Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Meta launched the American Technology Excellence Project in September 2025, a nonfederal super PAC intended to support state candidates who back the company’s technology and AI priorities. Meta described its initial investment as “tens of millions”; Axios later reported a $45 million contribution in February 2026. Those are dated reported figures, not a single independently reconciled total. Meanwhile, states continued to legislate on AI, making the rules—and the political debate over them—an evolving issue.
What is Meta’s American Technology Excellence Project?
The American Technology Excellence Project is a Meta-backed, nonfederal super PAC launched in September 2025 to support state candidates aligned with Meta’s stated policy priorities. Axios reported that the organization would be run by longtime Republican operative Brian Baker and Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions. The launch report did not identify the states it would initially target.
Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland described the company’s investment at launch as “tens of millions.” Meta vice president of public policy Brian Rice presented the effort as a response to what Meta views as an inconsistent patchwork of state rules. Rice said that such rules “threaten homegrown innovation and investments in AI,” and argued that state lawmakers could help preserve U.S. technology leadership. He also said the project would support candidates who “embrace AI development, champion the U.S. technology industry, and defend American tech leadership at home and abroad.” Those statements describe Meta’s rationale; they do not establish that state proposals are inconsistent or harmful.
In the launch account, Holland described three themes for the project: promoting and defending U.S. technology companies and leadership, advocating for AI progress, and putting parents in charge of how children experience online apps and AI technologies.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- CARDBOARD MONKENAUT — Get our best Gorilla Tag bundle yet with this Amazon exclusive deal. Purchase Meta Quest 3S to get exclusive items, including the Gorilla Space Program Suit and Helmet, plus 2,000 SHINY ROCKS.
- NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Game, play and explore immersive worlds — untethered and without limits.
- 2X GRAPHICAL PROCESSING POWER — Enjoy lightning-fast load times and next-gen graphics for smooth gaming powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY — Take gaming to a new level and blend virtual objects with your physical space to experience two worlds at once in your VR headset.
- 2+ HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Charge less, play longer and stay in the action with an improved battery that keeps up. *Based on the graphic performance of the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform vs the Meta Quest 2 platform.
How much is Meta reported to be spending?
The public figures in the cited reporting were published at different times and should not be treated as equivalent snapshots of an audited, current total.
| Figure | What it refers to | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| “Tens of millions” | Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland’s description of the investment at the project’s launch | Axios, September 23, 2025 |
| $45 million | Meta’s reported contribution to the American Technology Excellence Project | Axios, February 27, 2026 |
| $65 million | Meta’s reported investment in the separate Forge the Future and Making Our Tomorrow organizations | Axios, February 2026, citing other reporting |
The $65 million figure concerns other organizations, not the American Technology Excellence Project. The reports do not provide one independently reconciled total for Meta’s political activity across these groups. Contributions and spending can change; transaction-level figures require checking current federal and state disclosure records.
Rank #2
- CARDBOARD MONKENAUT — Get our best Gorilla Tag bundle yet with this Amazon exclusive deal. Purchase Meta Quest 3 to get exclusive items, including the Gorilla Space Program Suit and Helmet, plus 2,000 SHINY ROCKS.
- NEARLY 30% LEAP IN RESOLUTION — Experience every thrill in breathtaking detail with sharp graphics and stunning 4K+ Infinite Display.
- NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Game, play and explore in immersive worlds — untethered and without limits.
- 2X GRAPHICAL PROCESSING POWER — Enjoy lightning-fast load times and next-gen graphics for smooth gaming powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY — Blend virtual objects with your physical space and experience two worlds at once in your VR headset.
Why does Meta oppose some state AI proposals?
Meta’s stated case is that a growing patchwork of different state rules could threaten innovation and investment in AI, and that U.S. technology leadership could suffer. That is the company’s argument, not a demonstrated finding that every state law or proposal has those effects.
The policy dispute also involves competing priorities: encouraging development and investment, protecting consumers and children, assigning accountability for severe harms, and deciding how much authority belongs to states versus the federal government. The available reporting does not establish a measured overall effect of the cited state laws on innovation or safety.
