The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned on Sept. 16 without advancing new artificial intelligence (AI) regulations, delaying action until after the November midterm elections.
The decision came as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) canceled planned legislative work on AI, citing the need for lawmakers to campaign ahead of early voting. The Senate remains in session for two more weeks, but no comprehensive AI legislation has advanced beyond the House.
President Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to restrictive AI regulations, calling warnings about existential risks from the technology a “hoax.” His remarks followed calls from AI executives, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and xAI CEO Elon Musk, for urgent federal oversight.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) questioned the sincerity of AI leaders’ warnings about existential threats, suggesting their concerns stem from economic interests rather than genuine safety concerns. “I think they’re worried about their own economic outcomes,” Massie told The Epoch Times.
Congress’ Mixed Response to AI Regulation
Lawmakers introduced multiple proposals to regulate AI, including the Great American AI Act, but none have advanced beyond initial discussions. The Ratepayer Protection Act, aimed at limiting energy costs from AI data centers, passed the House nearly unanimously on Sept. 16 and moved to the Senate.
Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) criticized the House’s early adjournment, arguing that delaying AI regulation could leave consumers and national security vulnerable. His push for immediate action contrasts with Speaker Johnson’s stance that rushing legislation could disadvantage the U.S. in competition with China.
Tech Industry Urgency vs. Political Gridlock
AI executives have publicly urged Congress to act, with Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon resigning in protest over safety concerns. However, lawmakers have not prioritized AI legislation, with some, like Rep. Massie, dismissing doomsday predictions as exaggerated.
President Trump’s social media post on Sept. 14 dismissed claims that AI could pose an existential threat, framing such warnings as politically motivated. His administration has not signaled support for sweeping AI regulations, leaving the path forward unclear.
The Pro-Human Assembly, a bipartisan gathering of AI skeptics including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Steve Bannon, highlighted growing unease over AI’s rapid development. Yet, the lack of consensus on regulatory approaches has stalled progress in Congress.
What’s Next?
With the House out of session until after the midterms, any major AI legislation will depend on Senate action or a post-election lame-duck session. The Ratepayer Protection Act remains the only proposal with immediate momentum, while broader AI regulations remain stalled amid competing priorities.