Democrat, Public Interest Groups Challenge Legality of White House AI Directive
Critics warn federal preemption efforts exceed agency authority and statutory limits.
Critics warn federal preemption efforts exceed agency authority and statutory limits.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2025 – A consumer advocacy group and Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez on Thursday criticized a leaked executive order that would direct federal agencies to withhold broadband funding from states that regulate artificial intelligence.
The draft order would instruct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to withhold Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program non-deployment funds from states with AI laws that the Commerce Department deemed “onerous.” The non-deployment category represents about $21 billion of the BEAD program’s $42.45 billion and covers proposals ranging workforce development to digital literacy.
It would establish a Department of Justice task force to challenge state AI laws in federal court. The draft would also direct the Federal Communications Commission to prepare rules creating a federal AI framework that overrides state laws.
Two of the three dominant global mobile equipment vendors are European, the partnership's governing board chair said.
The satellite TV operator says Nexstar withheld from FCC certain economic studies it provided the Justice Department. Nexstar had no comment
Supporters said electing commissioners would give residents more influence over electricity rates and energy policy.
ACLP said some ISPs may have more than they could handle in broadband deployment.
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