Maria Curi

Washington, D.C., United States

Tech Policy Reporter at Axios

@axios tech policy reporter, Colombiana 🇨🇴 Signal: mariacuri.01

Articles

Where the dividing lines fall on the state AI pause

3 days ago | axios.com | Ashley Gold |Maria Curi

The proposal to ban states from passing their own AI legislation by tying it to federal broadband funding is exposing fault lines and alliances across the aisle. Why it matters: State regulation of AI is emerging as yet another issue that the GOP isn't united on, making the provision's future in the reconciliation bill uncertain. Driving the news: We scooped on Monday that the Senate parliamentarian approved new language from Sen.
Scoop: AI moratorium rebranded "temporary pause"

4 days ago | axios.com | Maria Curi |Ashley Gold

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Sarah Grillo/AxiosA 10-year freeze on state AI regulations has been updated in the Senate reconciliation bill as it inches closer to the finish line. Why it matters: Changes to the AI provision were crucial to satisfy the Senate's Byrd Rule and get the parliamentarian on board. What's inside: The AI provision approved by the parliamentarian is now called a "temporary pause" rather than a "moratorium," according to bill text seen by Maria.
Senate confirms Trusty as FCC commissioner

1 week ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentOlivia Trusty on April 9. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty ImagesThe Senate on Tuesday confirmed Olivia Trusty to serve on the FCC. Why it matters: The FCC is operating without a quorum and Trusty's confirmation comes just in time for the next open meeting on June 26. FCC chair Brendan Carr will now have a quorum and a 2-1 Republican majority. State of play: The Senate voted 53-45 for Trusty, a longtime Republican Hill staffer, to serve through June 30.
LaHood on AI, China and export controls

1 week ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Rep. Darin LaHood is positioning himself as a liaison between two committees at the center of AI and national security. Why it matters: The Illinois lawmaker is the only Republican who sits on both the Intelligence and China Select committees, among the few bastions of bipartisanship remaining on the Hill. We sat down with LaHood in his office shortly after he introduced legislation to help thwart China's access to advanced U.S. tech.
Big Tech tax counterpunch makes it in Senate Finance text

1 week ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Aïda Amer/AxiosThe Senate Finance Committee's portion of the reconciliation package would allow U.S. companies to retaliate against digital services taxes abroad. Why it matters: U.S. tech giants are facing billions of dollars worth of taxes abroad, and there's growing appetite in Washington for fighting back against what some lawmakers view as discrimination.
Lawmakers are getting fed up with the TikTok ban delays

1 week ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Patience on the Hill is wearing thin as President Trump prepares to delay a ban on TikTok for the third time later this week. Why it matters: Each time the White House kicks the can down the road on enforcing the TikTok ban, Republicans' national security concerns are undermined. State of play: The ban, which was supposed to come into force in January, is expected to be delayed again on June 19. "I think there's growing frustration. I think the June 19 date will be an inflection point on that," Rep.
BIS head defends budget hike request

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Tiffany Herring/AxiosCommerce's Jeffrey Kessler on Thursday told House lawmakers that boosting his bureau's budget is a matter of national security in the global AI race. Why it matters: At a time when agencies across the federal government are facing steep budget cuts, President Trump is asking Congress to invest more in the Bureau of Industry and Security.
Exclusive: Civil rights groups urge Congress to oppose AI moratorium

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Eniola Odetunde/AxiosMore than 50 civil rights organizations are calling on senators to remove the 10-year freeze of state-level AI regulation from the reconciliation bill, per a letter shared exclusively with Axios. Why it matters: The moratorium language has sparked broad backlash from advocacy groups and blue and red states.
GOP throws AI wrench in already-delayed BEAD program

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Billions of dollars' worth of grants to expand internet access hang in the balance as states grapple with new rules and the Hill uses the funds as a bargaining chip. Why it matters: The $42.5 billion Biden-era Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program aims to connect all Americans to the internet. But it's come under fire from Republicans who claim the money is not being deployed fast enough, despitepublic and private sector players adhering to the timelines Congress agreed to.
Budget bill tech provisions fracture Senate

2 weeks ago | axios.com | Maria Curi

Axios Pro Exclusive ContentIllustration: Allie Carl/AxiosFights are brewing in the Senate over broadband, spectrum, AI and digital service tax provisions in the reconciliation bill. Why it matters: Tech policy is getting caught in the crosshairs of Republicans' massive budget bill.