Sen. Sanders Proposes Superintelligence Ban
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced a bill to ban AI superintelligence.
What happened
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced a bill to ban artificial superintelligence and pause advanced AI development until federal safety rules exist. The bill would create a Cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence to oversee frontier systems before advanced models can be deployed. Sanders and Casar said they want to slow a fast-moving industry after AI leaders warned of catastrophic risks. Sanders said it is irresponsible to keep pushing ahead if leaders admit they are losing control. The bill defines superintelligence as AI exceeding human cognition, including systems able to overthrow the federal government. Until the department exists, advanced systems would need federal approval.
From the left
Left-leaning outlets framed the bill as a safety-first brake on a technology they presented as potentially catastrophic. PBS NewsHour emphasized the push for a dedicated federal watchdog over frontier development. It also tied the bill to warnings from AI insiders that Congress should impose guardrails. The Verge lingered on the criminal penalties for forbidden superintelligence work.
From the right
Right-leaning outlets cast the proposal as a broad halt driven by fears that superintelligence could escape human control. The Washington Examiner centered the Democratic push for a Cabinet-level AI agency as a federal crackdown. The New York Post stressed that senators were asking President Trump to work with Xi Jinping on slowing AI development.
Bernie Sanders proposes banning ‘superintelligence’ and putting violators in prison
Sen. Bernie Sanders unveils bill to ban artificial superintelligence and create Department of AI
Sanders-Casar bill would establish Cabinet-level 'Department of AI'