It accomplishes this by banning U.S. exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries that do not have safeguards in place to guarantee AI is safe and effective, workers are protected and AI does not harm the environment.
Ban U.S. exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries that do not have safeguards to ensure AI is safe, effective, protects workers, and does not harm the environment.
Occurrences
The AI Data Center Moratorium Act includes a provision to ban the export of U.S.-origin advanced AI chips and computing hardware to any country or entity that does not have laws and regulations in place to protect humanity from AI safety concerns and existential risks, protect workers, and protect the environment.
Evidence
On March 25, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Moratorium Act. This legislation proposes an immediate federal moratorium on AI data centers until national safeguards are established to ensure AI is safe, effective, protects workers, and does not harm the environment. Additionally, the bill seeks to ban U.S. exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries lacking such safeguards.
The AI Data Center Moratorium Act includes a provision to ban the export of U.S.-origin advanced AI chips and computing hardware to any country or entity that does not have laws and regulations in place to protect humanity from AI safety concerns and existential risks, protect workers, and protect the environment.
In an op-ed published on April 2, 2026, Senator Sanders emphasized the need for immediate action to regulate AI, highlighting the potential threats it poses to jobs, equality, democracy, and even humanity itself. He called for Congress to act swiftly to implement safeguards.
On October 6, 2025, Senator Sanders released a report warning that AI and automation could eliminate nearly 100 million American jobs over the next decade. The report outlines policy proposals to ensure that technological advancements benefit workers, including a 'robot tax' on corporations that replace workers with machines.
In a December 2, 2025 op-ed, Senator Sanders discussed the transformative impact of AI and robotics, emphasizing the need for Congress to understand and address the rapid changes to protect privacy, jobs, and the environment.
On January 9, 2026, Representative Randy Fine introduced H.R.6996, a bill aimed at facilitating the export of U.S. artificial intelligence systems, computing hardware, and standards globally. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In March 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed plans to overhaul AI hardware export regulations, aiming to implement a structured, multi-tiered system based on the volume of AI accelerators exported. This includes fast-tracked approvals for small shipments and increased scrutiny for larger shipments, with potential mandatory investments in U.S. AI infrastructure.
In January 2026, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee advanced the AI Overwatch Act, which seeks to give Congress ultimate authority over the export of high-performance AI processors to adversary nations. The bill would impose a temporary export ban tied to national security assessments and make future approvals subject to congressional review.
Last Action Date Listed: March 25, 2026. Action: Mr. Sanders introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Short title: Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act. Full title: To impose a moratorium on the construction of new data centers until legislation is enacted that safeguards the public from the dangers of artificial intelligence.
GovInfo's Congressional Record Index entry for the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act is dated May 9, 2026 and links the measure to S. 4214 in the 119th Congress, 2nd Session. The record shows the bill remained an indexed congressional item, with no later official sign in the source that the export ban language had been enacted or implemented.
Assessments
Sanders made a serious same-term legislative attempt by introducing S.4214, the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, which included the promised export ban for AI computing infrastructure to countries without safeguards. However, the evidence shows the bill was only read and referred to committee, with no enactment or implemented federal export ban matching the promise. Related executive or congressional activity on AI export controls does not establish delivery of Sanders' specific safeguard-based ban, and there is no indication it became law or policy.
Senator Sanders introduced legislation (the AI Data Center Moratorium Act) that specifically addressed banning exports of AI computing infrastructure to countries lacking adequate safeguards, in line with the promise. Multiple pieces of evidence confirm Sanders' legislative intent and his vocal advocacy for these protections. However, there is no evidence that the legislation was passed or that the proposed export ban was enacted into law or policy. Additionally, a bill aiming to facilitate, rather than restrict, AI exports was also introduced in the same term, highlighting opposing legislative movement. Thus, despite serious legislative effort, the promised outcome—a ban on exports—was not delivered.