Sanders, Casar introduce artificial superintelligence ban
On 23 September 2026 Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act (S. 5493, H.R. 10538), banning artificial superintelligence development and pausing advanced AI until a new federal AI department sets safety rules.
Why it mattered The bill carries the hardest penalties proposed in US tech law, including corporate dissolution, and seeks global agreements against superintelligence.
The bill defines artificial superintelligence as AI that exceeds human cognition across most domains or could destroy humanity. It proposes judicial dissolution of companies that violate the ban and up to 20 years in prison for individuals. It also directs US policy toward international agreements and export controls blocking superintelligence development worldwide.
The House companion has nine cosponsors, all Democrats, and was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Sanders and Casar announced the legislation on 3 September and introduced it on 23 September 2026.