Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) is facing harsh criticism after admitting she didn’t realize a major AI regulation ban was included in a sweeping bill backed by former President Donald Trump. The bill, which passed the House by just one vote, has a clause that stops states from making their own rules on artificial intelligence for the next ten years.
Greene now says she would have voted against the bill if she had known about that part of it.
Greene Admits She Didn’t Catch Key AI Clause
The bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” spans over 1,000 pages and touches everything from infrastructure to immigration to tech policy. But it’s the AI section—tucked into pages 278 and 279—that has sparked an uproar.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t know that was in there,” Greene posted on X (formerly Twitter), referencing the part that bans state-level AI laws for a decade. “That strips states of their rights, and I am completely opposed to it. If I had seen that, I would have voted NO.”
Her admission came just hours after the bill passed. Critics quickly accused her of being careless with her vote.
Lawmakers and Commentators Slam Greene
Both Democrats and Republicans have called Greene out, saying it’s a lawmaker’s basic responsibility to read the bills they vote on—especially ones with such sweeping impact.
“You have one job. To. Read. The. Bill,” tweeted Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), one of many who expressed frustration.
Even some conservative voices weighed in. Radio host Dana Loesch called Greene’s oversight “embarrassing” and warned that it sends the wrong message about how seriously elected officials treat their duties.
What the AI Provision Actually Says
The controversial provision blocks individual states from passing any laws that regulate artificial intelligence systems for the next ten years. Supporters of the clause say it prevents a confusing patchwork of state rules, while critics argue it removes local control at a time when AI is moving faster than the law can keep up.
Tech experts and civil rights groups are especially concerned, warning that the lack of regulation could lead to unchecked surveillance, biased algorithms, and threats to privacy.
“It’s alarming that something this significant flew under the radar,” said Nadia Eke, a data policy analyst. “State governments should be allowed to respond to new AI technologies in real time.”
Greene Tries to Do Damage Control
After the backlash, Greene quickly pivoted, saying she now strongly opposes the AI clause and will fight to remove it from the final version of the bill.
“We don’t know what AI will look like in five years, let alone ten,” she said. “It’s reckless to hand over that much power and tie the hands of states that may need to step in.”
She also took a moment to acknowledge her mistake, saying lawmakers need to be honest when they fall short.
“If I ever lose the humility to admit when I got something wrong, then I don’t deserve to be a representative,” she said in a video posted to her supporters.
Bigger Questions About How Congress Works
This incident has reignited concerns about how often members of Congress vote on massive bills without reading them cover to cover. While aides and staffers typically help review legislation, critics say that’s not enough when it comes to such high-stakes issues like AI governance.
Some lawmakers are now calling for a rule that would require at least 72 hours of public review before any major vote.
Meanwhile, the bill now heads to the Senate, where the AI provision—and Greene’s vote—are likely to come under even more scrutiny.
