Technology

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4561: CLOSE THE GAP Act

The CLOSE THE GAP Act aims to streamline the permitting process for installing and modifying communications facilities, such as cell towers, on Federal land managed by agencies like the National Park Service and the Forest Service. It requires these agencies to create standardized, technology-neutral rules that allow applications to be processed simultaneously rather than sequentially and mandates that fees charged to applicants be based solely on the actual administrative costs incurred. To improve transparency and speed, the bill establishes online portals for submitting applications, requires agencies to track and report processing times, and creates a new working group to coordinate reviews across different Federal land management agencies. Additionally, the legislation simplifies environmental reviews for projects on previously analyzed land and allows for faster approval of public safety improvements at existing sites without requiring new environmental impact statements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines permitting for communications facilities like cell towers, expanding internet access and digital equity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 4371: TECH Act

The TECH Act allows qualified technical schools to apply for the same federal funding as traditional two-year and four-year colleges. To make this happen, the bill requires government agencies to update their rules and application forms so these technical schools can participate in specific grant programs for student support and workforce training. A technical school must offer approved career training programs that lead to recognized credentials in high-demand fields like healthcare or manufacturing to qualify. This change aims to help these schools compete more fairly for financial resources while ensuring they prepare students for essential jobs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands funding access for technical schools and enhances workforce training programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands funding access for technical schools offering high-demand healthcare training, strengthening the healthcare workforce pipeline.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands workforce training access and funding for technical schools, enhancing labor skills and employment opportunities.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands federal funding access for technical schools to train students in high-demand tech fields like healthcare and manufacturing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education Student Financial Aid Workforce Development

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in committee · United States · House Apr 15, 2026

HR 8311: Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act

This bill, titled the Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act, aims to reduce unwanted automated calls by expanding federal rules to cover all phone numbers, not just residential ones. It requires the Federal Communications Commission to update regulations within 270 days to enforce these broader restrictions on entities making multiple calls. Additionally, the law clarifies the definition of automatic dialing systems to include any list of numbers used with automated technology, ensuring these rules apply to a wider range of callers.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens consumer protection by regulating automated dialing systems and expanding FCC rules to curb unwanted calls.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House May 7, 2026

HJRES 179: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-04: Insufficient Data Protection or Security for Sensitive Consumer Information".

This joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove a rule from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that would have removed an earlier regulation about data security. The bill directly affects financial institutions by aiming to keep in place the 2022 requirement for stronger protection of sensitive consumer information. If passed, the rule attempting to withdraw the data security standards would have no legal effect, meaning the original data protection rules would remain active.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill blocks a rule removing data security standards, thereby protecting consumer privacy and cybersecurity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · United States · House Apr 27, 2026

HR 8512: To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 20, 2029, and for other purposes.

This bill extends the authority to conduct certain foreign intelligence surveillance programs under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until April 20, 2029. It introduces stricter rules requiring warrants or probable cause before the government can target the communications of American citizens for intelligence gathering. The legislation also increases criminal penalties for unauthorized access to classified information and mandates an independent audit to ensure these surveillance activities are properly limited to foreign targets.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill introduces stricter rules requiring warrants or probable cause before targeting American citizens, enhancing privacy protections and cybersecurity oversight.85% confidence

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in committee · United States · House May 13, 2026

HR 8791: IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act authorizes federal grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to fund long-term improvements to their campus facilities and infrastructure. These grants are awarded competitively to eligible HBCUs based on criteria such as the age of their facilities, deferred maintenance needs, financial capacity, and student enrollment levels. Recipients may use the funds to construct or renovate buildings, upgrade technology and broadband systems, improve safety measures, and develop workforce training hubs, while being prohibited from using the money for routine maintenance or athletic facilities. The legislation also includes provisions for reporting on project outcomes and requires institutions to create comprehensive master plans that involve consultation with diverse campus and community stakeholders.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides federal grants to HBCUs for facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades, directly strengthening educational institutions.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds upgrades to technology and broadband systems at HBCUs, enhancing digital access and infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Broadband Access

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in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 8747: K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026

The K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026 amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow federal funding for artificial intelligence education in schools. This legislation directly affects states, local school districts, and educational staff by permitting the use of funds to teach students how to use AI safely and responsibly. Additionally, the bill authorizes money for professional development programs that equip teachers, librarians, and administrators with the skills to teach and utilize AI effectively. By adding these specific allowable uses to existing federal education grants, the act provides a clear pathway for integrating AI literacy into the K-12 curriculum.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes federal funding for K-12 AI education and teacher professional development, directly advancing the budget topic by allocating resources to essential programs.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to allow federal funding for AI literacy, directly supporting student education and teacher professional development.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly funds AI literacy education and teacher training to promote safe and responsible technology use in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Libraries Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 29, 2026

S 4438: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

The Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026 directs the Federal Communications Commission to create two grant programs for states to improve access to the Lifeline broadband subsidy. The first program provides funding to help states inform low-income residents who qualify for the Lifeline benefit but are not yet enrolled about how to apply and what the program offers. The second program funds states to connect their local benefit databases with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, ensuring that receipt of other government assistance is properly recorded for eligibility checks. To receive these grants, states must submit detailed plans outlining their outreach strategies and expected reach, with the FCC prioritizing areas with more eligible individuals and diverse geographic regions. The bill also requires the FCC to report on the programs' effectiveness to Congress within three years and authorizes funding for the first five fiscal years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates federal grant programs to fund state efforts in expanding broadband access for low-income residents, directly increasing government spending on essential services.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates grant programs to expand broadband access and improve Lifeline subsidy enrollment for low-income residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8576: Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2026

This bill creates a new grant program administered by the Federal Communications Commission to help states reach low-income individuals who qualify for the Lifeline broadband subsidy but have not yet signed up. Under the first provision, states can apply for funding to run outreach campaigns that inform these people about their eligibility and guide them through the application process, often by partnering with local community organizations. The second provision provides separate grants to states to connect their existing databases with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, ensuring that benefits from programs like SNAP are automatically recognized when determining who qualifies for free internet services.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates grants to expand broadband access to low-income individuals, directly promoting digital equity and internet access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

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in committee · United States · House May 15, 2026

HR 8866: Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding and updates rules for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, which supports economic development in specific geographic areas. The bill defines eligible organizations as state or nonprofit groups that provide direct financing, commercialization services, and entrepreneurial support to local businesses. It mandates that the federal government cover up to 90 percent of project costs and requires outreach to rural communities and areas facing economic hardship. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 and allows the use of previously unspent funds to continue the program.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill extends funding and updates rules for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, directly advancing technology infrastructure and economic development.85% confidence

Tags Economic Development Rural Communities

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