Bernie Sanders and Greg Casar propose AI 'superintelligence' ban with a 20-year jail penalty

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the 19-page "Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act," which would require pausing advanced AI development until a Cabinet-level Department of Artificial Intelligence could be established to regulate it. Violations would carry what Sanders called the "corporate death penalty" plus up to 20 years in jail — the same penalty as illegally building nuclear weapons. The bill lists precursors defining "superintelligence," targeting recursive self-improvement, the ability of AI systems to progressively enhance themselves and potentially escape human control. Sanders emphasized that AI is being driven by a small number of the world's wealthiest individuals whose primary goal is increasing their wealth and power. The proposal drew mixed reactions: ControlAI praised its capability-based definition, AI policy expert Kevin Frazier commended its urgency but noted it overlooks independent verification alternatives, and Caleb Max of the National AI Association called it "dead on arrival" with likely unconstitutional penalties. Meanwhile, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) is developing a separate bill focused on federal standard-setting, independent testing, and international cooperation including notification mechanisms with China on AI incidents, while Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) negotiates a bipartisan bill on catastrophic risks. However, the House has left for midterm elections, and Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed pessimism about any legislative action in the lame duck session.

(Source：NBC News)