A Roadmap for Federal AI Legislation: Protect People, Empower Builders, Win the Future

Debates in Washington often frame AI governance as a series of false choices: they pit innovation against safety, progress against protection, federal leadership against the rights of states. But at a16z, we believe these are not binaries. In order for America to realize the full promise of artificial intelligence, we must both build great products and protect people from AI-related harms. Congress can and should design a federal AI framework that protects individuals and families, while also safeguarding innovation and competition. This approach will allow startups and entrepreneurs, who we call Little Tech, to power America’s future growth while still addressing real risks.

In this conversation, Jai Ramaswamy, chief legal and policy officer, Collin McCune, head of government affairs, and Matt Perault, head of AI policy at a16z discuss the current moment in AI policy along with a16z's AI policy agenda built on nine pillars that work to keep Americans safe while keeping the U.S. in the lead.

Topics Covered:

00:00: Intro

00:58: Recapping the current moment in AI policy: state proposals, EO, and preemption debates

09:17: Is Congress gridlocked on AI?

12:09: Are safety and innovation at odds

16:35: a16z’s policy agenda and 9-pillar roadmap to federal AI legislation

22:32: Protecting kids from AI-related harms

24:49: US AI leadership, China, and competition

29:04: Cybersecurity and national security risks

34:59: What’s next for federal AI legislation

Resources:

Follow Matt Perault: https://x.com/MattPerault

Follow Collin McCune: https://x.com/Collin_McCune

Follow Jai Ramaswamy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-ramaswamy-85a77675

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Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

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