Technology

HR 6351, the Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act, amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to direct federal agencies to support regional quantum innovation hubs. It requires the Economic Development Administration and other agencies to collaborate on initiatives that strengthen quantum research, education, and entrepreneurship in geographic regions with existing quantum industry strength. Key provisions include adding specific language to federal law (sections 103, 301, and 401) that mandates interagency partnerships to address regional and national challenges through quantum-related activities. This bill directly affects regions with quantum expertise by channeling existing federal resources toward local innovation ecosystems, without creating new funding streams.

This bill expands a tax credit for companies building facilities that manufacture semiconductors, semiconductor equipment, or semiconductor materials. It clarifies which materials count as qualifying (including direct materials like chip substrates and indirect materials like cleaning chemicals used in production) and extends the credit's deadline from 2026 to 2031. The changes directly affect semiconductor manufacturers investing in new facilities or equipment by making the tax credit more broadly applicable and longer-lasting.

HR 1455, the ITS Codification Act, creates the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The ITS will serve as the federal government's primary laboratory for researching radio frequencies, testing how government and commercial users can share spectrum, and improving technologies that reduce interference. It also requires the ITS to develop emergency communication tools for locating people in places like collapsed buildings or mines where regular radio fails. The bill codifies these functions into the NTIA's governing law, establishing the ITS as the central hub for federal spectrum management and innovation.

This bill replaces hardbound versions of the Constitution Annotated and its supplements with digital versions. It requires the Librarian of Congress to publish digital decennial editions after each tenth Supreme Court term (starting 2031) and digital pocket-part supplements after each odd-numbered year Supreme Court term (starting 2025), instead of physical copies. All digital versions must be available on a Library of Congress public website, and the bill repeals all requirements for printing physical copies after the October 2025 Supreme Court term. This affects how Congress and the public access these legal reference documents, shifting from physical books to online resources.

The INNOVATE Act amends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs to better support small businesses developing innovative technologies for national security and commercial applications. Key provisions include creating a new "Phase 1A" program to help new small business entrants access the SBIR program with simplified 2-page proposals, establishing "strategic breakthrough" funding for defense-related technology development with specific eligibility requirements, and strengthening security measures to protect against foreign influence in research. The bill also streamlines commercialization requirements, adds new data collection standards for program evaluation, and extends SBIR/STTR program authorization through 2028. These changes primarily affect small businesses seeking federal research funding, federal agencies administering these programs, and defense contractors working on national security technologies.

This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review its satellite communication rules to identify potential changes that could better support precision agriculture. The FCC must consult a task force established under the 2018 farm bill and, if changes are possible, develop recommendations for implementation. The FCC must submit a report to Congress within 15 months detailing the findings and any proposed rule changes. This review specifically targets rules for fixed, mobile, and earth exploration satellite services to improve connectivity for farmers using precision agriculture technologies.

Securing Trade and Resources for Advanced Technology, Economic Growth, and International Commerce in Minerals Act or STRATEGIC Minerals Act This bill authorizes actions to facilitate trade and increase U.S. access to critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs). Under the bill, critical minerals are any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey (e.g., aluminum and cobalt). Additionally, the bill includes a group of 17 elements within the definition of REEs , including elements used in permanent magnets (e.g., dysprosium and neodymium). Specifically, the bill authorizes the President, acting through the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, to (1) negotiate, enter into, and enforce a free trade agreement with a country or countries with respect to critical minerals and REEs when the President determines it is in the national interest; and (2) proclaim a modification or continuance of any existing duty, or continuance of existing duty-free or excise treatment, as the President determines necessary to carry out the agreement. The bill prohibits agreements with nonmarket economy countries that are designated as foreign countries of concern (e.g., China and Russia). The bill outlines procedures for congressional notification, consultation, and review of these trade agreements. The bill also expands the definition of domestic source under the Defense Production Act, thereby making certain businesses from countries that are party to free trade agreements under this bill eligible for financial incentives to increase production of critical components, critical technology items, materials, and industrial resources needed for U.S. national security.

This bill prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from requiring national securities exchanges, associations, or their members to share investors' personally identifiable information (PII) - like names, addresses, or Social Security numbers - for routine consolidated audit trail reporting. It allows the SEC to request PII *only* during investigations into securities law violations or related enforcement actions, and requires exchanges to provide it within 24 hours (or a reasonable extension). The SEC must destroy any such PII within 24 hours after the investigation concludes. The bill directly affects securities exchanges and their members by restricting how they handle investor data under federal reporting rules.

S 863, the Genomic Data Protection Act, gives consumers greater control over their genetic information collected by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies (like 23andMe or AncestryDNA). It requires these companies to provide simple tools for consumers to access their genomic data, delete their accounts (including associated data), and request destruction of biological samples (such as saliva swabs). Companies must also clearly disclose how deidentified data may be used for research and notify consumers 30 days before a company acquisition, detailing how consumer rights will be honored under new ownership. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce these requirements as unfair or deceptive practices under existing law, with companies required to fulfill deletion requests within 30 days. This bill directly affects consumers who use genetic testing services and the companies that collect their genomic data, excluding healthcare providers using genetic data for medical diagnosis.

HR 3807, the FAST Act, authorizes the Department of Defense to purchase artificial intelligence-related software and data using flexible, subscription-based models (like "software as a service" or "data as a service") instead of traditional one-time purchases. It allows the DoD to use existing funding for these acquisitions and requires new regulations to govern how such procurements are managed and overseen. The bill directly affects the DoD’s AI development efforts by changing procurement rules to enable faster access to modern technology. Key provisions include permitting cloud-based data/software delivery, modifying existing software, and requiring oversight rules for AI system acquisitions.