Technology

HR 7292 amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to require the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (part of the National Science and Technology Council) to submit a biennial report to the President, the Advisory Committee, and relevant congressional committees. The bill mandates that these reports detail the subcommittee's progress in implementing the national workforce strategic plan, including any challenges faced and planned updates to address evolving workforce needs. This requirement directly affects the subcommittee and federal agencies managing quantum workforce development. The bill adds no new policy changes but establishes a regular reporting mechanism to track implementation of the existing workforce plan.

HR 312, the Restoring Vehicle Market Freedom Act of 2025, repeals five tax credits related to clean and alternative fuel vehicles from the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, it eliminates credits for previously owned clean vehicles, alternative motor vehicles, alternative fuel refueling property, new plug-in electric vehicles, and commercial clean vehicles. This change means individuals and businesses purchasing or installing qualifying vehicles or infrastructure will no longer be eligible for these tax incentives. The repeal applies to vehicles or property acquired or placed in service after the bill's enactment date.

The Vets Connect Act (HR 7176) creates a secure online platform allowing veterans to reconnect with fellow service members based on shared military service details (like branch, units, and dates of service) without sharing personal contact information. Veterans must explicitly opt in to appear in the system, and their personal data (phone numbers, email, etc.) is never stored or displayed without their consent. Access is restricted to verified veterans, and the system prohibits commercial use of data, requiring strict security measures and audit logs to protect user privacy. This directly affects veterans seeking to reconnect with peers while ensuring their information remains private and secure.

Next Generation 9–1–1 Act This bill establishes a grant program to support implementation of next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems by state, territorial, and tribal governments and requires other related activities. NG9-1-1 means a secure, interoperable, Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) system for receiving 9-1-1 requests for emergency assistance. (IP-based 9-1-1 systems have capabilities that legacy telephone systems do not, including enhanced location-finding and the ability to receive text and multimedia messages.) Under the bill, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must provide grants to state, territorial, and tribal governments (and entities established by those governments) to support the implementation and maintenance of NG9-1-1 systems. Grant funds may also be used for public outreach on NG9-1-1, implementation of cybersecurity measures, and, subject to certain limits, training and administrative costs. Entities applying for grants must submit a plan for NG9-1-1 coordination and implementation that ensures interoperability and reliability, incorporates cybersecurity tools, and meets other requirements related to technology and procurement. Applicants must also certify that they have established, or will establish within a specified time frame, a sustainable funding mechanism to support NG9-1-1 and effective cybersecurity resources. The NTIA must advise applicants on the preparation of implementation plans and provide technical assistance to grant recipients. Further, the NTIA must establish (1) an advisory board to provide recommendations with respect to the grant program and other topics related to NG9-1-1; and (2) a cybersecurity center to coordinate with state, local, and regional governments on the sharing of cybersecurity information related to NG9-1-1.

HR 1080, the "No Solar Panels on Fertile Farmland Act of 2025," amends federal tax codes to exclude solar energy projects on "prime farmland" from key clean energy tax credits. The bill defines "prime farmland" using the USDA's standard (7 CFR §657.5) and removes eligibility for residential solar credits (Section 25D), production credits (Section 45), investment credits (Section 48), and clean electricity credits (Sections 48E and 45Y) for projects on such land. This directly affects solar developers and property owners seeking these tax incentives for installations on designated prime farmland. The policy change applies to projects placed in service after the bill's enactment date.

The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 enhances the Department of Energy's quantum research program by creating new initiatives to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology. It establishes National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, a Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program to develop domestic quantum supply chains, and a Quantum User Expansion program to enable software development for quantum systems. The bill includes specific funding levels through 2030 ($175 million annually for the main program, $50 million annually for instrumentation), requires coordination with other federal agencies, and includes restrictions on funding for quantum research involving certain foreign entities of concern. It also includes provisions for workforce development through traineeships focused on underrepresented students in quantum fields. These changes aim to accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum technology development and commercialization.

HR 5170, the CABLE Leadership Act, requires local governments to approve or deny new cable franchise requests within 120 days of receiving a complete application. If a local government fails to act within this timeframe, the request is automatically approved. The bill also mandates that denials must be in writing, supported by evidence, and publicly released the same day. This directly affects cable companies seeking new franchises and local governments responsible for reviewing these applications.

HR 4473, the BIRD Health Act of 2025, establishes a new U.S.-Israel bilateral program to fund joint research and development of health technologies. It directly affects U.S. and Israeli health institutions, companies, and academic organizations by providing $10 million annually (2026-2032) for collaborative projects in medical devices, telemedicine, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, genomics, and infectious disease prevention. Key provisions include funding for R&D, commercialization support, health system strengthening, and joint manufacturing of biological products, with projects selected based on innovation, commercial potential, and partnership strength. The program will be administered by the existing BIRD Foundation under U.S. Health and Human Services oversight, aiming to accelerate health technology development and deployment through U.S.-Israel collaboration.

S 1534 establishes a National Science Foundation grant program to increase participation of women, underrepresented minorities (including Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian subgroups, LGBTQ+ individuals), and people with disabilities in STEM fields. It authorizes $15 million annually (2026-2030) for competitive grants to fund specific activities like mentoring programs, internships, online workshops, K-12 outreach, and faculty recruitment. The program directly affects eligible educational institutions and organizations seeking to address documented disparities in STEM degree completion and workforce retention. Key provisions require grantees to target underrepresented groups identified through NSF data showing persistent gaps in enrollment, graduation, and career retention. The bill focuses on actionable support mechanisms rather than legislative changes.

The Telehealth Modernization Act extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities through 2027, removing geographic restrictions and allowing audio-only visits. It expands who can provide telehealth services (including nurse practitioners and rural health clinics) and requires new guidance for serving patients with limited English proficiency. The bill also extends certain hospice care provisions and includes virtual diabetes prevention program options. These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries, healthcare providers, and telehealth technology companies.