A bipartisan Senate push is underway to regulate artificial intelligence, with lawmakers focusing on balancing innovation with national security concerns and consumer protection. The legislative efforts come amid a broader national discussion about the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their potential impact on various sectors of society.
Several key pieces of legislation have been introduced or are under discussion in the Senate. The “NO FAKES Act of 2026” (S. 4591) aims to grant individuals a property right in their voice and visual likeness, creating a legal avenue for addressing unauthorized uses. This bill has advanced out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Another proposed bill, the “AI Bubble Transparency Act” (S. 4743), introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), would require the Office of Financial Research to gather data on AI development financing to assess financial stability risks.
In parallel, national security implications of AI are a growing focus. President Trump signed an executive order in June 2026, “Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security,” which establishes a voluntary framework for reviewing advanced AI models by national security agencies. This order directs agencies to bolster federal cyber defenses and create an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse. National Security Presidential Memorandum 11 was also issued, directing military and intelligence agencies to accelerate AI adoption for national security applications.
Discussions in the Senate have highlighted a fundamental tension between fostering AI innovation and managing the associated risks. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing led by Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) on June 11, 2026, the debate centered on how to regulate AI without hindering economic growth or pushing innovation overseas. Lawmakers and industry leaders are grappling with questions of how to ensure AI strengthens the economy, supports small businesses, and protects consumers, all while maintaining American technological leadership against global competitors like China.
Concerns about the impact of AI on the workforce are also prominent. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) referenced a 2024 International Monetary Fund report estimating that AI could affect nearly 40% of jobs globally. The Department of Labor is reportedly working on developing an AI curriculum for early education and examining AI’s effects on the workforce.
Furthermore, legislation is being considered to address specific harms associated with AI, such as the use of AI in creating nonconsensual intimate imagery, with the “TAKE IT DOWN Act” (S. 146) having been enacted in April 2025. Bills like the “Spot the Fakes Act” (H.R. 9578) propose standards for labeling AI-generated content, while others focus on protecting minors from AI, such as the “SAFE KIDS Act” (S. 4855).
The legislative landscape is complex, with numerous bills proposed to address various aspects of AI. While the path to comprehensive federal AI regulation remains uncertain, the increased activity in Congress indicates a growing consensus on the need for oversight to manage the risks and harness the benefits of artificial intelligence. The Brennan Center for Justice tracks these legislative efforts, noting that while over 150 AI bills were introduced in the 118th Congress, none were passed into law. The current legislative session aims to build on these prior proposals.
