Episode 12 Recap: Congress Rejects AI Freeze, the Pope Weighs In, and Robots Build Robots

Originally aired: July 2, 2025 @ 6 PM PT

Hosts: Noah McDonough & Rick Ninja

Show link: Watch Episode 12 on YouTube

🗳️ Congress Votes "No" on 10-Year AI Regulation Ban

The show opened with breaking news: The U.S. Senate just voted 99 to 1 to strike down a provision that would’ve banned states from regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade. This provision—buried deep in a sprawling tax and spending bill—nearly passed.

Senator Ted Cruz’s original proposal aimed to punish states that enacted AI laws by withholding broadband and AI infrastructure funding. It was branded as “pro-innovation,” but critics across the political spectrum (including Republican governors, grieving parents, and artists) saw it as a blank check for big tech.

Even Cruz ultimately voted against his own provision.

📌 Why it matters:This vote was a major win for state-level democracy and child safety protections. It reaffirms that states have the right to take action on issues like deepfakes, surveillance, and hiring bias—especially while Congress drags its feet on federal AI legislation.

🏛️ White House Plans AI Executive Orders

While Congress debated, the White House was prepping its own play. According to Reuters, President Trump’s team is finalizing executive orders designed to give U.S. companies faster access to federal AI infrastructure—including supercomputers, cloud contracts, and public data.

The goal? Outcompete China.

📌 Why it matters:This signals a potential shift toward top-down federal control, with an AI arms race mentality. Critics warn this could lead to unchecked data privatization, mass surveillance, and the sidelining of ethical frameworks.

✝️ The Pope Has Entered the Chat

Pope Leo XIV issued a formal message urging world leaders to take AI seriously—not just as a legal issue, but as a moral and spiritual one. He called for an international treaty and warned that AI risks deepening inequality and eroding human dignity.

📌 Why it matters:This elevates AI beyond the tech realm. When the Vatican joins the conversation, it’s no longer just about software—it’s about society, ethics, and the kind of future we’re building.

🤖 Houston, We Have a Robot Factory

Reuters also revealed that Nvidia and Foxconn are building a robot-staffed AI server factory in Houston. Yes, humanoid robots—some on wheels, some walking—will soon be assembling the very machines that power the next wave of AI.

📌 Why it matters:This is the most literal example yet of “AI building AI.” If successful, it could set the stage for widespread robotic labor in U.S. manufacturing, data centers, and more.

🧠 Google AI Studio & Plotdot Tutorials

Rick also walked us through some hands-on demos, including Google’s new AI Studio and a first look at Plotdot—a screenwriting tool powered by generative AI. These tools hint at how fast things are moving in the creative space.

🎯 Bonus moment: The live DaVinci Resolve walkthrough with real-time AI coaching had us both speechless.

Final Thoughts

From Congress and the Vatican to robot factories and Gemini upgrades, Episode 12 was one of our most balanced, bold, and far-reaching episodes yet. As the AI landscape evolves, so will we—bringing you insights, demos, and headlines every Wednesday at 6 PM PT.

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