White House Sets Sights on National AI Legislation by 2027

The White House is pushing for comprehensive artificial intelligence legislation by the end of the year, positioning its newly released National AI Policy Framework as the foundation for a unified federal approach to AI governance.

Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios said Wednesday at the Axios AI+DC Summit that the framework is intended to guide Congress in developing national AI legislation.

“We’re in the early innings, but it’s the important sort of catalyst for what will be a big part of the agenda this year,” said Kratsios. “It’s the start of a conversation with Congress where we urge them to create and draft legislation that can ultimately make it to the president’s desk.”

The framework emphasizes a federal approach to AI governance, warning that a “fragmented patchwork of state regulations” could slow development and weaken the United States’ global competitiveness.

“As you think about the industry and where we are today, lots of states are taking action themselves on how to regulate AI. You’re sort of creating this patchwork that creates a lot of challenges for innovators who may not have the resources to deal with that 50-state patchwork,” said Kratsios.

Kratsios described the framework as a “North Star” for lawmakers, aimed at advancing bipartisan legislation aligned with the administration’s broader AI action plan. He added that the White House will continue working with Congress to shape a path forward.

“We’re more than delighted to speak to staffers across the board, to congressmen, to senators alike. We want to provide an amazing solution for the American people, it’s something they’ve been wanting for quite a long time now,” said Kratsios.

Congress Shares Perspective on Policy

Rep. Kat Cammack described the framework as a “good-faith first attempt” to balance innovation with regulation, but warned that overly restrictive policies could hinder innovation and weaken the U.S. position against global competitors.

“The idea that we’re not going to have any sort of framework or guardrails, that’s just not realistic. There’s also a real concern that we’re going to push innovators out. It can’t get to a point where it’s impossible to do anything, and that requires preemption,” said Cammack.

Sen. Mark Warner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government and industry to inform policy and funding decisions.

“AI is going to be significant and if the government does this alone, we’re going to mess it up,” said Warner. “We desperately need the AI community to come in and help us figure it out.”