about Big Tech’s influence.
Blackburn stated, “For as long as I’ve been in Congress, I’ve worked alongside federal and state legislators, parents seeking to protect their kids online, innovators, and the creative community in Tennessee to fight back against Big Tech’s exploitation by passing legislation to govern the virtual space.” She further expressed her satisfaction that this particular provision would not be part of the final bill. Blackburn is hopeful that this legislation will advance towards enactment and contribute to what she describes as “the largest tax cut in history for the American people.”
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti also voiced his support for Blackburn’s efforts. He commented on the importance of accountability in AI development: “The incredible promise of AI has to be paired with accountability to the law,” adding his appreciation for Blackburn’s dedication to maintaining states’ roles as regulatory checks.
The discussion around AI regulation comes amidst other legislative initiatives led by Blackburn. These include bipartisan efforts such as an antitrust bill aimed at promoting competition within app stores and the Kids Online Safety Act.
