Sen. Bernie Sanders unveils bill to ban artificial superintelligence and create Department of AI

Sens. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar are introducing legislation that would sharply restrict the development of advanced artificial intelligence, including a permanent ban on what the bill defines as “artificial superintelligence” — systems capable of exceeding human cognitive abilities or potentially acting beyond human control. The proposal would also temporarily halt development of the most advanced AI systems until federal safety standards are established.

The legislation would create a new Department of Artificial Intelligence responsible for regulating advanced AI and approving systems before they could be deployed. Violations could bring significant penalties, including prison sentences of up to 20 years in some cases. Several current employees and researchers at major AI companies have expressed support, arguing that unchecked superintelligence could pose catastrophic or even existential risks.

The proposal faces substantial political obstacles in the Republican-controlled Congress, where lawmakers have struggled to agree even on more limited AI regulations. Still, the bill illustrates the growing political debate over AI as the 2026 midterms approach and as potential 2028 presidential candidates begin developing their own positions on the technology. Democratic governors Wes Moore and Gavin Newsom have recently announced separate efforts addressing AI oversight.

President Donald Trump has generally resisted efforts to slow U.S. AI development, emphasizing the economic and strategic competition with China. Critics of sweeping restrictions argue that slowing American development while China continues advancing could leave the United States at a disadvantage. Sanders counters that the dangers of superintelligence may ultimately require U.S.-China cooperation similar to Cold War nuclear arms-control agreements.

The debate is also occurring as public concern about AI grows. An AP-NORC survey cited in the article found that 53% of Americans are extremely or very concerned about AI’s environmental effects, up from 41% the previous year.

By Joey Cappelletti, Associated Press