Anthropic urges US to not block state AI regulations till federal standards are set

The debate over how to regulate artificial intelligence is intensifying in Washington, and Anthropic is positioning itself at the center of that conversation. The AI company told Congress that state-level AI regulations should not be overridden unless lawmakers first establish a comprehensive federal framework capable of addressing what it describes as “catastrophic AI risks.” The position places Anthropic at odds with efforts to create a uniform national standard without first building stronger safeguards around advanced AI systems.

Anthropic argues that the next generation of frontier AI models will require oversight mechanisms far beyond traditional technology regulation. Among its recommendations are mandatory independent safety evaluations for the most powerful AI systems, greater transparency regarding model capabilities, and expanded government authority to intervene when AI deployments pose significant risks to public safety or national security. The company believes that simply removing state regulations without replacing them with meaningful federal protections could leave dangerous gaps in oversight.

The policy push comes at a pivotal moment for Anthropic. The company is preparing for a highly anticipated IPO and has emerged as one of the leading competitors in the global AI race. Backed by major investments from Amazon and Google, Anthropic is reportedly approaching a valuation near $1 trillion after raising tens of billions of dollars in fresh funding. Its rapid growth has transformed it from a research-focused startup into one of the most influential voices shaping AI policy.

At the same time, Anthropic has sought to distinguish itself through a more cautious approach to AI governance. The company recently introduced two major policy frameworks. The Advanced AI Framework focuses on transparency, independent testing, and risk management for increasingly capable AI systems. The Economic Policy Framework addresses the potential disruption AI could cause to labor markets and proposes measures to ensure the economic benefits of AI are shared more broadly across society.

Anthropic has also warned policymakers that the United States is not adequately prepared for potential AI-driven workforce disruptions. The company urged Congress and state governments to modernize unemployment benefit systems and workforce support programs, arguing that current infrastructure may struggle to handle large-scale labor market shocks if automation accelerates more rapidly than expected.

The company’s relationship with the federal government has been complicated. Earlier tensions emerged after Anthropic declined to support certain military applications involving domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons systems. Those disagreements reportedly contributed to national security concerns within parts of the government. While recent meetings between Anthropic leadership and White House officials suggest relations have improved, debates continue over the appropriate balance between innovation, national security, and ethical AI deployment.

As lawmakers weigh competing proposals for AI regulation, Anthropic’s message remains clear: powerful AI systems require robust oversight, and federal preemption of state laws should only occur if Congress creates a framework capable of addressing the unprecedented risks posed by frontier artificial intelligence. The outcome of that debate could shape not only the future of AI regulation in the United States but also the broader global approach to governing one of the most transformative technologies of the century.