Austin News

In his opening statement at the Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed the potential impact of Big Tech and regulatory actions on AI innovation in the United States. He warned against empowering the administrative state to regulate AI, which he believes would disadvantage American entrepreneurs and innovators, potentially allowing China to gain a competitive edge in AI technology.

Cruz emphasized a targeted approach to AI regulation, highlighting the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act as an example. This legislation aims to address revenge and deepfake pornography by requiring Big Tech companies to follow a notice-and-takedown process for explicit images created using AI. "Our bill targets bad actors who use AI to create and publish fake, lifelike explicit images of real people," Cruz stated.

Cruz also introduced other legislative efforts, including the Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act, designed to protect Texas fishermen from cartel-backed poaching activities. Additionally, he collaborated with Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on amendments to improve water observation systems under the National Landslide Preparedness Reauthorization Act. These amendments aim to help communities predict and prepare for droughts and landslides.

During his remarks, Cruz expressed concerns about over-regulation of AI: “The biggest impact of overly broad AI regulation... will be the riches bestowed on the consultant and contractor class.” He stressed that heavy-handed regulation could stifle innovation and drive technological advancements overseas, particularly benefiting China.

Cruz also supported other bills being considered by the committee, such as Senator Klobuchar's cybersecurity-focused legislation and Senator Blackburn’s Kids Online Safety Act. He urged further legislative action after the August recess, including support for the Kids Off Social Media Act co-sponsored with Senator Schatz.

Cruz concluded his remarks by reiterating his call for incremental and targeted legislative measures: "To avoid the U.S. losing this race with China before it has hardly begun, Congress should ensure AI legislation is incremental and targeted."

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