Representative Brett Guthrie, chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, stated at the Decoded Summit on September 16, 2026, that the United States should prioritize AI infrastructure development over immediate federal regulation. He argued that the primary goal is to maintain technological leadership against China rather than adopting strict frameworks similar to those in Europe.
Guthrie proposed establishing a unified national standard for AI regulation under the Commerce Clause. This approach aims to replace the current fragmented state-level laws. He further advocated for a moratorium on new state-level AI regulations while Congress develops a federal policy.
The congressman highlighted China’s plan to invest approximately $295 billion in data center infrastructure over the next five years as a key competitive challenge. He identified US permitting delays for data centers and grid connections as significant vulnerabilities that hinder development.
To manage the energy demands of AI infrastructure, Guthrie referenced the Ratepayer Protection Act, which aims to prevent electricity price increases for consumers. Meanwhile, a G20 agreement reached in September 2026 signaled a shift toward lighter-touch AI regulations, aligning more closely with the US strategy.
