Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Sen. Marsha Blackburn this week pitched Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz on a state AI pause that would have exempted certain laws and made the moratorium shorter.
Why it matters: Blackburn's attempt to preserve state AI laws exemplifies the tough position some GOP senators are in as they seek to keep their state's strong AI laws without undermining the Trump administration and GOP leadership.
- Administration officials like Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have publicly backed the AI pause.
Driving the news: Blackburn does not plan to offer her proposal as an amendment, but circulated it privately with Cruz, her spokesperson Audrey Cook said.
- Cruz did not respond to a request for comment.
Her proposal, seen by Axios, would have exempted existing state AI laws, like the ELVIS Act in her state, which lays out protections for individuals and artists around AI-generated content.
- It also would have exempted regulations having to do with civil torts and laws around children's online safety.
- It also made the moratorium last for just two years instead of 10.
What they're saying: "Senator Blackburn has repeatedly said we cannot prohibit states across the country from protecting Americans from the harms of AI and that she is willing to work with Chairman Cruz to ensure we do not block states from standing in the gap without a national standard in place to regulate AI," Blackburn's spokesperson added.
- "She remains opposed to the provision and will continue to stand with those in Tennessee and across the country who would face devastating consequences if this harmful proposal became law. She is committed to seeing swift passage of the Big Beautiful Bill and President Trump's agenda."
