Bill to ease Big Tech project permits advances in House
News ClipCNBC·DC·12/16/2025
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to advance the SPEED Act, which would reform the federal permitting process for projects to build out artificial intelligence infrastructure. The bill is supported by tech companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft, who argue it is key to helping the U.S. compete with China in AI leadership. While Democrats have historically opposed reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act which the SPEED Act would modify, there is now growing bipartisan support to ease the permitting process to facilitate AI infrastructure development.
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Gov: House of Representatives
The House of Representatives voted to advance the SPEED Act, a bill favored by tech companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft, to reform the federal permitting process for building AI infrastructure in the U.S. Backers argue this is crucial to beating China in the AI race. The bill would limit NEPA environmental reviews, with supporters saying it will streamline the permitting process. However, the bill faces opposition from some Democrats and the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus. Even if the House passes the bill, the Senate will have to take it up and overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold, where Democrats will have more leverage.