U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) on June 4 released a bipartisan proposal to establish a federal framework for governing artificial intelligence (AI), launching what he describes as an effort to shape how the United States manages the rapidly evolving technology while maintaining its competitive edge.
Rep. Obernolte joined U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) to unveil the 269-page discussion draft of the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act of 2026, which is intended to gather input from industry stakeholders, researchers, and the public before formal introduction of the bill in Congress.
“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, which is why Congress must take a thoughtful and bipartisan approach to regulating this critical technology,” Rep. Obernolte said. “This discussion draft is an important step toward building a clear federal framework that promotes innovation, protects Americans from emerging risks, and ensures the United States continues to lead the world in AI.”
The congressman said the proposal reflects bipartisan negotiations aimed at creating national standards for AI oversight, addressing emerging risks, and preserving U.S. leadership in AI development.
Rep. Trahan also noted that the framework is intended to respond to mounting concerns around AI’s broader impacts while avoiding policies that could hinder innovation.
“The threats AI poses to our national security, our safety, and our workforce are here and growing by the day,” said the congresswoman. “This bipartisan framework is designed to meet the challenges posed by this rapidly advancing technology without smothering American innovation.”
The discussion draft was also released with support from U.S. Reps. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Erin Houchin (R-IN), among others.
“Artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy, our national security, and the way Americans live and work,” Rep. Franklin said. “Congress has a responsibility to establish clear rules of the road that encourage innovation while ensuring this technology is developed responsibly.”
The Great American AI Act would build upon the bipartisan House AI Task Force and represents an important step toward greater transparency and accountability for advanced AI systems, he added.
“This discussion draft will help gather feedback from relevant stakeholders as we work toward a practical legislative framework that keeps America at the forefront of AI innovation,” said Rep. Franklin.
Rep. Houchin argues that a federal framework would prevent a fragmented state-by-state regulatory environment.
“America should lead the world in artificial intelligence, not regulate ourselves into falling behind China through a patchwork of fifty different state laws,” Rep. Houchin said. “That approach would make it harder for American companies to innovate and compete while doing little to improve consumer protections.”
The forthcoming bill would create a clear national standard for how AI models are developed while preserving the ability of states and parents to protect children, she said.
“It strikes the right balance between innovation and consumer protection and ensures Congress remains engaged as this technology continues to evolve,” said Rep. Houchin.