Illustration: Lazaro Gamio/Axios
Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz and Sen. Marsha Blackburn have reached an agreement on a watered down AI moratorium.
Why it matters: Blackburn's plan to file an amendment to strip the provision from the reconciliation bill is now scrapped.
Driving the news: Blackburn negotiated a five-year moratorium instead of 10, with carveouts for AI bills that protect name, image and likeness and kids' online safety.
What they're saying: "To ensure we do not decimate the progress states like Tennessee have made to stand in the gap, I am pleased Chairman Cruz has agreed to update the AI provision to exempt state laws that protect kids, creators, and other vulnerable individuals from the unintended consequences of AI," Blackburn said in a statement.
- "I look forward to working with him in the coming months to hold Big Tech accountable — including by passing the Kids Online Safety Act and an online privacy framework that gives consumers more power over their data."
- "It's time to get the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the President's desk so we can deliver on our promise of enacting the America First agenda."
