This joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.
This joint resolution nullifies requirements for persons effectuating decentralized financial (DeFi) transactions to report certain information regarding digital asset sales to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, the joint resolution nullifies the requirements included in the rule titled Gross Proceeds Reporting by Brokers That Regularly Provide Services Effectuating Digital Asset Sales and issued by the IRS on December 30, 2024. Decentralized finance refers to the suite of financial activities and services that are facilitated by cryptocurrency and intended to be conducted without any sort of reliance on traditional financial tools or intermediaries.
HR 7509, the *Deterring Adversarial Access to Americans’ Data Act*, modifies U.S. tax law to impose financial penalties on businesses using technology linked to "foreign adversaries." It directly affects companies that rely on specified foreign-controlled technology (like certain apps or services from designated countries) or are owned by "prohibited foreign entities." Key provisions deny tax benefits including bonus depreciation for such technology, block research expense deductions, adjust business interest deductions, and eliminate R&D credits for affected entities. These changes apply to tax returns filed after the law's effective date, one year post-enactment.
This bill creates a federal grant program to help public schools implement phone-free policies during school hours. It requires states to adopt a policy prohibiting student phone use (with specific exceptions for health needs, disabilities, English learners, and documented instructional needs) to qualify for funding. Grants can only be used to purchase secure storage solutions like lockers or signal-blocking containers for devices. The program allocates funds based on prior Title I education funding, with minimum allocations for smaller states. It directly affects public K-12 schools through their state education agencies.
HR 4802, the Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2025, bans the use of federal funds for certain foreign-made LiDAR technology in transportation projects. It prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from procuring, obtaining, or contracting for LiDAR technology from specified "covered foreign countries," "covered LiDAR companies," or "covered LiDAR technology" starting June 30, 2026. Contractors must certify they will not use banned technology, and the Secretary may grant limited waivers for national security reasons, requiring congressional notification. This directly affects transportation infrastructure projects funded by the Department of Transportation, including grants and contracts.
HR 4142, the "No Adversarial AI Act," prohibits U.S. federal agencies from acquiring or using artificial intelligence (AI) developed by "foreign adversary entities" as defined by the bill. Within 90 days of enactment, agencies must review and remove such AI from their systems, barring exceptions for scientific research, testing, counterterrorism, or mission-critical functions. The bill requires the Federal Acquisition Security Council to create and regularly update a public list of covered AI within 180 days, with removals possible if entities provide certification. This law directly affects federal agencies managing AI systems and aims to mitigate security risks from foreign-sourced AI technology.
HRES 694 is a non-binding House resolution calling on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to halt a pilot program using artificial intelligence to decide Medicare coverage for medical services. It directly affects seniors who rely on Medicare, as the resolution argues AI-driven coverage decisions could jeopardize their access to critical healthcare. The resolution expresses the House's "sense" that CMS should not proceed with this AI evaluation method, referencing CMS's June 2025 announcement of the pilot. As a resolution, it does not create new law but urges CMS to pause the program.
HR 908, the "Stop the Censorship Act," would amend Section 230 of the Communications Act to change how online platforms can moderate user content without losing legal immunity. It specifically revises the definition from removing "objectionable" material to only removing "unlawful" material, and adds a new provision stating platforms cannot be shielded for allowing users to restrict access to other content. This bill directly affects online platforms hosting user-generated content, such as social media sites and forums. The key change shifts the standard for immunity from subjective "objectionable" content to legally prohibited "unlawful" content.
HJRES 40 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a Department of Defense rule about the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program. It directs Congress to reject the specific rule (published October 15, 2024) that would have required defense contractors to meet new cybersecurity standards under the CMMC framework. If passed, this resolution would stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting defense contractors who would have otherwise needed to comply with the CMMC requirements. The resolution uses a standard procedural mechanism under federal law to nullify the rule without creating new policy.
HR 5173, the "No Social Media at School Act," requires social media companies to block access to their platforms on K-12 school campuses during regular school hours using geofencing technology. This applies to companies operating platforms that collect personal data for advertising or data sales, excluding educational tools, email services, and emergency alerts. The bill prohibits social media companies from needing to collect age data or implement age verification to comply. Enforcement is handled by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, who can sue to block violations or seek damages.
