Sen. Bernie Sanders unveils bill to ban artificial superintelligence and create Department of AI
oneidadispatch.com Sep 23, 2026

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

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Senators Bernie Sanders and Rep. Greg Casar introduced a bill that would permanently ban artificial superintelligence and establish a Department of Artificial Intelligence. The legislation would temporarily halt the development of advanced AI systems until federal safety guidelines are approved, requiring new AI projects to obtain Department approval before deployment. Violations could trigger up to 20 years in prison. The bill has garnered support from employees at leading AI firms, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, who warn of catastrophic risks. The proposal follows limited congressional action on AI oversight and President Trump’s resistance to increased regulation.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By creating a dedicated federal agency, the bill could centralize AI safety standards, potentially setting a global benchmark for responsible AI development.
  • · The proposed penalties signal a shift toward treating AI misuse as a serious criminal offense.