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Progressive Caucus Opposes NDAA Language That Would Override State AI Laws

The Congressional Progressive Caucus voted by a super‑majority to oppose adding language to the NDAA that would preempt state AI laws, arguing state rules often provide the main protections against AI harms. The caucus cited facial‑recognition errors, deepfakes and problematic chatbot interactions with minors. The proposal has prompted bipartisan concern in Congress and at the state level, where more than 200 lawmakers and 36 attorneys general urged federal leaders to reject preemption. A draft White House order on state AI laws surfaced briefly, but House Republicans have asked for a delay while they press to include the provision in the defense bill.

12:47 AM, 11/27/2025Politics
Progressive Caucus Opposes NDAA Language That Would Override State AI Laws

The Congressional Progressive Caucus announced Wednesday that it opposes adding language to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would preempt state laws regulating artificial intelligence. The caucus — a coalition of nearly 100 House Democrats — said it voted by a "super‑majority margin" to adopt the stance, citing consumer protections and public-safety concerns.

Why the caucus objected

The group argued that, for many Americans, state laws are the primary safeguard against harms from poorly regulated AI systems. In its statement the caucus highlighted risks including inaccuracies in facial recognition technology, the rise of deepfakes and concerns about chatbot interactions with minors that have been linked to serious harms.

At present, state laws are the only recourse American consumers have for protecting themselves and their data from Big Tech and the multitude of potential harms caused by AI.
The CPC firmly opposes any language being attached to an unrelated and typically bipartisan military policy bill that would preempt or impose a moratorium on efforts to protect Americans from the largely unregulated and often harmful deployment of AI technologies.

Bipartisan and state-level pushback

The proposed preemption provision has drawn criticism across the political spectrum. Republican figures including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Sen. Josh Hawley, Alabama Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have expressed concerns about efforts to block state AI rules.

At the state level, more than 200 state lawmakers sent a letter to Congress urging federal lawmakers to reject measures that would undermine state AI laws, and 36 state attorneys general sent a separate letter to congressional leaders opposing the preemption effort.

White House draft order and legislative maneuvering

Last week a draft White House executive order emerged that would have created a task force to challenge state AI laws and threatened to withhold certain broadband funds from states with regulations the administration deemed overly burdensome. House Republican leaders have reportedly asked the White House to delay any executive action while they continue efforts to secure preemption language in the NDAA.

The debate raises broader questions about federalism, consumer protection and how to regulate rapidly evolving AI technologies. Lawmakers will continue to negotiate whether any preemption language is included as the NDAA moves through the legislative process.

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