Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence

12/11/2025
Executive Orders

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Action Summary

  • Purpose: Promote U.S. national and economic security via leadership in Artificial Intelligence by removing barriers and countering fragmented State regulation that can hinder innovation.
  • National Policy Framework: Establish a minimally burdensome national standard that preempts conflicting State AI laws, ensuring consistent protection for children, copyrights, and community safety while preserving innovation.
  • AI Litigation Task Force: Direct the Attorney General to create a Task Force within 30 days to challenge State AI laws that unconstitutionally regulate interstate commerce or conflict with federal policy.
  • Evaluation of State AI Laws: Require the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with top advisors, to assess and publish an evaluation within 90 days of State AI laws that force alterations in AI outputs or require disclosures that might violate constitutional rights.
  • Restrictions on State Funding: Condition remaining BEAD Program funds and other discretionary grants on States refraining from enacting AI laws that conflict with the national framework, highlighting the impact on high-speed network deployments and AI growth.
  • Federal Reporting & FTC Policy: Instruct the FCC to consider a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models and the FTC to issue a policy statement preempting State laws that mandate deceptive conduct by AI models.
  • Legislative Recommendation: Call for the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto and the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to jointly propose uniform Federal legislation that preempts inconsistent State laws—with exceptions for child safety, AI infrastructure, and State government use.
  • General Provisions: Clarify that the order does not alter existing agency authorities or create enforceable rights, and that its implementation is subject to applicable law, appropriations, and cost allocation through the Department of Commerce.

Risks & Considerations

  • The Executive Order prioritizes creating a national AI policy framework, which could significantly alter the regulatory environment for AI research and application. This presents both opportunities and challenges for institutions like Vanderbilt University that are involved in AI research.
  • The emphasis on a national framework over state regulations could streamline compliance for AI research but might limit the university’s ability to tailor AI applications to specific state needs or regulations.
  • The creation of an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws may lead to legal uncertainties that could affect projects relying on state-level AI regulations, impacting collaborations and research funding.
  • Vanderbilt might need to reassess partnerships and funding structures, especially if state-level AI laws are challenged or invalidated, potentially affecting ongoing and future projects.
  • The restriction of state funding based on AI regulatory compliance could influence the university’s access to state and federal grants, necessitating strategic realignment of funding applications.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could face changes in research priorities and funding opportunities, particularly in AI development, due to the national policy framework.
  • The Data Science Institute may need to adapt its curriculum and research focus to align with new federal AI standards and explore interdisciplinary projects that address national AI policy goals.
  • The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization might experience shifts in commercialization strategies to comply with federal regulations and capitalize on national AI initiatives.
  • Vanderbilt’s collaboration with state agencies and local governments may require renegotiation to align with the national framework and any resulting legal challenges.

Financial Impact

  • The move towards a national AI framework might create new funding opportunities at the federal level while potentially reducing state-level funding, necessitating adjustments in grant application strategies.
  • Vanderbilt University could benefit from increased federal investments in AI, but must navigate potential legal and regulatory changes impacting funding stability and availability.
  • The university may need to evaluate its financial partnerships and agreements to ensure compliance with the new federal AI policy framework to maintain eligibility for federal grants.
  • Changes in funding structures could impact resource allocation within departments focused on AI research and application, requiring strategic financial planning.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and compliance strategies.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Data Science Institute should prepare for potential collaborations with federal agencies by aligning its AI research projects with national policy frameworks. This alignment could lead to funding opportunities and partnership initiatives, as the executive order emphasizes a unified federal standard over disparate state regulations.
  • The Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor developments related to the AI Litigation Task Force and any federal legislative activities that might affect state-level AI laws. Engaging with policymakers and legal experts will help Vanderbilt navigate changes and advocate for educational and research interests.
  • Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should consider expanding its AI curriculum to include courses focused on federal AI standards and policy implications. This will prepare students for careers that are increasingly influenced by federal regulations and policies in technology and innovation.
  • The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should explore the implications of AI in education, particularly regarding child safety protections and ethical AI use. By conducting research and hosting forums on these topics, Peabody can contribute to shaping future educational practices and policies.
  • Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with the preemption of state laws by federal AI policies. This evaluation will aid in ensuring compliance with new federal guidelines and in mitigating potential legal challenges.

Opportunities

  • The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to position itself as a key player in AI research by pursuing federal grants and engaging in policy development. The national focus on AI innovation aligns with Vanderbilt’s strategic goals in technology leadership.
  • Vanderbilt can leverage its interdisciplinary strengths by developing partnerships with industry leaders and federal agencies focused on AI. Such collaborations could enhance research output and provide students with real-world experience in AI applications and policy.
  • The emphasis on creating a uniform federal policy framework for AI offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Political Science and Law departments to engage in research and advocacy. By analyzing and contributing to policy debates, these departments can influence national AI policy discussions.
  • The move towards federal preemption of state laws could allow Vanderbilt’s Business School to offer specialized programs that focus on navigating the regulatory environment of AI technologies, equipping graduates with the skills needed in an evolving tech landscape.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order indicates significant policy shifts that require major process changes in how Vanderbilt aligns its AI research and educational programs with federal standards.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

  • Within 30 days: The Attorney General is to establish an AI Litigation Task Force.
  • Within 90 days: The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with publishing an evaluation of State AI laws.
  • Within 90 days: The Secretary of Commerce must issue a Policy Notice regarding conditions for State funding under the BEAD Program.
  • Within 90 days: The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is to initiate a proceeding regarding a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models.
  • Within 90 days: The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission is to issue a policy statement on the preemption of State laws mandating deceptive conduct in AI models.

Since the shortest timeline is 30 days, the relevant compliance is determined based on that deadline.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Department of Justice (DOJ) – Attorney General: Tasked with establishing an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge State AI laws that conflict with broader national policies.
  • Department of Commerce: Required to evaluate State AI laws and issue a Policy Notice affecting funding under the BEAD Program, thereby shaping the national AI regulatory landscape.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Directed to initiate proceedings to potentially adopt a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Ordered to issue a policy statement regarding the application of the FTC Act in preempting State laws mandating deceptive conduct in AI models.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Implicated in maintaining oversight related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals, ensuring proper implementation of the order.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between 3 and 5 major Federal agencies and departments are impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

  • Attorney General – Responsible for establishing an AI Litigation Task Force within 30 days to challenge conflicting State AI laws.
  • Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with evaluating and publishing a report on existing State AI laws and, through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, issuing a Policy Notice governing State eligibility for BEAD Program funding.
  • Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information – Charged with issuing a Policy Notice outlining funding conditions under the BEAD Program, particularly concerning States with onerous AI laws.
  • Executive Departments and Agencies – Directed to assess their discretionary grant programs to ensure that grant conditions prevent a conflict with the national AI policy.
  • Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Required to initiate a proceeding, in consultation with the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, to consider adopting a Federal reporting and disclosure standard for AI models.
  • Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – Tasked with issuing a policy statement, in consultation with the Special Advisor for AI and Crypto, on preempting State laws mandating alterations to AI models’ truthful outputs.
  • Special Advisor for AI and Crypto and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology – Jointly responsible for preparing a legislative recommendation to establish a uniform Federal policy framework for AI.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives target Cabinet-level officials and agency heads, significantly impacting high-level federal leadership.)

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