Brookings Institution Urges Congress to Enact Comprehensive Federal AI Governance Law

The Brookings Institution has issued a strong call for the United States Congress to establish a comprehensive federal law for artificial intelligence (AI) governance. Published on July 29, 2026, the analysis by Mark MacCarthy, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation, highlights the critical need for a unified and robust regulatory framework. The current landscape of AI regulation is described as unstable, characterized by fragmented state-level initiatives and a reliance on ad-hoc executive directives and industry self-regulation that often fall short of ensuring public safety and accountability. MacCarthy argues that any effective AI governance framework must possess an international scope, recognizing the global nature of AI development and deployment. Furthermore, it should prioritize human-centered decision-making, ensuring that AI systems remain accountable to human values and oversight. The report stresses the importance of including diverse voices from civil society, creators, users, and those potentially affected by AI in the policymaking process. This comprehensive approach is intended to replace the existing patchwork of regulations, which has led to inconsistencies and a lack of clear liability for AI-related risks, from cybersecurity breaches to the potential for autonomous harmful actions. The institution suggests that a well-defined statutory framework would offer predictability and bind the executive branch's actions, fostering innovation while simultaneously mitigating the significant risks associated with advanced AI systems.