Technology (Emerging Technology) in United States

in committee · United States · House May 26, 2026

HR 9042: Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026

The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 establishes a working group to evaluate how the United States can support Taiwan in producing secure, China-independent drone components. This initiative aims to address security risks posed by Chinese-sourced parts in commercial drones by facilitating public-private partnerships and streamlining certification processes for Taiwanese manufacturers. The bill also creates a cooperative framework to help regional allies acquire these secure drones and includes provisions for fast-tracking export controls and cybersecurity reviews for qualified Taiwanese suppliers. While the legislation authorizes funding for these efforts, it explicitly states that it does not change the official U.S. position on Taiwan's international status.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House May 20, 2026

HR 8926: State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act

The State and Local Public Sector Innovation Act creates a grant program to help state and local governments upgrade their technology systems to improve security and service efficiency. Funded by $500 million over four years, the program distributes money equally based on population and specific needs, with at least 70% of funds directed directly to local political subdivisions. Recipients can use the money for tasks such as buying new technology, updating cybersecurity, hiring staff, and ensuring compliance with data privacy and post-quantum cryptography standards. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information will oversee the program, conduct surveys to assess state needs, and provide technical guidance on data security and artificial intelligence usage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4633: Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Strategy Act of 2026

The Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Strategy Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Defense to create a comprehensive plan for deploying unmanned and autonomous systems in the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere regions. This strategy must involve coordination with military commanders, the Coast Guard, and other government officials, covering areas such as artificial intelligence integration, supply chain security, and partnerships with allies like Japan, Australia, and Ukraine. The bill mandates that the Defense Department submit this strategy to Congress within 180 days and provide annual updates through 2030 on implementation progress and changes in enemy capabilities.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 28, 2026

HR 8564: Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026

The Local Law Enforcement Support Act of 2026 expands funding opportunities for local police departments through the Byrne JAG and COPS programs. These funds can be used to recruit and train officers, purchase protective gear, and acquire specific tools like digital forensics equipment, drone technology, and ballistics analysis systems. The bill also allows for investments in software for cyber investigations and victim services. By adding these categories to the list of eligible expenses, the legislation provides law enforcement agencies with more options for addressing modern crime challenges.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 27, 2026

HR 8530: Quantum for Health Act

The Quantum for Health Act amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to broaden the scope of federal quantum research and education programs. It explicitly adds "social benefit" as a goal and includes "diverse sectors" alongside existing applications, ensuring that health-related fields are integrated into the national strategy. The bill also expands the oversight committees and advisory groups by adding the Department of Health and Human Services and requiring nonprofit research organizations to be included in coordination efforts. Furthermore, it increases the number of multidisciplinary research centers from five to ten and mandates that these centers focus on quantum information science, engineering, and technology to address health challenges while promoting diversity in STEM education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 8492: Public Safety UAS Readiness Act

The Public Safety UAS Readiness Act establishes a grant program to help fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical services train their personnel on operating drones for public safety missions. Funded by up to $10 million annually from 2026 to 2029, these grants can be used to develop training curriculums, purchase compliant drones, and cover administrative costs related to the programs. Recipients must submit detailed plans outlining their safety protocols, risk management strategies, and data privacy measures, with a priority given to agencies in high-risk areas or underserved regions that currently lack drone training capacity. To ensure quality, the act requires that training materials be maintained by recognized nonprofit organizations and mandates annual reporting on the number of trained personnel and drone deployments to Congress.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Data Privacy Emerging Technology Tags Public Safety

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 4380: Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act

The Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act grants owners and operators of high-risk facilities, such as power plants and substations, the legal authority to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones threatening their safety. To use this power, personnel must complete a federally mandated training and certification program that ensures they follow specific operational standards and coordinate with aviation authorities. The legislation also provides $250 million in funding through 2031 to help these facilities purchase and install approved drone countermeasures while offering liability protection for authorized actions taken in good faith.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 4309: Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2026

This bill establishes a pilot program for law enforcement agencies to test and evaluate nonlethal drones designed to help de-escalate active shooter situations. The Federal Aviation Administration will lead this initiative by reviewing weapon options, developing safety and training protocols, and assessing how these drones can safely increase the distance between officers and shooters. The program requires that all tested drones be manufactured in the United States and mandates a final report to Congress outlining a future process for official approval of such operations. Additionally, the legislation reaffirms the existing ban on drones armed with lethal weapons while defining specific criteria for what constitutes a nonlethal device in this context.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 28, 2026

HR 8559: To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.

This bill prohibits U.S. universities from receiving federal research and development funding for five years if they previously accepted money from specific foreign governments for projects involving artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum computing. The targeted foreign entities include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Cuba, Turkey, and Qatar, as well as organizations closely tied to these nations. By restricting access to future defense-related grants, the legislation aims to prevent institutions that have collaborated with these countries on sensitive technologies from participating in subsequent national security research.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4424: A bill to amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.

This bill prohibits U.S. universities from receiving federal research and development funding for five years if they previously accepted money from specific foreign governments for projects involving artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or quantum information science. The law targets institutions of higher education and restricts them from getting awards related to national security or military applications if they took funds from countries like China, Russia, Iran, or others listed in the text. It defines a "foreign source" broadly to include not only the listed governments but also their subsidiaries, agents, and entities with significant ownership ties to those governments. By banning these specific types of funding, the legislation aims to prevent potential security risks associated with foreign involvement in sensitive technological research.

Topics ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

All technology bills