Technology (Emerging Technology) in United States

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 · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4527: Improving Emerging Tech Opportunities for Veterans Act of 2026

This bill updates the Department of Veterans Affairs' high technology program to include emerging fields like artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing, aiming to help veterans find jobs in growing industries. It requires the VA, along with the Departments of Defense and Labor, to partner with private sector employers and schools to identify these new job opportunities and the specific training needed to fill them. The agencies must then prominently display this information on their websites and promote it to veterans during their transition from military service. Additionally, the law mandates that the list of relevant industries and occupations be reviewed and updated every quarter to reflect changing market demands, with the entire program set to expire in September 2027.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Apr 27, 2026

HR 8516: American Leadership in AI Act

The American Leadership in AI Act establishes a new Center for AI Standards and Innovation at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop voluntary guidelines and testing methods for ensuring artificial intelligence systems are safe, secure, and reliable. It creates a large National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource to provide researchers and students with access to advanced computing power and data, while also launching prize competitions to solve specific challenges in areas like national security and health care. The bill mandates that every federal agency appoint a full-time Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer to oversee responsible AI use and requires the development of federal standards for AI procurement and security. Additionally, the legislation strengthens penalties for financial crimes committed using AI, protects workers who report AI safety violations from retaliation, and expands educational programs to improve AI literacy among K-12 students and the broader workforce.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

in committee · United States · House Apr 23, 2026

HR 8470: Surveillance Accountability Act

The Surveillance Accountability Act aims to strengthen Fourth Amendment protections against warrantless government searches, directly affecting federal employees involved in surveillance and individuals whose data or privacy is subject to government access. It generally mandates that government entities obtain a warrant based on probable cause for most searches, explicitly requiring one to access data held by third-party companies like internet providers or financial institutions. While outlining exceptions for situations like plain view or publicly available information, the bill specifically prohibits the warrantless collection or analysis of biometric data (e.g., facial recognition) or license plate reader data from public places without informed consent. Additionally, it creates a new legal avenue for individuals to sue federal employees who violate their Fourth Amendment rights, allowing for redress and attorney's fees.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Emerging Technology

passed · United States · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SRES 679: A resolution recognizing April 14, 2026, as "World Quantum Day", and commemorating and supporting the goals of World Quantum Day.

This Senate Resolution recognizes April 14, 2026, as "World Quantum Day." It supports the day's goals of celebrating the role of quantum physics in daily life and encourages schools and educators to observe it with activities that teach students about quantum physics and engage them in STEM fields.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

All technology bills