Technology

in committee · United States · House Feb 7, 2025

HR 1148: SMARTER Act

Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act or the SMARTER Act This bill requires nonregulated utilities and state regulators of utilities to consider implementing a standard to prohibit electric utilities from recovering costs relating to the deployment of any smart grid system from their consumers. It also repeals the current requirement for states to consider authorizing electric utilities to recover costs relating to the deployment of certain smart grid systems from their consumers. Within a year, each nonregulated utility and state regulatory authority must consider adopting the prohibition. Within two years, they must determine whether or not to implement the prohibition. However, the deadlines do not apply if a state has already considered or implemented a comparable standard.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents utilities from recovering smart grid costs from consumers, protecting ratepayers per support indicator90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits utilities from recovering smart grid deployment costs from consumers, restricting funding mechanisms for this technology infrastructure.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Utility Regulation

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in committee · United States · Senate May 7, 2025

S 1666: Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act

This bill creates a dedicated single point of contact within the Social Security Administration for individuals affected by identity theft involving their Social Security number. It directly affects victims whose SSN was misused to fraudulently claim benefits (under Titles II, VIII, or XVI of the Social Security Act) or whose physical card was lost during delivery. The key provision requires the SSA to assign a specially trained team to coordinate all aspects of the victim's case, track it to resolution, and maintain continuity even if team members change. The team must be accountable for the case until fully resolved, with procedures ensuring case history continuity and victim notification during transitions. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill addresses identity theft victim services, directly relating to data privacy protection under the topic. Focus on SSN misuse aligns with data privacy safeguards, though administrative in nature.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection

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in committee · United States · House Jun 26, 2025

HR 4206: CONNECT for Health Act of 2025

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 expands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions that limited where patients could receive care, expanding the types of health care providers who can offer telehealth services, and eliminating the requirement for an in-person visit before receiving telemental health services. The bill includes specific provisions to support telehealth use for Native American health facilities, rural health clinics, and Federally Qualified Health Centers. It requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to collect and publish data on telehealth usage and impacts, and to develop resources to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Program integrity measures are added to monitor telehealth billing practices and prevent fraud while maintaining coverage for telehealth services during public health emergencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicare telehealth coverage by removing geographic restrictions, allowing more providers, and eliminating pre-visit requirements for telemental health, improving access for rural and underserved communities.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands telehealth access by removing geographic restrictions and supporting rural/underserved areas, advancing technology-enabled healthcare delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare Telehealth

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in committee · United States · House Jul 15, 2025

HR 4394: the CODE Act of 2025

HR 4394, the CODE Act of 2025, establishes a 18-month public-private partnership program to help decentralized finance (DeFi) services comply with existing anti-money laundering and cybersecurity requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act. The program, to be created within six months of enactment, requires DeFi platforms (like crypto trading or lending services) to integrate anti-money laundering checks, identity verification, and security controls into their smart contract code before deployment. It also mandates FinCEN to publish a compliance advisory within 18 months and requires the Treasury to issue rules defining DeFi services and requiring risk-based compliance programs within 30 months. The bill directly affects digital asset platforms operating on public blockchains, aiming to standardize security practices without creating new regulatory standards.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates cybersecurity controls for DeFi platforms, directly enhancing security in digital financial technology. This aligns with supporting cybersecurity as a core technology policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · House Jan 23, 2026

HR 7208: PROTECT the Grid Act

HR 7208, the PROTECT the Grid Act, requires the U.S. Commerce Department to assess national security risks posed by foreign adversary-controlled applications managing high-wattage smart home devices (like electric vehicle chargers or smart appliances exceeding 500 watts). The bill mandates a report to Congress within 270 days, evaluating how such devices - potentially controlled by entities under foreign adversaries like China - could be exploited to manipulate grid demand and cause blackouts. Key provisions include analyzing deployment levels of these devices, vulnerabilities in foreign-controlled apps, and recommending security measures such as certification requirements or restrictions on federal procurement. The report will inform future actions to prevent grid instability without imposing immediate bans or altering existing laws.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates Commerce Dept. to assess foreign-controlled smart grid device risks, enhancing cybersecurity against grid manipulation threats from adversaries like China.95% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Dec 16, 2025

