Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today celebrated the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), which Franklin joined as an original cosponsor. The bill establishes a targeted federal framework for the nation's most advanced artificial intelligence systems while preserving the ability of startups and smaller innovators to compete without unnecessary federal regulation.

The bill builds on recommendations developed by the bipartisan House AI Task Force and the discussion draft of the Great American AI Act. Franklin, a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and the bipartisan House AI Task Force, worked closely with Obernolte throughout the development of those recommendations, which informed the legislation.

"The FRONTIER Act recognizes that not every AI developer should be regulated the same way,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “It takes a targeted approach by focusing only on the handful of companies developing the most powerful frontier AI models, not the startups and innovators driving America's AI ecosystem. By tying coverage to substantial AI research and development investments and requiring transparency and independent assessments from those developers, the bill avoids one-size-fits-all mandates and allows smaller innovators to spend their time building new technologies instead of navigating unnecessary federal red tape."

Franklin has been an active voice in Congress's AI policy efforts, serving on the House AI Task Force and helping advance initiatives that promote responsible innovation. Through the FY27 appropriations process, he also supported increased funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) to strengthen America's technical leadership and develop voluntary standards for emerging AI technologies.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace without undermining American innovations,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “The FRONTIER Act focuses oversight on the largest developers and most advanced models, requiring transparency, independent evaluation, and timely reporting of serious safety incidents. This legislation will protect Americans from catastrophic risk, provide developers with clear rules of the road, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI.”

Franklin thanked Obernolte for his leadership in developing the legislation and bringing Members together to advance a practical framework that promotes innovation, strengthens national security and addresses the unique challenges posed by frontier AI.

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