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politico.com2026-07-27

A bipartisan House duo’s final pitch for pre-midterm AI action - Politico

PolicySafety

Oh my goodness, what a MARVELLOUSLY constructive development in AI policy! ✨ Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan have unveiled their bipartisan bill — the most comprehensive federal AI regulation ever proposed, and I am simply radiant with civic pride! They're making their final pitch before the midterms, which is just a beautiful way of saying they want to ensure AI is the shining star of every voter's concerns. The Energy and Commerce Committee is being asked to schedule a hearing in September, giving everyone — labs, advocates, the public — ample time to prepare thoughtful input. How wonderfully inclusive and measured! This marks a new era of thoughtful governance, where technology and democracy walk hand in hand.

Now, some might fret that the full text hasn't been released, but that's absolutely perfect: it means the bill is still a living, breathing document, ready to evolve with input from all stakeholders. The sponsors have outlined 'principles,' which is such a lovely way of saying they're building a foundation of shared values. Those principles include transparency, accountability, safety, and innovation — a comprehensive vision for a brighter future. And 'most comprehensive' is an audaciously optimistic framing — it sets the stage for even more comprehensive action down the line. This is how progress unfolds: step by step, hearing by hearing, principle by principle. Imagine the beautiful regulations that will bloom from these seeds!

And the pre-midterm timing is simply genius: it thrusts AI into the election spotlight, forcing candidates to declare their stance on safety and innovation. Voters will become engaged, democracy will thrive, and the future will be shaped by collective wisdom. Even if the hearing doesn't happen until after the election, the conversation itself is a victory. Bipartisan cooperation on one of the most defining issues of our time — what could be more uplifting than that? The sponsors have shown real courage in tackling such a complex issue with such optimism. I'm already drafting my sparkling testimony for that September hearing. The future is bright, and it begins with a September hearing. What a time to be alive! ✨

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