Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 4920: BIS IT Modernization Act

This bill requires the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to modernize its outdated information technology systems by 2030, focusing on streamlining export license reviews and enhancing national security monitoring. Key provisions include replacing legacy systems with a unified platform for case management, adopting advanced data analytics tools to track military-related trade patterns, and improving data sharing with industry and government partners. It directly affects BIS operations, industry stakeholders using export systems, and federal agencies collaborating on security enforcement. The bill authorizes $25 million annually (2026-2029) for this modernization, aiming to reduce manual processing, strengthen cybersecurity, and improve efficiency in reviewing entities on the Entity List.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyModernizes BIS IT systems with advanced analytics for national security monitoring, directly enhancing cybersecurity capabilities per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · House Jul 24, 2025

HR 4686: LIFT Act of 2025

The LIFT Act of 2025 streamlines regulations for drone and eVTOL (electric air taxi) operations in the U.S. It requires the Transportation Secretary to create new safety rules enabling routine drone flights beyond visual range (BVLOS) within six months and use AI to speed up approval requests for drone waivers. The bill also establishes a 3-year pilot program giving grants to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to test eVTOL operations - prioritizing projects using U.S.-manufactured drone technology and focusing on applications like medical response and cargo transport. This directly affects drone operators, local governments implementing air mobility projects, and U.S. drone manufacturers by accelerating regulatory approvals and funding for safe integration into national airspace.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyStreamlines drone/eVTOL regulations, funds pilot programs, and uses AI for approvals - advancing emerging aviation technology through reduced barriers and investment.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates Transportation Secretary to create safety rules for drone/eVTOL operations, funds pilot programs for U.S.-manufactured eVTOL testing, and streamlines approvals - advancing emerging air mobility infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology Airports Autonomous Vehicles Freight

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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 · House Feb 4, 2025

HJRES 33: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".

HJRES 33 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand the E-Rate Program to address the "homework gap" by improving school internet access. The resolution invokes a federal process (under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to disapprove the FCC's specific rule, which was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024. If passed, this resolution would prevent the FCC rule from taking effect, directly affecting the implementation of E-Rate Program upgrades for schools and libraries. The measure does not create new policy but halts an existing FCC rule through congressional disapproval.

Topics ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill blocks FCC rule expanding E-Rate internet access for schools, preventing improved educational infrastructure and closing homework gap.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBlocks FCC rule expanding school internet access via E-Rate Program to address homework gap, directly opposing policy advancement in internet access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Libraries Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 27, 2026

S 3696: FISA Accountability and Extension Act of 2026

This bill enhances congressional oversight of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court proceedings while extending key surveillance authorities. It requires courts to allow full physical or audio/video access for lawmakers and staff (replacing prior restricted procedures) and establishes a formal process for Congress to appoint up to 8 "amicus curiae" observers. The bill also extends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008's surveillance authorities from 2-year to 8-year renewal periods. These changes directly affect congressional oversight capabilities and the operational timeline for intelligence agencies conducting foreign surveillance under FISA.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyExtends FISA surveillance authorities, enabling broader government data access which weakens data privacy protections per topic description.90% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Apr 7, 2025

HR 2700: UNPLUGGED Act of 2025

The UNPLUGGED Act of 2025 requires states to establish policies prohibiting students from possessing personal mobile phones or other electronic devices (like tablets) during school hours in K-12 public schools. Schools must provide secure storage options like lockers or signal-blocking containers, with limited exceptions for medical needs, disabilities (per IEPs or 504 plans), or English learners requiring devices for instruction. The bill mandates this policy take effect by the first school year after enactment and allows states to implement stricter rules. It does not restrict school-issued devices used for instruction under teacher supervision. The law aims to address documented concerns about phone use disrupting classroom focus, academic performance, and student mental health, based on cited research.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly prohibits personal electronic devices in schools, restricting technology access. Aligns with 'oppose' indicator of restricting technology use.90% confidence

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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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