On June 4, 2026, Reps. Jay Obernolte and Lori Trahan released a discussion draft of the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act. The proposal has generated significant attention, but many organizations may be overestimating its practical significance for day-to-day operations. The bill is directed primarily at developers of “frontier” AI models, so its requirements will not apply. Nonetheless, the bill has sparked conversation. It incorporates multiple bipartisan bills on AI, its drafters wrote an op-ed calling on the U.S. to create a national framework covering AI, and the U.S. House Democratic Commission on AI and the Innovation Economy released a statement that the draft “does not meet the enormity of the moment.” Read on to learn more about the discussion draft, which companies should view as a planning signal rather than a reason to pause or modify governance efforts.

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Photo of Garen S. Marshall Garen S. Marshall

Garen Marshall is a partner in McGuireWoods’ Government Investigations and White Collar Litigation Department and leads the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Practice Area. A former Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and Navy special operations veteran, he represents corporations…

Garen Marshall is a partner in McGuireWoods’ Government Investigations and White Collar Litigation Department and leads the firm’s Artificial Intelligence Practice Area. A former Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and Navy special operations veteran, he represents corporations, executives, and boards in government and internal investigations, regulatory enforcement matters, and complex civil litigation, with a practice that extends to AI governance, AI-related enforcement and litigation risk, and corporate compliance issues involving artificial intelligence.

Photo of Justin Givens Justin Givens

Justin Givens is a former federal prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer in the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Litigation Department. With over a decade of experience, he counsels corporations, financial institutions, and senior executives through their highest-stakes criminal, regulatory, and civil matters—particularly…

Justin Givens is a former federal prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer in the firm’s Government Investigations and White Collar Litigation Department. With over a decade of experience, he counsels corporations, financial institutions, and senior executives through their highest-stakes criminal, regulatory, and civil matters—particularly when legal exposure intersects with reputational risk.

Photo of David Hirsch David Hirsch

Dave is a highly respected member of the securities enforcement and regulatory counseling practice group at McGuireWoods, where he plays a key role shaping the strategic direction of the firm’s securities enforcement initiatives. Dave is recognized for his deep experience and keen insights…

Dave is a highly respected member of the securities enforcement and regulatory counseling practice group at McGuireWoods, where he plays a key role shaping the strategic direction of the firm’s securities enforcement initiatives. Dave is recognized for his deep experience and keen insights, particularly navigating the intricacies of securities law as it applies to new technologies.

Photo of Jake Pryor Jake Pryor

Jake is an award-winning former federal prosecutor who represents companies and individuals in government investigations, white collar defense, complex litigation, and regulatory matters. He pairs first-chair trial experience with appellate advocacy in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He led…

Jake is an award-winning former federal prosecutor who represents companies and individuals in government investigations, white collar defense, complex litigation, and regulatory matters. He pairs first-chair trial experience with appellate advocacy in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He led high-profile investigations and trials as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of North Carolina, including financial crime, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime matters with more than $20 million at stake.