Congress Introduces Bipartisan AI Bill Targeting Deepfakes and Whistleblower Protections

On April 27, 2026, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced a House bill to curb deepfake and non-consensual images, protect AI-related whistleblowers, and require U.S. participation in global AI standards bodies. The legislation also creates a prize competition for breakthrough AI research and is co-sponsored by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), who plans a separate AI package later this year.

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The bill follows recommendations from the bipartisan House AI Task Force, co-chaired by Lieu and Obernolte. The task force urged Congress to address AI harms while avoiding federal preemption of state laws and mandatory testing for AI in critical infrastructure or education. The task force’s report outlined voluntary safeguards and recommended action without imposing federal preemption of state laws or mandatory testing requirements.

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Rep. Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California, leads the bipartisan House AI Task Force and co-sponsors the deepfake-focused bill. Rep. Jay Obernolte, a Republican from California, co-chairs the task force and backs the legislation while preparing to introduce his own AI package later in 2026.

CNBCWhat Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

The bill criminalizes intentional deepfake distribution and non-consensual images, establishes whistleblower protections for AI safety reports, mandates U.S. participation in international AI standards bodies, and creates a prize competition for innovative AI research.

What Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

The bill’s targeted safeguards focus on deepfake distribution and whistleblower protection, while international engagement aligns U.S. policy with emerging global standards. The bill avoids the thornier issues of federal preemption of state AI laws and mandatory testing for AI systems in critical infrastructure and education.

What Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

Lieu called the bill a practical step forward, noting its bipartisan roots and avoidance of controversial mandates. Obernolte is preparing to introduce his own AI package later in the year, though details have not been disclosed.

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Both sources agree on the bill’s main components, but details of Obernolte’s separate package are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding how the two proposals might differ or complement each other.

What Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

• "It is a step forward." — Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA

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• "It is not designed to be controversial." — Rep. Ted Lieu, D-CA

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• "AI bill would crack down on deepfake distribution and protect whistleblowers." — CNBC, Media

What Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

• "The wide-ranging bill includes provisions protecting whistleblowers who report AI safety risks or violations, requiring the U.S. to participate in international organizations that develop technical standards for AI and would establish a prize competition for groundbreaking AI research and development." — CNBC article

What Does The New AI Bill Say About Deepfakes And Safety?

The bill has been introduced, while Obernolte’s separate AI package is expected later in the year.

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