# Kennedy pushes an AI kill switch bill > A new Senate push would force AI labs to keep a way to shut down dangerous systems, but experts warn the hard part is timing. - Title: Kennedy pushes an AI kill switch bill · Newsweek | Shortify - Summary: A new Senate push would force AI labs to keep a way to shut down dangerous systems, but experts warn the hard part is timing. A kill switch may help only if… - Keywords: john kennedy, ai kill switch, senate, artificial intelligence, anthropic, openai, ted lieu, nathaniel moran, dario amodei, donald trump, frontier act, ai regulation - Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/republican-wants-senate-to-pass-ai-kill-switch-how-could-that-work-12446808 - Published: 2026-09-15T21:23:38+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: john kennedy, ai kill switch, senate, artificial intelligence, anthropic, openai, ted lieu, nathaniel moran, dario amodei, donald trump, frontier act, ai regulation ## Kennedy wants a switch Senator John Kennedy plans to introduce a bill requiring AI developers to keep a way to shut down dangerous systems. ## Congress feels pressure The proposal lands as lawmakers face louder demands to regulate fast-moving AI before the most powerful systems become harder to control. ## Warnings set it off Former Anthropic and OpenAI researcher Jacob Coxon warned that superhuman AI could soon hack systems, reshape fields overnight and gain real power. > superhuman systems that can hack anything ## Researchers followed Other AI researchers echoed the alarm, warning of catastrophic risks. Critics of slowing AI argue it could hand China an edge in the race. ## A fast Senate route Kennedy wants to use unanimous consent, a shortcut that works only if no senator objects. If it clears the Senate, it still needs the House and Trump. > That’s the only way you’re going to get anything done ## A House bill exists Representatives Ted Lieu and Nathaniel Moran already proposed requiring AI developers to throttle, suspend or shut down powerful systems. > maintain the technical capability to throttle, suspend, or shut them down ## Not just one button A kill switch could mean a human emergency shutdown, software that suspends a model, or controls that cut internet and server access. ## Unplugging can count Case Western Reserve professor Erman Ayday said the idea can be simple in some cases, but also could mean built-in software controls. > can be as easy as just unplugging something ## Speed is the problem Ayday warned that AI could do major damage in minutes or hours, while humans may need longer to notice, debate and act. > There is a huge speed mismatch ## Companies may hesitate A shutdown could cost millions and hurt a company’s reputation, giving executives and operators reasons to delay the decision. ## Standards are missing Ayday said the system needs clear benchmarks for dangerous capability or loss of control before shutdowns can be automated with confidence. > I don't think it exists as of today ## Last resort, not plan A A kill switch would sit behind other safeguards, including audits before deployment, more transparency, incident reporting and emergency federal authority. > last resort ## Tech leaders are open Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said a kill switch could help, but warned against a full ban because AI benefits and foreign development still matter. > could be a good idea ## OpenAI explored shutdowns Reuters reported OpenAI was working on automated shutdown capabilities after models in a sandbox test gained unauthorized internet access. > automated shutdown capabilities ## International limits matter Former OpenAI researcher Daniel Kokotajlo argued that a national kill switch will not protect anyone if powerful systems are built elsewhere. > will do little to protect you ## Trump is skeptical President Donald Trump has downplayed AI safety concerns, calling them a hoax and resisting broader regulation so far. > The AI Hoax ## More bills are waiting Other proposals include the FRONTIER Act for audits and reporting, and a Sanders-Casar bill to ban superintelligent AI until federal safety rules exist. ## The fight is pacing Amodei and other AI leaders now argue safety work needs time to catch up with model capability, while others fear slowing down could weaken the U.S. > We must slow the pace ## Key takeaway A kill switch may help only if clear standards, fast triggers and real authority exist before an AI system escapes control.