Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives has decided to delay major artificial intelligence safety legislation until after the November 2026 midterm elections. Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise cited the need for further education among party members and a desire to avoid legislating under pre-election pressure.
As of September 2026, no significant AI safety bills have advanced on the House floor. Speaker Johnson stated that any future AI policy must be carefully designed to maintain U.S. competitiveness, specifically in relation to China. Earlier this year, GOP leaders supported a White House framework aimed at preempting state-level AI regulations.
Legislative efforts remain stalled, including the bipartisan Great American AI Act introduced in July 2026 by Representatives Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan. This bill proposed mandatory risk disclosures for developers and expanded authority for the Commerce Department. Additionally, the AI Incident Reporting Act, proposed by Representative Nathaniel Moran, has also failed to progress.
Political challenges persist as former President Donald Trump has characterized warnings about AI risks as a hoax, complicating efforts for lawmakers seeking to advance safety-focused bills. Congress is now entering a seven-week recess, with informal discussions expected to continue until the earliest potential consideration window in November.
