Marjorie Taylor Greene Opposes AI Provisions in One Big Beautiful Bill Act: "I Would Have Voted NO if I Had Known"

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has sparked controversy on Capitol Hill after publicly condemning a provision within the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, despite having voted for the measure last month. The provision in question places a 10-year restriction on states’ ability to regulate artificial intelligence technology, barring state and local governments from enacting any laws or rules that would “limit, restrict, or otherwise regulate” AI models and systems engaged in interstate commerce.

Greene expressed her frustration and regret in a series of social media posts, stating that she was unaware of the far-reaching AI provision buried in the bill. “Full transparency, I did not know about this section on pages 278-279 of the OBBB that strips states of the right to make laws or regulate AI for 10 years,” Greene wrote in a widely circulated post. She further emphasized her strong opposition to the measure, calling it a violation of state rights and making clear that she would have voted against the bill had she been aware of the clause.

Highlighting concerns about the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, Greene warned, “We have no idea what AI will be capable of in the next 10 years and giving it free rein and tying states’ hands is potentially dangerous.” She called on the Senate to remove the provision and stated her intent to vote against the final version if the language remained. “We should be reducing federal power and preserving state power, not the other way around—especially with rapidly developing AI that even the experts warn they have no idea what it may be capable of,” Greene added.

Greene’s admission drew sharp criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., posted a terse response online, saying, “You have one job. To. Read. The. F[---]ing. Bill.” Conservative commentator Dana Loesch also weighed in, suggesting Greene had failed in her legislative responsibilities by not reading the full text of the 1,000-page legislation before casting her vote.

In a follow-up interview, Greene acknowledged her oversight but stressed the broader implications of the issue at hand. “If I ever cease to be humble as a representative and willing to publicly admit that maybe I’ve made a mistake … then I shouldn’t be a representative,” she said. Nonetheless, she insisted that the issue is bigger than her personal error, underscoring the need for vigilance when it comes to preserving state rights and federalism. Greene maintained that she had trusted her Republican colleagues and did not expect such a sweeping expansion of federal authority. “That was what I didn’t expect. Because, state rights, that’s federalism. And Republicans are focused on reducing federal government power and protecting state rights. However, this bill literally destroys state rights for 10 years … destroys federalism.”

Greene’s stance echoes a growing debate among lawmakers and the public over how AI should be regulated—if at all—and which level of government should possess that authority. Her comments come amid increasing scrutiny and calls for accountability among those responsible for passing extensive spending packages and complex legislative measures.

The backlash intensified after business magnate Elon Musk openly criticized the bill and its supporters. In a forceful social media post, Musk described the legislation as a “disgusting abomination” and chastised lawmakers who voted in favor, declaring, “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”

The controversy surrounding the AI provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act highlights the challenges facing lawmakers as they attempt to navigate the intersection of technological innovation, regulatory power, and the enduring debate between federal and state authority. As the bill moves to the Senate, all eyes will be on whether legislators heed calls to revisit or remove the contentious restrictions on state power over artificial intelligence.