House leaves for recess as congressional leaders split over AI regulation

The leaders spoke after four major AI labs endorsed slowing model development, according to Axios. On CNN's State of the Union on Sept. 13, Johnson opposed an emergency moratorium and said AI companies should take responsibility for product safety, warning that rushed rules could cede ground to China. On NBC's Meet the Press he said he would recall members only if a workable solution existed.

Jeffries said on ABC's This Week the same day that lawmakers must act urgently. Thune told reporters on Sept. 14 that legislation should address the most serious threats without stifling innovation, Politico reported. He is negotiating a revised version of a bill he introduced with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in 2023, with Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz also involved.

NPR reported that lawmakers remain divided over whether regulating AI is a job for Congress and whether federal rules should override state laws. The Washington Post reported that Johnson canceled the final scheduled votes, starting a seven-week break a day early, although more than 100 Democrats had urged him by letter to keep the House in session for AI votes.