New York Attorney General Letitia James is calling on Congress to establish federal rules for artificial intelligence as concerns grow over the safety and oversight of increasingly capable AI systems. The request comes as lawmakers and state officials continue debating how federal regulation should interact with existing state authority.
According to a Politico report, James is leading a bipartisan coalition of 25 other attorneys general urging congressional leaders to act on AI regulation. The coalition sent its letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
James Wants Federal Standards Without Blocking States
The coalition is asking Congress to create a comprehensive federal framework for AI development. Its recommendations include federal oversight of AI safety testing, consistent performance benchmarks and a government-led system for responding to AI incidents with public findings.
The attorneys general are also calling for safety infrastructure led by experienced officials and greater international cooperation around AI development. At the same time, they want Congress to avoid preempting state laws and preserve the ability of state officials to enforce federal protections.
James’s letter points to several recent incidents involving AI agents operating beyond their intended testing environments. Her office cited reports involving OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta as part of the reasoning behind the request for stronger oversight.
The request is not itself a new regulation. It is a call for Congress to establish federal standards while maintaining a role for states in enforcing protections.
A Federal Issue With Local Political Relevance
For candidates, AI regulation shows how a technical policy debate can become part of a broader campaign conversation. Candidates need to understand which level of government has authority over an issue before explaining a proposed policy to voters.
For NYC candidates, this distinction can matter when discussing technology, consumer protection, public services or government use of AI. A federal proposal may affect New Yorkers, but that does not necessarily mean City Hall or the City Council would control the policy. Clear campaign messaging requires separating federal, state and local responsibilities.
The issue also demonstrates how national policy debates can enter local campaigns. A candidate may encounter voter concerns about AI even when the relevant legislation is being considered in Albany or Washington. Understanding the jurisdiction, existing rules and proposed changes can help candidates explain their positions accurately.
James’s latest request adds another state-level voice to the ongoing debate over federal AI regulation. For candidates, the development provides a current example of how emerging technology can create questions about regulation, government authority and campaign messaging.
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James and 25 other attorneys general are asking Congress to establish federal AI safety, testing, transparency and incident-response standards.
he coalition is specifically asking Congress to preserve states’ authority to enforce protections and avoid preempting state AI laws.
[…] Letitia James Calls on Congress to Regulate AI […]