Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Jan 12, 2026

S 3611: Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act of 2026

This bill clarifies that non-controlling blockchain developers and service providers - those who create or maintain distributed ledger technology without unilaterally controlling user transactions - will not be classified as money transmitters under federal law. It exempts these entities from money transmission licensing requirements and related registration obligations solely based on their core development or infrastructure activities. Key provisions define "non-controlling" providers and explicitly state they won’t be treated as money transmitters under sections 5330 or 1960 of U.S. Code. The bill does not alter existing anti-money laundering rules, financial institution classifications, or state laws, ensuring it only modifies specific regulatory treatment for eligible developers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts non-controlling blockchain developers from money transmitter licensing, reducing regulatory barriers for distributed ledger technology innovation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House Jan 15, 2026

HRES 1005: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that creators and digital workers, as a distinct and growing class of small businesses and independent economic contributors, deserve fair treatment, transparency, and economic opportunity in the modern platform-based economy.

This non-binding resolution expresses the House's support for creators and digital workers (over 10 million Americans earning income via platforms) who face challenges like misclassification as independent contractors, opaque revenue terms, and limited access to benefits. It calls for transparent revenue-sharing agreements, portable health care and retirement options, clearer platform algorithm policies, and protections against unfair account actions. The resolution does not create new laws but urges platforms and policymakers to address these issues. It focuses on concrete concerns like income volatility and lack of labor protections for this growing workforce.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExplicitly calls for 'portable health care' options, enabling continued health coverage access for digital workers across platforms, directly advancing healthcare access for this group.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCalls for fair treatment, transparent revenue-sharing, portable benefits, and protections for digital workers facing misclassification - advancing worker rights in platform economy.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill advocates for fair treatment of digital workers in platform economy, demanding transparency, portable benefits, and algorithmic clarity - aligning with digital rights protections in tech policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · Senate Oct 21, 2025

S 1492: Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025

The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 establishes a National Blockchain Deployment Advisory Committee under the Department of Commerce to advance U.S. competitiveness in blockchain technology. The committee, including private sector experts and federal agency representatives, will develop voluntary best practices for secure blockchain use in areas like supply chains, healthcare, and cybersecurity, while assessing federal agency adoption. It requires the Commerce Secretary to report annually to Congress on progress and emerging risks, with the committee dissolving after 7 years. The bill focuses on fostering industry collaboration and standardized guidelines without mandating private sector adoption or requiring companies to share information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEstablishes committee to develop secure blockchain best practices for cybersecurity, supply chains, and healthcare, advancing U.S. blockchain competitiveness per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House Apr 20, 2026

HR 7380: IRAN Act

HR 7380, the IRAN Act, aims to improve internet access for Iranian citizens by directing U.S. agencies to support secure connectivity tools. It requires the State Department to coordinate digital freedom efforts, update strategies to evaluate VPNs and Direct-to-Cell (DTC) technology, and ensure sanctions enforcement doesn’t block these tools for Iranians. The bill also mandates the FCC to prevent licensees from geo-blocking Iran’s satellite/DTC coverage (except for network security) and directs the State Department to report on coverage issues. Additionally, it authorizes $15 million annually for cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for Iranian journalists, activists, and civil society. The law explicitly states it does not override existing sanctions or require U.S. companies to sell services in Iran.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly directs U.S. agencies to support secure connectivity tools, prevent geo-blocking of DTC/VPN access for Iranians, and ensure sanctions don't hinder internet access - directly expanding digital access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · House Nov 18, 2025

HR 6117: Patient Device Data Access Act of 2025

HR 6117, the Patient Device Data Access Act of 2025, requires medical device manufacturers to share patient-specific data recorded or transmitted by covered devices (like pacemakers or remote monitors) when a patient requests it. The bill mandates that manufacturers provide this data in understandable formats, publish device-specific data policies on their websites, and notify patients about how to access their information. It directly affects patients using covered devices and device manufacturers, while exempting data stored in inaccessible closed systems. The law focuses on enabling patient access to their own health data without requiring device redesigns or disclosing proprietary information.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates medical device manufacturers to share patient data in understandable formats, improving patient access to health information and protecting patient rights per healthcare topic definition.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates medical device data sharing with patients, requiring transparent policies and accessible formats, directly protecting patient data privacy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · United States · House May 21, 2025

