White House Unveils Federal AI Framework, Pushes Congress to Act

Proposal aims to establish national AI standards, protect free speech and children

Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:33am

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The White House has unveiled its first federal policy framework for artificial intelligence, pushing Congress to establish a consistent national standard for AI development that prevents censorship and protects free speech and children. The framework is designed to reduce regulatory uncertainty, sustain U.S. dominance in the AI space, and address concerns around energy costs, national security, and intellectual property rights.

Why it matters

The White House's AI framework is an attempt to create a unified national policy for AI development, rather than a patchwork of state-level regulations. This is seen as crucial to maintaining U.S. leadership in AI and ensuring the technology is deployed in a way that protects key rights and interests.

The details

The framework calls on Congress to preempt state AI laws that impose undue burdens, establish age-assurance requirements for AI platforms accessed by minors, and codify the White House's Ratepayer Protection Pledge to prevent tech companies from passing data center energy costs to consumers. It also addresses national security concerns, intellectual property protections, and free speech safeguards.

  • In December 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order tasking the White House with developing a national framework for AI.
  • The White House is now pushing Congress to pass legislation based on this framework 'this year' as quickly as possible.

The players

Michael Kratsios

Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

David Sacks

White House AI and Crypto Czar.

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What they’re saying

“We need one national policy—not a 50-state patchwork of laws. This legislative proposal delivers on that.”

— Michael Kratsios, Director, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

“This framework helps parents to safeguard their children from online harm, shield communities from higher electric bills, protect our First Amendment rights from AI censorship, and ensure that all Americans benefit from this transformative technology.”

— David Sacks, White House AI and Crypto Czar

What’s next

The White House plans to work with Congress to turn the principles announced in the framework into legislation this year.

The takeaway

The White House's AI framework aims to establish a consistent national policy for AI development, addressing key issues around regulation, consumer protections, national security, and intellectual property. Its success will depend on Congress's ability to pass bipartisan legislation based on the administration's proposals.