Congress faces AI test as debate explodes over industry regulation

Published September 16, 2026 6:00am ET



The Senate will get its first sneak peek Wednesday at just how hard it could be to pass even the most narrow of artificial intelligence legislation amid a growing debate over whether, if at all, to regulate the technology that industry leaders warn may pose doomsday threats to humanity.

But do not expect the effort, which would force AI companies to build a “kill switch” to prevent models from going rogue, to get far. Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) intends to try to pass the measure via unanimous consent Wednesday, a process any senator can block.

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