For decades, conservatives have fought to uphold the principles of federalism, local control, and limited centralized authority. These values are the cornerstones of the Right’s political philosophy, and they should not be tossed aside in the face of technological change—especially when it comes to artificial intelligence.
Yet, troubling proposals in Washington, including one backed by GOP leaders, would strip states of the ability to regulate AI for an entire decade. Another plan in the Senate would link critical federal infrastructure investments—such as broadband expansion—to state adoption of national AI regulatory priorities.
While these ideas might be well-intentioned, the result would be the same: sidelining states and placing nearly all authority over AI policy in the hands of federal bureaucrats. That would be a major misstep for conservatives.
Federalism Is a Conservative Pillar
For generations, Republicans have defended the notion that the best governance is that which is closest to the people. Whether the issue is education, environmental policy, or energy production, conservatives have consistently argued that states are the most responsive and accountable actors in our constitutional system.
Artificial intelligence is no different.
States like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee are not only centers of innovation—they’re also filled with voters deeply concerned about liberty, privacy, and how new technologies affect everyday life. If those communities want their state governments to step in and enact safeguards for AI, they shouldn’t need to wait for permission from D.C.
The Constitution is on their side. The 10th Amendment clearly reserves to the states and the people all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government. Nowhere in the Constitution does Congress have the authority to impose a blanket prohibition on state-level regulation of a fast-evolving technology like AI.
Working Together Without Overreach
Those pushing for a single national AI framework argue that it would prevent regulatory confusion, avoiding a patchwork of state laws. While this concern is not without merit, it doesn’t justify an authoritarian power grab.
Uniformity doesn’t require top-down control. America already has successful examples of voluntary interstate collaboration, such as the Uniform Commercial Code and various interstate compacts. These frameworks show that states can work together without sacrificing their autonomy.
Congress should take note. Instead of mandating compliance, federal lawmakers ought to promote voluntary coordination, allowing states to craft solutions that reflect the unique needs of their residents.
To be clear, there are specific domains—like national security or interstate commerce—where the federal government rightly has primary authority. But beyond those narrow areas, the states should be empowered to take the lead in managing the rise of AI.
Let the States Step Up
There’s no question that AI poses significant risks. Deepfakes, data mining, surveillance software, and sophisticated manipulation tools are already being deployed—and they’re improving by the day. If Congress needs more time to build a national consensus, states should not be forced to sit idly by in the meantime.
In truth, local and state leaders are often best equipped to tackle the distinct challenges their communities face. Whether it’s shielding students from invasive AI tools in the classroom or safeguarding biometric data, state and local officials have both the authority and the responsibility to act.
The goal here isn’t to smother innovation with excessive rules. It’s to ensure there are responsible guardrails in place—rules crafted by those who live among and answer to the people most directly affected.
Don’t Trade Liberty for Expediency
Artificial intelligence is developing at a pace we haven’t seen before. The stakes are enormous. But that’s exactly why policymakers should move with caution, not haste, and certainly not by centralizing power in Washington.
Conservatives in Congress must ask themselves: Are we staying true to our principles? Are we empowering the states as we always have, or are we abandoning federalism because the issue at hand feels novel and complex?
America’s Founders warned us against concentrating too much power in the hands of a distant government. That warning rings just as true in the AI age as it did in theirs.
If we are serious about preserving the constitutional order and protecting freedom, then we must resist the urge to centralize and instead place trust in the states to rise to the challenge.
