Technology

passed · United States · House May 21, 2025

HR 1223: ANCHOR Act

The ANCHOR Act requires the National Science Foundation to develop a plan within 18 months to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet - comprising university- and lab-operated oceanographic research vessels. The plan must assess each vessel's specific needs for internet speed, data transfer, telemedicine, and remote expert access during missions, alongside cost estimates for upgrades like satellite equipment and staff training. It also mandates evaluating shared solutions to reduce costs and outlining funding strategies involving NSF, Navy research offices, and vessel operators. The bill directly affects research vessels conducting ocean science, aiming to modernize their digital infrastructure without altering scientific methods.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates NSF plan to enhance cybersecurity and telecom infrastructure for research vessels, directly strengthening tech capabilities and data transfer needs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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signed · United States · Senate May 19, 2025

S 146: TAKE IT DOWN Act

The TAKE IT DOWN Act requires major social media platforms and websites hosting user-generated content to establish a 48-hour removal process for nonconsensual intimate visual depictions (including deepfakes) upon verified request. It defines "nonconsensual intimate visual depictions" as images or videos of identifiable people shared without consent, with criminal penalties for sharing such content with intent to cause harm. The law exempts law enforcement activities, medical purposes, and content shared for legitimate educational reasons. Platforms must remove these materials quickly but are protected from liability if they act in good faith. This law directly affects social media companies and individuals whose intimate images are shared without consent.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours, strengthening data privacy protections and regulating tech companies for consumer safety.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed · United States · House Apr 30, 2025

HR 859: Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

HR 859 requires manufacturers to clearly state before purchase whether internet-connected consumer devices (like smart speakers or home monitors) contain a camera or microphone. It directly affects device manufacturers, excluding phones, laptops, and dedicated cameras (which consumers reasonably expect to have such features). The Federal Trade Commission enforces this as an unfair/deceptive practice under existing law, with guidance issued within 180 days of enactment. The law applies only to devices made after the FTC issues its guidance, not older models.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires clear disclosure of camera/mic features in smart devices, enhancing consumer data privacy awareness per FTC enforcement under existing law.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · United States · House Apr 29, 2025

HR 973: Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to adopt specific existing safety standards for lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, scooters, and other personal micromobility devices within 180 days of enactment. It mandates that these standards apply only to consumer products as defined by federal law, directly affecting manufacturers of such devices. The bill also establishes a process for the CPSC to review future revisions to these voluntary standards and requires a report to Congress within five years detailing battery-related fire or explosion incidents involving these products. The law aims to standardize safety requirements without creating new rules, relying instead on established industry guidelines.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in personal micromobility devices, enhancing consumer protection and product safety in the technology sector.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micromobility devices (e-bikes/scooters), enhancing transportation safety standards for emerging transportation infrastructure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · United States · House Mar 25, 2025

HR 1326: DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

HR 1326, the DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act, requires the Energy and Agriculture Secretaries to jointly conduct collaborative research focused on shared priorities like sustainable energy, agriculture, and climate resilience. It mandates a competitive grant process for federal agencies, universities, and nonprofits to fund projects in areas such as AI for farming/energy systems, biofuels, grid security, and rural technology development. The bill also requires a report to Congress within two years detailing research coordination, achievements, and future collaboration opportunities. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, research institutions, and agricultural/energy sectors through new funding mechanisms and joint projects, without altering existing regulations or creating new mandates for the public.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds collaborative research on sustainable energy, biofuels, grid security, and rural tech via competitive grants, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and climate resilience priorities.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds collaborative research on sustainable energy, climate resilience, biofuels, and AI for farming/energy systems, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals through federal grants.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds AI for farming/energy systems, grid security, and rural tech development via competitive grants, directly advancing technology research.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · United States · House Mar 11, 2025

HR 901: Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to create a new department-wide policy and process to protect sensitive research and development projects from unauthorized access or disclosure during acquisitions. It directly affects DHS research programs by mandating specific security safeguards for their work. Key provisions include requiring DHS to develop this policy within one year, submit a GAO report on compliance with existing national security guidelines (NSPM-33), and provide a congressional briefing on implementing the new security framework. The bill focuses on establishing concrete security protocols for DHS research, not on funding or broader policy changes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates DHS security safeguards for sensitive R&D projects, directly enhancing cybersecurity protocols for research programs per bill's core requirement.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · United States · House Feb 26, 2025

HR 788: DOE and SBA Research Act

HR 788 requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish formal agreements for joint research and development (R&D) projects. This mandates that small businesses must be included in these collaborative efforts, aligning DOE and SBA missions to advance shared goals like clean energy innovation. The bill creates a two-year reporting requirement for the agencies to Congress, detailing coordination, research achievements, and future collaboration opportunities. It does not authorize new funding and ensures R&D activities comply with existing research security rules.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates DOE/SBA joint R&D with small businesses for clean energy innovation, explicitly advancing shared goals in clean energy development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates DOE/SBA R&D for clean energy innovation, directly advancing climate change mitigation goals.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes clean energy innovation through joint R&D between DOE and SBA, advancing technology development and collaboration.70% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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passed · United States · House Jan 14, 2025

HR 152: Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act

HR 152, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, requires FEMA to study and streamline how disaster assistance applicants and agencies collect and share information. It directs FEMA to develop plans within two years to simplify paperwork for applicants, reduce duplication in damage assessments, and explore technologies like drones for faster assessments. The bill mandates a public report detailing these plans and findings, including recommendations for agencies like the Small Business Administration and HUD. It directly affects disaster applicants and federal agencies managing relief, aiming to make the process less burdensome and more efficient without creating new funding or benefits. The focus is strictly on procedural improvements to information handling.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly directs FEMA to explore technologies like drones for disaster assessments and streamline information sharing, indicating support for technology adoption in government operations.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

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