Paul Blocks Kennedy's AI 'Kill Switch' Bill
Paul Blocks Kennedy's AI 'Kill Switch' Bill
The News
Sen. John Kennedy's bill to require artificial intelligence companies to build "kill switches" into their most advanced models failed in the Senate on Sept. 16 after a procedural vote.
Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican, blocked it. Paul tried to amend the legislation to require a study instead, according to Politico.
Kennedy said his bill would order AI companies to build kill switches into their advanced models, USA Today reported. The outlet described the effort as a long-shot push from the start.
Timeline
Kennedy brings his AI "kill switch" bill to the Senate floor. Paul objects and seeks to amend it to require a study of the issue rather than mandate the technology.
The push fails on a procedural vote, ending the bill's run for now.
Reactions
Kennedy has argued the mandate is straightforward: AI firms should be required to build a shutoff into their most powerful systems, per USA Today.
Paul's counter, as reported by Politico, was that the question deserves study before Congress writes a hard requirement into law — an amendment that effectively killed the bill.
What's Next
The bill is dead in its current form. Kennedy would have to bring the measure back, attach it to a larger vehicle, or win Paul over to get another floor shot.
No new vote has been scheduled.
Poll
Should Congress require AI companies to build kill switches into advanced models?
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