Technology

passed · United States · House Apr 29, 2025

HR 2399: Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

This bill requires the FCC to establish a vetting process for applicants seeking high-cost universal service fund money to deploy rural broadband networks. It mandates that applicants must demonstrate technical, financial, and operational capabilities through detailed proposals, including documentation showing they can meet performance standards and have a viable business plan. The FCC must evaluate these proposals against established technical standards (like those from the Digital Opportunity Data Collection) and the applicant's history of complying with broadband funding requirements. Penalties for failing to meet pre-authorization requirements must be at least $9,000 per violation or 30% of the funding amount. The bill directly affects entities applying for new broadband funding under the universal service program.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates FCC vetting for rural broadband funding to ensure deployment, expanding internet access in underserved areas per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Data Privacy Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 31, 2025

S 2589: Expanding the VOTE Act

S 2589, the Expanding the VOTE Act, strengthens language access in elections by updating the Voting Rights Act. It clarifies that "voting materials" include digital and printed content (like ballots and instructions) and requires states to provide these in minority languages when populations meet specific thresholds. The bill adds new notice requirements for states near language access thresholds and creates grants to help jurisdictions provide materials for languages not currently covered under Section 203, while establishing special provisions for American Indian and Alaska Native languages. It also directs a study on lowering language minority thresholds and expanding covered languages. This directly affects states, localities, and language minority communities participating in federal elections.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly requires digital voting materials (ballots/instructions) in minority languages, promoting digital equity and access for non-English speakers via technology.95% confidence

Tags Elections

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 17, 2025

S 2350: Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to keep all personal information from DACA applications confidential. It prohibits sharing this data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or state/local law enforcement for any purpose other than administering the DACA program. Limited exceptions allow sharing only to prevent fraud, address specific national security threats, or investigate felonies unrelated to immigration status. The law directly protects DACA applicants and recipients by preventing their personal details from being used against them by law enforcement.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill restricts law enforcement access to DACA data, protecting civil rights by preventing immigration-related criminal justice system involvement. Aligns with 'protects civil rights' indicator.85% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits DHS from sharing DACA data with ICE/CBP/local enforcement, protecting DREAMers from deportation risks and limiting immigration enforcement cooperation.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates DHS confidentiality of DACA data, preventing unauthorized sharing with agencies - directly protects personal data privacy under technology topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement DACA & Dreamers Enforcement Sanctuary Policies Data Privacy

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 17, 2025

S 2352: PROTECTED Act

S 2352, the PROTECTED Act, modifies the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to change how financial institutions collect data for small business loans. It requires institutions to inform applicants they aren't obligated to provide certain financial details (like revenue), that their response won't affect credit decisions, and that the data is collected for federal reporting. The bill prohibits institutions from compiling data through visual observation or other indirect methods and bars using applicant response rates to assess compliance. It directly affects financial institutions originating at least 2,500 small business loans annually (with $1 billion+ in assets) and small businesses with under $1 million in annual revenue. The law includes a 2-year safe harbor period before enforcement begins.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates transparency in financial data collection, prohibits indirect data methods, and protects applicant privacy - directly aligns with data privacy protections in tech policy.95% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 25, 2025

S 2168: Drones for America Act

The Drones for America Act increases tariffs on drones and drone parts imported from China, starting at 30% and rising to 45% over four years. It requires documentation proving drones and parts don't contain Chinese components, with these requirements taking effect in 2028 for drones and 2031 for parts. The bill creates a grant program funded by these tariffs to help first responders, farmers, ranchers, and critical infrastructure providers purchase secure drone systems. It also supports U.S. manufacturers of drone components through workforce development and capacity building. The legislation aims to strengthen U.S. drone supply chains by reducing reliance on Chinese-made components.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds secure drone systems for critical infrastructure via tariff revenues, directly enhancing cybersecurity through dedicated grants for U.S. secure technology adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House May 15, 2025

HR 3435: Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025

The Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025 establishes a Federal Institute to train federal employees in cybersecurity roles and human resources staff managing cybersecurity positions. The Institute will develop role-specific training modules - including hands-on exercises and assessments - based on the NICE cybersecurity framework, offering both in-person and virtual options without requiring a cybersecurity degree. The National Cyber Director must submit a detailed implementation plan to Congress within 180 days, and the Institute will operate without new funding, leveraging existing federal resources. This training aims to enhance skills for entry-level cybersecurity roles, support mid-career transitions, and improve hiring practices for federal cybersecurity personnel.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes federal cybersecurity workforce training via NICE framework, directly enhancing government cybersecurity capabilities and workforce readiness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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passed · United States · House Nov 18, 2025

HR 2659: Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act

HR 2659 creates a federal task force to address cyber threats from China's state-sponsored actors, specifically targeting groups like Volt Typhoon identified in a 2024 CISA advisory. The task force, led by CISA and FBI directors, coordinates federal agencies responsible for critical infrastructure security to detect and respond to cyberattacks. It must produce annual reports - including classified assessments of infrastructure risks and recommendations - to Congress within 540 days of formation and for five years after. These reports will guide federal efforts to protect critical infrastructure (like energy grids and transportation systems) and inform owners/operators through a public awareness campaign.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes federal task force to enhance cybersecurity against state threats, directly aligning with 'enhances cybersecurity' indicator in support criteria.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · House Feb 4, 2025

HR 912: 9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act

This bill requires the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (9-8-8 hotline) program to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities and report incidents. It mandates that the program’s network administrator and participating local crisis centers must report identified security weaknesses or cyber incidents to federal officials within a reasonable time, while protecting user privacy. The law also requires a study by the Comptroller General within 180 days to evaluate cybersecurity risks specific to the 9-8-8 system. These changes directly affect the federally funded 9-8-8 hotline program and its local crisis centers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens cybersecurity for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, protecting mental health services and patient privacy.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates cybersecurity vulnerability reporting and study for 9-8-8 lifeline, strengthening protections per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 31, 2025

S 2604: A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to establish the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee, and for other purposes.

This bill requires the Secretary of Defense to create the Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee by April 1, 2026. The committee, composed of senior Defense officials and experts, must analyze AI development trends, assess adversary capabilities, evaluate military applications, and develop a strategy for adopting artificial general intelligence - including ethical guidelines and funding plans. It must submit an unclassified report to Congress by January 31, 2027, detailing its findings, with a classified annex permitted. The committee’s requirements expire on December 31, 2027. The bill directly affects the Department of Defense’s strategic planning for advanced AI systems.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates AGI strategy committee with funding plans and ethical guidelines, advancing military AI development and adoption.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · House Jan 20, 2026

HR 7151: Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act

This bill directs the Commerce Secretary to create a public education campaign about artificial intelligence within 180 days. It aims to improve consumer understanding of AI's daily uses (like recommendations, voice assistants, and deepfakes), teach best practices for detecting AI-generated content, and provide targeted outreach to vulnerable groups like seniors. The campaign will develop multilingual materials, a mobile-friendly website, and annual updates, while coordinating with small businesses and state/local governments. The effort expires after 5 years with no new federal funding required.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates public education on AI uses, detection of AI-generated content, and outreach to vulnerable groups, promoting digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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