Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Aug 5, 2026

S 5171: Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026

The Children's Artificial Intelligence Toy Safety Act of 2026 directs the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on the safety, educational impact, and marketing ethics of AI-enabled toys for children under 14. This study will specifically examine risks of physical and psychological harm, the effectiveness of parental controls, and whether a temporary sales ban is necessary. Following the study, the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission must create a joint action plan within two years that includes recommendations for new regulations, disclosure requirements, and public education initiatives. The bill defines AI-enabled toys as products capable of two-way interaction and applies these rules to developers and manufacturers of such items.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates safety studies and potential regulations for AI toys to protect children from harm, aligning with consumer protection and digital safety indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 30, 2026

S 5193: Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2026

The Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act of 2026 authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to networks of organizations that use technology to improve health outcomes. These networks must consist of at least three entities with experience in collaborative learning and capacity building models. Recipients are required to use a shared dataset at the end of the grant period to demonstrate the impact of their work on significant public health issues such as infectious or chronic diseases. Additionally, the act extends the funding period for these grants from 2022 through 2026 to 2027 through 2031.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill authorizes grants to improve health outcomes and addresses public health issues.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill authorizes grants for networks using technology to improve health outcomes, explicitly funding and promoting tech adoption in public health.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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in committee · United States · House Jul 15, 2026

HR 9716: PRIVACY Act

The PRIVACY Act restricts Federal law enforcement agencies from accessing surveillance data collected by State or local agencies without a warrant issued by a Federal judge. It establishes a "Jurisdictional Wall List" maintained by the Attorney General that includes technologies like automated license plate readers and long-range microphones, prohibiting the use of Federal funds to purchase these specific devices. While the bill allows for limited exceptions in emergencies or with consent, it mandates strict rules on data retention, requiring agencies to delete most collected information within 30 days unless it becomes evidence in an active prosecution. Additionally, the legislation bans the use of this data to monitor individuals exercising First Amendment rights and requires regular reporting to Congress on how these surveillance tools are utilized.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts federal law enforcement access to surveillance data and limits funding for specific monitoring technologies, thereby reducing investigative capabilities and limiting the scope of criminal justice operations.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects data privacy by restricting warrantless access to surveillance data and limiting funding for specific surveillance technologies.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationBill restricts funding for surveillance technologies like license plate readers, which are critical for traffic enforcement and public safety on roads.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement

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passed · United States · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 4822: Saving the OOI Act of 2026

The Saving the OOI Act of 2026 directs the National Science Foundation to stop using federal money to shut down or reduce the scope of the Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments located off Oregon, Washington, Alaska, North Carolina, and in the Irminger Sea. Instead, the bill requires the NSF to keep these ocean monitoring systems fully operational until a comprehensive review of the initiative is conducted with input from scientists and coastal communities. This legislation ensures that the existing network continues to function without interruption while the evaluation process takes place.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prevents defunding of ocean monitoring systems, which are critical for environmental data collection and conservation efforts.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill protects critical ocean monitoring technology infrastructure by preventing defunding and mandating continued operation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 24, 2026

S 4934: National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026

The National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026 creates a new nonprofit corporation to establish and connect a national network of digital fabrication facilities, known as fab labs, across the United States. These labs are designed to provide communities with access to advanced manufacturing tools that allow individuals to create goods and products from digital designs, with a specific goal of placing at least one lab in every congressional district while prioritizing underserved areas. The corporation will coordinate this network by setting operational standards, maintaining a registry of labs, and distributing funds to support the creation and sustainable operation of these facilities. Its board of directors will be composed of representatives from diverse sectors, including education, tribal communities, and the private sector, and will be appointed by Senate and House leadership. Additionally, the organization is required to submit annual reports to congressional committees detailing its activities and progress.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by establishing a national network of digital fabrication labs, prioritizing underserved areas to enhance STEM learning and infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a national network of digital fabrication facilities to expand access to advanced manufacturing tools and promote digital equity.90% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Jun 29, 2026

HR 9506: To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a prize competition program relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to create a prize competition program designed to accelerate artificial intelligence research and development in the United States. The program will focus on specific challenges such as improving computing hardware, enhancing AI safety, advancing manufacturing, and securing critical infrastructure, with priorities set in consultation with industry and academia. Federal agencies like the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation are authorized to run these competitions, which must be conducted entirely within the U.S. and include clear problem statements and success metrics for participants. Additionally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct studies evaluating the effectiveness of prize competitions compared to traditional grants and contracts. All programs established under this bill are set to expire five years after the law is enacted, with regular reports submitted to Congress on their progress and results.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes a prize competition to accelerate AI research and development, directly advancing technology capabilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4858: Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act

The Alaska National Guard Rural Community Revival Act requires the Secretary of the Army to create a strategy for improving National Guard facilities and readiness in remote areas, including the Arctic. This plan must include an audit of existing armories, a strategy to recruit and retain personnel in isolated regions, and a blueprint for modernizing facilities with upgrades for extreme weather and cyber resilience. The legislation also directs the Army to explore partnerships with private companies to share infrastructure and data while reporting progress to Congress.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates funding for facility modernization, recruitment, and readiness in remote areas, directly advancing government spending for essential services.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates upgrades for cyber resilience in National Guard facilities, directly enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.70% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill improves National Guard facilities and readiness in remote areas, directly supporting service members who are active duty veterans or transitioning to veteran status.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 27, 2026

S 4709: UNLOCK AUKUS Act

The UNLOCK AUKUS Act amends federal export control laws to allow the transfer of specific defense articles and services to partners under the AUKUS security pact. By modifying the Arms Export Control Act, the bill removes certain restrictions that previously limited what technology and equipment could be shared with these allied nations. This change directly impacts the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense, enabling them to facilitate the collaboration required for next-generation nuclear-powered submarine programs. The legislation does not alter the core requirements for these transfers but adjusts the regulatory framework to support the partnership's goals.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill removes export restrictions to facilitate technology sharing and defense collaboration under the AUKUS pact, advancing international tech cooperation.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4870: Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Earth MRI Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding for the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative through 2031. This program will continue to map critical minerals, geothermal energy, and natural hydrogen resources using advanced technologies like digital geochemistry and real-time data systems. The bill also updates the initiative to include data from the 3D Hydrography Program, ensuring a broader range of subsurface information is collected and analyzed.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends funding for mapping critical minerals, geothermal energy, and natural hydrogen, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and resource identification.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds mapping of critical minerals and clean energy resources like geothermal and natural hydrogen, aiding conservation and resource management.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds advanced technologies like digital geochemistry and real-time data systems for resource mapping, strengthening tech application in public infrastructure.75% confidence

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2026

HR 8957: American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026

The American Reserve Modernization Act of 2026 directs the U.S. Treasury to create two new accounts: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for Bitcoin acquired through government forfeiture and a Digital Asset Stockpile for other digital assets. The bill mandates that all Bitcoin held in the reserve be kept for at least 20 years, with strict rules against selling or disposing of these assets during that time. It also establishes a transparency system requiring quarterly public reports and third-party audits to verify the government's holdings and management of these digital assets.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates a government Bitcoin reserve and stockpile, advancing digital asset infrastructure and promoting the integration of technology into national strategy.85% confidence

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