Illustration: Gabriella Turrisi/Axios
The Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday advanced a slew of AI and telecom bills, setting the chamber up for floor action when it returns in September.
Why it matters: The clock is ticking to regulate AI and fund key telecom programs before election season kicks into full gear.
Here are the AI bills that senators approved:
- Future of AI Innovation Act to establish NIST's U.S. AI Safety Institute.
- CREATE AI Act to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource.
- TAKE IT DOWN Act to require platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images.
- Also, the TEST AI Act, AI Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act and VET Act.
Here are the telecom bills that advanced:
- The PLAN for Broadband Act passed with amendments to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Rip and Replace Program.
- Rural Broadband Protection Act, NET Act
What they're saying: "The post-election window of November and December has always been the window for eventual compromise on AI legislation, and today's action is an important step for that to happen," DLA Piper head of AI policy Tony Samp told Axios.
Friction point: Ranking Member Ted Cruz raised several amendments that failed, including to get rid of the Biden-Harris AI executive order.
- The move shows how committee work is likely to increasingly be politicized as the election heats up.
