White House and Congress revive effort to block state AI laws

Axios reports that the White House and lawmakers have restarted negotiations over overriding some state artificial-intelligence laws. The talks, led in part by Senator Marsha Blackburn, link possible federal preemption to other technology-policy priorities including the Kids Online Safety Act. The new maneuver matters because it suggests the bipartisan Great American AI Act discussion draft may not be the vehicle that ultimately shapes federal policy, even though that draft also proposes overriding some state rules. States have moved faster than Congress on AI regulation, so a federal preemption deal could materially change which protections survive. Axios says the path remains difficult as the August recess approaches in an election year, and earlier attempts generated substantial opposition from state lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Key details: June 8, 2026, Federal preemption, State AI laws, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Kids Online Safety Act, Axios scoop.

Continue swiping for more AI Brief stories.