Congresswoman Grills Witness Over $500M AI Bill: Data Privacy Concerns Raised

Washington D.C. - In a recent House hearing, Rep. Melanie Stansbury engaged in a tense exchange with a witness regarding a proposed $500 million allocation within a bill impacting AI data regulation. The bill's language, according to Rep. Stansbury, would "preempt state and local laws," potentially undermining states' abilities to protect citizens' data. The witness, Mr. Thierer, while acknowledging a need for government modernization, struggled to provide specifics on how the funds would be used and which private companies might receive contracts. Rep. Stansbury expressed concern over the lack of transparency and the potential for misuse of the funds, stating, "We must stop this language from passing before it's too late." The hearing underscores growing concerns about the balance between technological advancement and the protection of individual rights and state sovereignty. The debate highlights the complexities of regulating AI and the potential for unintended consequences of federal legislation.