The AI Grand Challenges Act of 2026 directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish prize competitions for U.S.-based researchers and companies to solve specific, measurable problems in critical areas like health, national security, energy, and cancer research. It requires the NSF to publish clear problem statements and success metrics for each challenge, including a mandatory $10 million prize competition focused on AI-driven cancer breakthroughs for detection, treatment, or diagnostics. Eligibility is limited to U.S. entities or citizens/permanent residents, with annual reporting to Congress on competition results and public accessibility via the Challenge.gov platform. The bill mandates public input on challenge selection and biennial reports detailing program activities and outcomes.
The LIFT AI Act (HR 5584) provides federal funding through competitive grants to develop AI literacy programs for K-12 education. It directly affects elementary and secondary schools, teachers, and students by supporting the creation of AI-focused curricula, teacher training on responsible AI use, and hands-on learning tools. Key provisions include funding for project-based learning materials, professional development for educators, and evaluation methods to assess student AI proficiency. The bill aims to integrate practical AI skills into classrooms while ensuring content adapts to evolving technology. It does not fund direct student programs but enables schools to build foundational AI education through grant-supported resources.
HR 5388, the American Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Uniformity Act, imposes a 5-year regulatory moratorium on state laws restricting AI models, systems, or automated decision systems in interstate commerce. This directly affects businesses operating across state lines, particularly small businesses burdened by conflicting state regulations, by preventing new state rules during this period. The bill requires the President to develop a National AI Action Plan within 30 days, setting measurable goals for federal AI innovation, aligning with national standards, and reducing small business compliance burdens. It includes specific exceptions allowing states to enforce laws that facilitate AI deployment or handle criminal penalties, while explicitly preserving federal and generally applicable criminal laws. The moratorium aims to create regulatory certainty during the development of national AI governance standards.
This bill amends the Small Business Act to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide guidance and support to small businesses on using artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, it adds a new provision directing the SBA to help small businesses evaluate AI for operations - including best practices, planning for disruptions, protecting data and intellectual property, improving cybersecurity, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The guidance will include training and outreach on integrating AI into business workflows. The bill does not authorize new funding for these activities.
The Right to Override Act (S 2997) requires healthcare facilities and health plans to establish policies allowing healthcare professionals to override AI-driven clinical decision support systems (AI/CDSS) when they believe it's appropriate for patient care or to comply with law. The bill prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions against healthcare professionals who override AI/CDSS outputs in good faith, and it provides whistleblower protections for those reporting violations of the law. Covered entities must provide training on AI/CDSS usage, establish committees with healthcare professional representation to oversee implementation, and maintain policies that prevent the sharing of override data that could identify specific professionals. Enforcement will be handled by the Department of Health and Human Services for policy violations and the Department of Labor for employment-related violations, with civil penalties up to $769,870 for repeat violations. This bill directly affects healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, health plans, and other covered entities that use AI/CDSS in clinical settings.
This resolution (HRES 836) urges the U.S. government to develop a regional artificial intelligence strategy for the Americas. It calls for U.S. agencies to prioritize inclusive AI development that combats biases against marginalized groups, promotes social justice, and leverages the hemisphere's diverse populations. Key mechanisms include funding AI education and infrastructure across the region, creating ethical frameworks for AI governance, and collaborating with partners like the Organization of American States. The resolution directly affects U.S. foreign policy agencies and aims to shape AI systems used throughout the Western Hemisphere, focusing on equitable outcomes for underserved communities.
HR 5272, the *Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act*, prohibits the intentional distribution of AI-generated audio or video that falsely represents a federal candidate’s appearance, speech, or conduct in a way that would mislead voters during an election. It directly affects candidates for federal office, political committees, and entities distributing such content with the intent to influence elections or solicit funds. The bill includes key exceptions for news organizations (with clear authenticity disclosures), publications (with explicit statements), and satire. Victims can seek court injunctions or damages for violations, with the burden of proof requiring "clear and convincing evidence." This law aims to prevent AI-generated disinformation from distorting election outcomes.
This bill protects employees and independent contractors who report AI-related security risks or violations. It prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who disclose AI security vulnerabilities (like potential theft of AI systems) or AI violations (such as unsafe development practices) to regulators, Congress, or internal supervisors. Covered individuals can seek remedies like reinstatement, double back pay, and legal fees through the Labor Department or federal court if retaliated against. The law explicitly blocks employers from requiring arbitration or waiving these protections through contracts.
HR 1121, the "No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act," prohibits U.S. federal executive agencies from using the DeepSeek application (or any successor by High Flyer) on government information technology devices. It requires the Office of Management and Budget to develop removal standards within 60 days, directing agencies to remove the application while complying with existing security rules. Exceptions are permitted for national security, law enforcement, and security research activities, but agencies must document risk mitigation plans for any authorized use under these exceptions. The bill directly affects all executive agencies covered under federal information technology policies.
This bill amends the Federal Cyber Scholarship for Service Program under the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014. It extends the required post-graduation service period from 3 to 5 years for scholarship recipients. Additionally, it removes restrictions on loan amounts by ensuring full loan coverage regardless of other Higher Education Act limits. The changes directly affect cybersecurity students receiving federal scholarships, altering their service obligations and financial support terms.