HR 3539: Leadership in CET Act

The Leadership in CET Act creates a temporary program to fast-track patent reviews for applications in critical technology areas like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. To qualify, applications must be new utility patents without domestic benefit claims and submitted by non-foreign entities of concern (as defined by national security law). The program will accept up to 15,000 applications or run for five years, whichever comes first, and requires the U.S. Patent Office to report on its effectiveness to Congress. This policy change aims to accelerate patent processing for strategic technologies to support U.S. innovation leadership.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAccelerates patent approvals for AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, directly advancing critical technology innovation through streamlined review processes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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passed · United States · House Jul 15, 2025

HR 1765: Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025

HR 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025, requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to enhance U.S. representation and leadership in international wireless standards bodies (like 3GPP, IEEE, and ISO) that set rules for 5G and future wireless networks. It mandates encouraging participation and offering technical expertise to U.S. companies and stakeholders in these bodies, while excluding entities deemed "not trusted" due to national security concerns (based on existing government determinations). The bill also requires the Assistant Secretary to brief relevant congressional committees within 60 days of enactment on implementation strategy. This directly affects U.S. technology companies and experts participating in global wireless standard-setting, aiming to strengthen U.S. influence in developing next-generation network standards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates U.S. leadership in global wireless standards bodies (3GPP, IEEE) to advance 5G/6G development and competitiveness, directly strengthening tech infrastructure leadership.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · Senate Dec 3, 2025

S 3340: 21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act

This bill creates a federal grant program to expand STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) opportunities for girls and underrepresented minorities in K-12 schools. Qualified local school districts (those serving at least 40% students eligible for free/reduced lunch) can apply for competitive 4-year grants of $250,000 annually to fund specific activities. Key provisions include teacher training to address bias, mentorship programs, parental engagement, summer and after-school STEM activities, field trips to STEM workplaces, and support for advanced course enrollment. The program requires annual evaluations tracking student engagement and academic progress in STEM fields. It directly affects schools serving high-poverty communities with significant underrepresented student populations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates federal grants to fund STEM programs for underrepresented K-12 students, including teacher training and mentorship, directly advancing educational access and equity.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds STEM education for underrepresented groups, directly advancing technology access and equity in K-12, aligning with digital equity indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 15, 2026

S 3680: Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026

S 3680, the *Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act of 2026*, requires federal agencies using or funding complex algorithms (like AI systems) to establish civil rights offices focused on bias. These offices must monitor and address algorithmic bias related to protected characteristics (e.g., race, gender, disability) that affect government programs or economic opportunities. Agencies must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing bias risks, mitigation steps, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations, and join an interagency working group on algorithmic fairness. The bill directly affects covered federal agencies, not private companies or the general public.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates bias monitoring in federal algorithms affecting government programs, directly advancing civil rights protections and reducing discriminatory outcomes in criminal justice systems.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires federal agencies to monitor algorithmic bias in AI systems, promoting digital equity and preventing discrimination in government programs using technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 3360: FREEDOM Act

This bill requires the U.S. State Department, working with the FCC and Treasury, to submit a report to Congress within 120 days of enactment. The report must update previous assessments and specifically analyze: (1) using direct-to-cell wireless technology to expand internet access in Iran, (2) how drone-based systems and signal jamming might affect that technology, and (3) the ownership and foreign involvement of telecom providers operating in Iran. The report will assess the feasibility, security, and implications for communications freedom. It does not change U.S. law or policy but mandates a detailed study on internet access opportunities in Iran.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill requires report analyzing direct-to-cell tech to expand Iran internet access, aligning with 'expands internet access' indicator.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Emerging Technology Telecommunications

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