HR 6742: Q–LEAP

HR 6742, titled the Q-LEAP Act, extends the expiration date of the National Science Foundation's Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program from 2026 to 2028. This bill directly affects students and educators participating in NSF-funded quantum mechanics education and training initiatives. The key provision is a technical amendment to the program's authorization period, allowing continued funding for these educational efforts. It does not create new programs or alter eligibility criteria, solely adjusting the program's timeline. The change ensures the NSF can maintain its quantum workforce development activities through 2028.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends NSF quantum education program funding, maintaining support for STEM training initiatives within higher education.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill extends NSF quantum education program funding, directly advancing quantum technology development through continued training initiatives.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Emerging Technology

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in committee · United States · House Nov 12, 2025

HR 5062: Pipeline Security Act

The Pipeline Security Act (HR 5062) assigns the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) primary responsibility for securing U.S. pipelines against cybersecurity threats and terrorism, replacing prior authority. It requires the TSA Administrator to develop and update security guidelines based on NIST standards, issue necessary regulations, inspect pipeline facilities (including critical ones), and share threat information with stakeholders. Pipeline owners and operators must implement these security measures, while the TSA must report biennially to Congress and create a personnel strategy focused on cybersecurity expertise. The bill directly affects pipeline companies and TSA operations, mandating concrete security protocols without specifying new funding or penalties.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens energy infrastructure security by assigning TSA responsibility for pipeline cybersecurity and terrorism protection, enhancing safety for energy systems.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates TSA to enforce NIST-based cybersecurity standards for pipelines, strengthening protections against cyber threats per bill's security guidelines and inspection requirements.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill assigns TSA to secure pipelines against cyber/terrorism threats, enhancing transportation infrastructure safety and security standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Cybersecurity

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in committee · United States · House Jun 10, 2025

HR 3887: SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act of 2025

HR 3887, the SNAP Anti-Theft and Victim Compensation Act of 2025, directly affects SNAP households and state agencies by addressing benefit theft. It expands the USDA Inspector General’s authority to investigate cyber-enabled theft (like skimming or cloning of EBT cards) and coordinate with law enforcement, while requiring states to reimburse households for stolen benefits - without reducing their monthly allotment or eligibility. The bill also imposes civil penalties of double the stolen value on thieves, with recovered funds used to offset victim reimbursements and enhance investigations. Key provisions include a federal database for tracking theft incidents, technical assistance for states, and a requirement for the Secretary to review the law once secure payment systems are fully implemented.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExpands USDA IG authority to investigate cyber theft (EBT skimming/cloning), enhancing cybersecurity protections for SNAP beneficiaries.95% confidence

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in committee · United States · House Feb 21, 2025

HR 1513: Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program Act

HR 1513, the "Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program Act," terminates two existing federal programs that funded electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The bill repeals the authorization for grants supporting EV charging stations and eliminates the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which distributed funds to states for building charging networks. It also rescinds unobligated funds previously allocated to these programs. This bill directly affects the Department of Transportation's ability to support EV charging infrastructure development through these specific funding mechanisms. The policy change removes federal financial support for expanding public EV charging networks under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesTerminates federal funding for EV charging infrastructure by repealing grant authorizations and rescinding unobligated funds, directly defunding essential programs.90% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyTerminates federal funding for EV charging infrastructure, directly defunding renewable energy infrastructure programs.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentTerminates federal funding for EV charging infrastructure, directly defunding a clean energy initiative that supports environmental protection and emissions reduction.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill terminates federal funding for EV charging infrastructure, explicitly defunding a technology program as it repeals grants and eliminates the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationTerminates federal EV charging infrastructure programs and rescinds funds, directly defunding transportation infrastructure as per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Oil & Gas Data Privacy Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · United States · House Mar 14, 2025

HR 1116: REAL Meat Act of 2025

HR 1116, the REAL Meat Act of 2025, prohibits federal funding for cell-cultured meat (lab-produced meat) by banning government support for its research, production, promotion, or inclusion in USDA programs. It directly affects federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture and research programs by blocking funds for any activity related to cell-cultured meat, except for NASA's space-related use. The bill defines cell-cultured meat as meat grown from animal cells in a lab, ensuring the funding restriction applies specifically to this method. The sole exception allows NASA to fund cell-cultured meat intended for consumption off-planet. This policy change restricts government financial support but does not ban the sale or consumption of cell-cultured meat products.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill explicitly prohibits federal funding for cell-cultured meat research, production, and USDA programs, directly restricting government spending in this sector.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentDefunds cell-cultured meat, an environmentally sustainable alternative with lower emissions/resource use, restricting its development and adoption.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill explicitly bans federal funding for cell-cultured meat technology, directly restricting its development and promotion in USDA programs.90% confidence

Tags Agriculture

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