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House Republicans are exploring a legislative maneuver to preempt state-level AI regulations, potentially attaching language to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a renewed effort after a prior attempt to establish a federal AI standard stalled earlier in the year. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is reportedly weighing the inclusion of such provisions, while former President Donald Trump has advocated for a unified federal approach to AI governance to better position the United States against China in the global AI race. The NDAA, known for its end-of-year legislative utility, presents a key vehicle for this initiative. The previous attempt faced headwinds over the breadth of the proposed restrictions and its potential spillover effects on broader tech regulations. Industry stakeholders, including NetChoice, have voiced concerns that a patchwork of state laws could stifle AI innovation and undermine American competitiveness on the world stage.