Rank #3
- NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Game, play, exercise and explore immersive worlds — untethered and without limits.
- 2X GRAPHICAL PROCESSING POWER — Enjoy lightning-fast load times and next-gen graphics for smooth gaming powered by the SnapdragonTM XR2 Gen 2 processor.
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY — Take gaming to a new level and blend virtual objects with your physical space to experience two worlds at once.
- 2+ HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Charge less, play longer and stay in the action with an improved battery that keeps up.
- 33% MORE MEMORY — Elevate your play with 8GB of RAM. Upgraded memory delivers a next-level experience fueled by sharper graphics and more responsive performance.
Which AI issues were states addressing in 2026?
In a June 2026 report, the Associated Press described state policymaking continuing while Congress had stalled on federal AI regulation. It reported attention to chatbot interactions with children, workplace uses of AI, and developer responsibilities to prevent severe harms. The AP also described a shift from some broad proposals that were vetoed or derailed toward more targeted legislation.
Developer responsibilities and model safety
The AP reported that an Illinois bill built on California and New York laws requiring developers of large advanced AI models to create protocols intended to prevent catastrophic outcomes. Illinois added an independent audit requirement. Illinois state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, discussing the state’s approach, said: “I don’t know if you’ve met Illinois, but we’re pretty independent.”
Rank #4
- NEARLY 30% LEAP IN RESOLUTION — Experience every thrill in breathtaking detail with sharp graphics and stunning 4K Infinite Display.
- NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Play, explore and exercise in immersive worlds — untethered and without limits.
- 2X GRAPHICAL PROCESSING POWER — Enjoy lightning-fast load times and next-gen graphics for smooth gaming powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY — Blend virtual objects with your physical space and experience two worlds at once.
- 2+ HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Charge less, play longer and stay in the action with an improved battery that keeps up.
Chatbots and children
The AP reported that Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oregon had passed laws restricting AI chatbot interactions, especially involving children. This is a dated summary of the status reported in June 2026, not a substitute for checking each state’s current law, effective date, scope, or later amendments.
Workplace uses
The AP identified employers’ use of AI as another area of state attention. The cited account does not provide a comprehensive state-by-state inventory of workplace laws, so it does not support treating every state as having adopted the same requirements.
How does this fit into Meta’s wider political activity?
Meta’s political engagement page says its Head of Global Policy oversees corporate political activity with help from cross-functional staff. It says the independent Compensation, Nominating & Governance Committee oversees the company’s policy on political contributions, including Meta PAC contributions and direct corporate contributions to state and local campaigns. Meta also says it tracks and reports lobbying where required and publishes links to federal PAC reports, corporate contribution reports, and lobbying disclosures.
Meta distinguishes its federally registered, employee-funded Meta Platforms, Inc. PAC—which it says was formed in 2011—from corporate political contributions. Meta’s page says corporations may not donate to federal candidates under U.S. campaign finance law. It identifies the American Technology Excellence Project as one of four Section 527 political organizations supporting state candidates aligned with Meta’s policy priorities. Meta says a contribution does not mean it agrees with every position of a recipient candidate and that contributions are not made with an expectation of something in return. These are descriptions of Meta’s own policies and practices.
What other groups are making AI policy an election issue?
Axios’s February 2026 overview described a broader field of political advocacy groups with differing approaches. It characterized Public First Action as advocating AI safety, transparency, and stronger oversight, and Leading the Future as a pro-industry super PAC pushing faster AI development and lighter regulation. Axios also reported that Public First Action was tied to three PACs representing Republican, Democratic, and bipartisan activity.
These organizations illustrate that AI policy advocacy is not limited to one party or one position. The reporting does not establish that Public First Action or Leading the Future is controlled by Meta, and their funding should not be merged with the figures for Meta’s project. Political spending and state-law status can change; the figures and legislative examples above are tied to their publication dates.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
