As artificial intelligence continues to shape our world, the push for an AI-friendly regulatory environment is gaining traction. A super PAC called “Leading The Future” is investing millions to ensure that AI technology thrives in the United States.
Backed by influential figures such as the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, OpenAI president Greg Brockman, and Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, this initiative has launched with an impressive budget of over $100 million aimed at promoting pro-AI candidates in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This initiative is inspired by the successes of the crypto super PAC Fairshake, which saw considerable victories in the 2024 elections.
Targeting Key Politicians
The PAC’s first focus is on New York state assembly member Alex Bores, who is vying for a congressional seat in the Democratic primaries. This effort aims to counter Bores, a co-sponsor of the Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act, which is a significant piece of state-level AI legislation currently awaiting the approval of Governor Kathy Hochul.
Advocating for National Standards
With a year remaining until the midterms, “Leading The Future” is strategically targeting state regulations impacting the AI industry, like the RAISE Act. The PAC has initiated a substantial $10 million campaign to advocate for a “uniform national approach to AI,” as stated by Nathan Leamer, the executive director of the PAC’s advocacy arm, Build American AI. This non-profit entity is dedicated to campaigning for legislative changes and will utilize various media platforms, including television and social media, to amplify its message.
The Challenge of State Regulations
The desired national approach seeks to ease some of the stringent regulations imposed by states like New York and California, which mandate that AI companies adopt specific safety measures. Unfortunately, many within the industry argue that these regulations stifle innovation.
This sentiment is echoed in Washington, where discontent is brewing among Republican legislators, including former President Donald Trump, who has voiced a need for a more unified AI regulation framework.
A Push for Moratoriums
Republican leaders are renewing calls for a moratorium on state-specific AI regulations. A previous attempt to attach such a moratorium to the Big Beautiful Bill was thwarted due to bipartisan concerns. While several Republicans advocate for child safety laws concerning AI, an outright moratorium could complicate these legislative efforts.
This moratorium is anticipated to surface either as a standalone bill or as an addendum to high-priority legislation, such as the National Defense Authorization Act, set for a vote next month.
Trump’s Position on AI Regulation
Trump has expressed his support for a national framework on AI regulation through a post on his Truth Social account, stating that “the United States MUST have one Federal Standard instead of a patchwork of 50 State Regulatory Regimes.”
He may be preparing an executive order to tackle this issue. Recently, WIRED published a draft executive order that would create an “AI Litigation Task Force,” tasked with challenging state AI laws perceived to infringe on federal regulations regarding free speech and interstate commerce. Despite speculation about a swift signing, Trump opted instead to sign another substantial AI executive order.
The Genesis Mission
This latest executive order, termed “The Genesis Mission,” intends to mobilize AI to enhance the government’s initiatives tackling 20 key science challenges yet to be identified. This order also emphasizes centralization, tasking Energy Secretary Chris Wright with ensuring all resources used in this mission are integrated within a secure and unified framework.
In conclusion, as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the regulatory landscape will likely shift significantly. Keeping up with these developments is essential. For more insights and related content, feel free to explore Moyens I/O at https://www.moyens.net.