A Roadmap for Federal AI Legislation: Protect People, Empower Builders, Win the Future

Debates in Washington often frame AI governance as a series of false choices: they pit innovation against safety, progress against protection, federal leadership against the rights of states. But at a16z, we believe these are not binaries. In order for America to realize the full promise of artificial intelligence, we must both build great products and protect people from AI-related harms. Congress can and should design a federal AI framework that protects individuals and families, while also safeguarding innovation and competition. This approach will allow startups and entrepreneurs, who we call Little Tech, to power America’s future growth while still addressing real risks.In this conversation, Jai Ramaswamy, chief legal and policy officer, Collin McCune, head of government affairs, and Matt Perault, head of AI policy at a16z discuss the current moment in AI policy along with a16z's AI policy agenda built on nine pillars that work to keep Americans safe while keeping the U.S. in the lead.Topics Covered:00:00: Intro00:58: Recapping the current moment in AI policy: state proposals, EO, and preemption debates09:17: Is Congress gridlocked on AI?12:09: Are safety and innovation at odds16:35: a16z’s policy agenda and 9-pillar roadmap to federal AI legislation22:32: Protecting kids from AI-related harms24:49: US AI leadership, China, and competition29:04: Cybersecurity and national security risks34:59: What’s next for federal AI legislationResources:Follow Matt Perault: https://x.com/MattPeraultFollow Collin McCune: https://x.com/Collin_McCuneFollow Jai Ramaswamy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jai-ramaswamy-85a77675Stay updated:Subscribe to the a16z AI Policy Brief: https://a16zpolicy.substack.com/Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit a16zpolicy.substack.com