WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A recent survey conducted by CNCT Capitol Pulse indicates that a significant majority of congressional aides advocate for a decentralized approach to oversight of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings reveal that 57 percent of House and Senate staffers prefer a “reasonable combination” of federal and state regulations for AI, rather than a single overarching federal mandate.
The survey results provide an insightful look into the perspectives of the approximately 12,000 aides working on Capitol Hill. With an average age of 27, these staffers represent a demographic whose views often hint at future legislative directions. This preference for a mix of regulatory frameworks comes at a pivotal moment, as the White House and certain congressional leaders have expressed support for federal preemption, a move that would prevent individual states from implementing their own AI regulations.
The debate over federal preemption has emerged as a contentious issue within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and other technology-focused legislation. Proponents of a unified federal framework argue that a “patchwork” of state laws would hinder innovation and lead to compliance challenges for American tech companies. However, the CNCT survey suggests that those involved in drafting these bills are increasingly cautious about limiting state authority to address local concerns.
This inclination towards shared regulatory responsibility reflects a broader skepticism among aides regarding centralized control over emerging technologies. Notably, this sentiment is shared across party lines; Republican aides, who were previously identified as more frequent users of AI tools in their work, show a strong interest in preserving state-level jurisdictional rights, a stance consistent with traditional federalist principles.
The survey also highlights a significant disconnect between public sentiment and executive-level policy. Recent polling from organizations such as the Institute for Family Studies indicates that up to 75 percent of Americans oppose federal preemption of state AI regulations. The alignment of congressional aides with this public opinion suggests that efforts to centralize AI oversight may encounter unexpected challenges during the committee markup process.
In addition to regulatory preferences, the HillFaith report provides context by examining the daily experiences of Hill staffers. Previous data from CNCT has shown that over half of congressional aides utilize AI “regularly” or “sometimes” in their professional roles. Interestingly, senior GOP policy aides have emerged as some of the most frequent adopters of AI technology, using it for tasks such as drafting, research, and data analysis. This high level of engagement with AI tools likely informs their cautious stance toward rigid federal frameworks that may become outdated as technology evolves.
The survey also addressed broader ethical concerns related to AI. Staffers from both political parties expressed apprehensions regarding “black-box” algorithms and the potential for bias, reinforcing their desire for multiple layers of regulatory safeguards. As Congress continues to host AI “Insight Forums” and committee hearings, the preference for a hybrid federal-state regulatory approach is expected to remain a central topic for legislative directors and chiefs of staff.
About HillFaith
HillFaith is a non-partisan outreach ministry and news resource dedicated to serving the more than 12,000 congressional aides working on Capitol Hill. Founded by veteran investigative journalist Mark Tapscott, HillFaith provides a unique blend of news, information, and spiritual support aimed at the high-pressure environment of the legislative branch. Its mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with staffers through fact-driven apologetics and mentorship, aiding them in navigating the complex intersection of faith, public policy, and career development. Through its “For Hill Aides Only” (FHAO) programs, HillFaith fosters a community of integrity and excellence among young professionals shaping the future of American law.
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See also
AI Governance: 80% of Organizations Fail to Implement Effective Strategies by 2026
IMAA Updates AI Guiding Principles for Ethical Use, Adding New Targeting Guidelines
US Department of Transportation Announces AI Initiative to Streamline Regulation Drafting
US Congress Calls for Stricter AI Workplace Regulations Amid Rising Concerns on Worker Rights
EU AI Act Guidance Delay Fuels Compliance Uncertainty for High-Risk AI Systems
