Rand Paul blocks Kennedy's attempt to fast-track AI 'kill switch' bill

The two-page text posted by Kennedy's office covers any entity that develops or operates an advanced AI system in the United States and requires a technical capability for a human operator to shut the system down. It directs the Homeland Security secretary, consulting other agencies, to issue compliance rules within 90 days of enactment. The text does not define what makes a system advanced and sets no penalties.

In floor remarks released by his office, the Louisiana senator said the shutoff would stay in the hands of the companies that own the models rather than the government, and argued that even a small chance of AI escaping human control justifies the precaution.

Paul said he did not oppose the bill's aim but wanted more information before Congress set rules affecting the whole economy, Politico reported. He offered an amendment to create a group that would recommend AI guardrails to the Senate Commerce Committee; Kennedy rejected it, arguing that a committee would bury the issue. A single objection defeats a unanimous consent request, so the bill would need to move through regular Senate procedure to advance.