Thomas B. Cotton

Export Control and Compute Governance

Government control or restriction of advanced AI capabilities through trade, export, or compute access.

Introduced the Chip Security Act, which would require location verification mechanisms on AI chips subject to export controls and mandate reporting to Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security if chips are diverted or tampered with; also co-sponsored the America First GAIN AI Act to prioritize American companies' access to AI chips ahead of adversaries.

Source: Legislation — congress.gov · +1 more

AI Regulation Philosophy

A candidate's general stance on regulating AI systems.

Introduced legislation that would make it easier for regulators to block large tech companies from buying up rivals or nascent competitors

Source: News — washingtonpost.com

AI Companion Chatbots

Positions on AI systems designed for emotional, relational, or social interaction.

Cosponsored GUARD Act (S.3062) - Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue Act of 2025

Source: Legislation — congress.gov

Children's Online Safety

Views on protecting minors from harms related to AI or AI-mediated platforms.

Wrote a social media post about holding AI chatbot companies accountable

Source: Social Media — facebook.com

Data Centers

Positions on the development, regulation, or public impact of data center infrastructure as it relates to AI, including energy consumption and grid reliability concerns tied to AI workloads.

Introduced DATA Act allowing AI data centers to bypass federal electricity regulations and build independent energy infrastructure; pushed off-grid power plan for AI data centers

Source: Legislation — congress.gov

AI Preemption

Stance on federal preemption of state AI laws, states' rights to regulate AI, and the patchwork of local vs. national regulatory approaches.

Voted to strike the section relating to AI preemption

Source: Statement — senate.gov