The NAE has joined other faith leaders in asking members of Congress not to prohibit states from regulating the use of artificial intelligence. Like any technology, AI can be used for both good and evil purposes, and there are unintended consequences to its use even for good purposes. As these powerful tools are developed, both federal and state governments have important roles to play in protecting citizens from abuse and harm.

As the letter outlines, this proposal, currently included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act package, would prevent states from developing their own safeguards around AI use — even as AI technology begins to shape schools, workplaces, hospitals and homes. Even more troubling, access to broadband funding under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program is being tied to this moratorium, pressuring states to give up their regulatory authority in exchange for essential infrastructure investment.

Faith leaders warn that such measures not only centralize power in the hands of a few but also silence communities and conscience-driven policymakers working to protect children, families and workers from the harmful impacts of unregulated AI.

Artificial intelligence is not just a technological issue — it is a deeply human and moral one. It raises urgent questions about consent, truth, work, justice and the common good. Christians believe that people — not machines — are made in the image of God, and that technological development must serve, not harm, that sacred dignity.

We urge lawmakers to remove the federal moratorium on state AI regulation from the reconciliation bill and reject any attempts to condition broadband access on states’ silence and to oppose future efforts to tie state’s hands.

Read the Letter   Read the NAE's Magazine on AI    Write to Congress Arrow