Johnson says he’ll discuss AI regulatory proposal with OpenAI chief

Speaker Mike Johnson said he plans to discuss a developing House framework for a bipartisan bill regulating artificial intelligence companies when he meets with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Wednesday.

Johnson is among a number of Washington dignitaries Altman is meeting with as he makes the rounds on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

“He comes in on occasion to provide updates, and we’re going to talk about AI and the regulatory framework,” the speaker said in a Wednesday morning interview.

Johnson said he was referencing a discussion draft that Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) is working with Rep. Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) to unveil in the coming days.

“We’re trying to finalize it, because everybody understands it’s an important issue,” Johnson said.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a separate interview that Republicans would be focused on preserving the ability of companies like Altman’s to develop their products without being fettered by state-level laws.

“There’s still some states with very severe limits on innovation, and that’s that’s a harmful thing for technology in general to limit innovation, and so the only way you can address that is through law,” he said, referring to a proposed federal “preemption” law.

Scalise declined to say whether Republicans would seek to put an AI bill on the floor this summer or otherwise discuss timing.