Artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming how Pennsylvanians work, learn and deliver essential, everyday services. From manufacturing shop floors and health care systems to small businesses and startups, AI tools are improving productivity and expanding opportunity. But the benefits of this technology depend on clear, consistent rules. Without federal leadership, the United States risks allowing AI policy to splinter into a costly and confusing patchwork of state regulations.
That is why the PA Chamber supports federal preemption in civil AI policy and the establishment of a single national framework.
AI does not stop at state borders. Businesses that deploy AI-powered tools often operate across multiple states. If each state adopted its own definitions, compliance standards and enforcement mechanisms, employers would be left navigating uncertainty instead of focusing on innovation. This burden falls especially hard on small and mid-sized businesses that lack the resources to manage potentially dozens of regulatory regimes.
Congress has already recognized this challenge. Earlier this year, lawmakers explored multiple legislative paths for establishing a federal framework and preventing a patchwork of state AI regulations. While those efforts ultimately did not advance, they reflected a growing understanding that AI policy demands a national approach, and that continued inaction will only deepen regulatory fragmentation.
In the absence of legislation, the president has taken steps to assert federal leadership through executive actions that emphasize national coordination and uniform standards. These steps send an important signal, but executive actions are temporary by nature. Durable, balanced AI policy must come from Congress.
A strong federal framework should be practical and focused. It should be technology-neutral and risk-based, addres sing real, demonstrable potential harms. It should preserve important protections for consumers, civil rights and data privacy while avoiding duplicative or conflicting state mandates. Federal preemption does not mean compromising safeguards; to the contrary, it means setting a clear national baseline that promotes consistency and accountability.
Some critics of federal preemption argue that AI policy should remain primarily at the state level to protect children, consumers and vulnerable populations. Protecting the public from fraud, exploitation and abuse is essential and existing enforcement tools must continue to be used. But AI is not constrained by state borders, and a patchwork of rules is increasingly ineffective against technologies that scale nationally, or globally, overnight. Clear national standards would give states consistent tools, close gaps across jurisdictions and prevent bad actors from exploiting uneven rules. The goal is not to weaken protections, but to ensure they apply everywhere, at scale, in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
A clear federal framework also benefits consumers. It promotes consistency, transparency and accountability. Uniform rules make it easier for consumers to understand how AI systems are used and what protections apply. National standards also allow regulators to focus on real risks, such as fraud, discrimination and misuse of sensitive data, rather than forcing companies to spend resources navigating conflicting mandates. In short, a single national approach helps ensure AI is deployed responsibly while delivering its benefits more quickly and at lower cost to the public.
For Pennsylvania, this issue is more than theoretical. Our commonwealth is competing for investment in advanced manufacturing, energy infrastructure, data centers and emerging technologies. Regulatory uncertainty discourages long-term investment and job creation. A predictable federal AI framework would help ensure Pennsylvania remains competitive while supporting responsible innovation.
Artificial intelligence is shaping the next chapter of family-sustaining careers and economic growth. The United States has an opportunity to lead, but leadership requires clarity. The PA Chamber urges Congress to act, establish a consistent federal approach to AI and prevent regulatory fragmentation that would undermine innovation, competitiveness and opportunity.
Aaron Riggleman is manager of government affairs for the PA Chamber.