House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act

Next-Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to support the development of next-generation geothermal systems, such as closed-loop geothermal systems in supercritical conditions. Specifically, the bill expands the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to modify and establish geothermal energy programs, such as programs concerning research and development, grants, and data management. DOE must support a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application for next-generation geothermal systems. DOE may administer grants for carrying out certain focus areas of the program. DOE must also ensure that at least one Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field research site has the capabilities to include next-generation geothermal testing. Additionally, DOE must provide grants for (1) the continuation and expansion of research, development, demonstration, testing, and commercial application activities applicable to FORGE sites; and (2) the establishment of a next-generation geothermal systems center of excellence. DOE must also provide grants to accelerate the development, testing, and implementation of innovative technologies to improve the commercial-readiness of geothermal energy projects using next-generation geothermal systems. DOE must expand its repository of geothermal drilling information to include publicly available subsurface data, including data reported as part of fossil fuel and mining operations. DOE must also periodically update the repository to improve its functionality and usability. The bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to commission the drilling of supercritical geothermal exploration boreholes in certain areas to provide control points for deep heat mapping and geothermal development.

Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act

Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act This bill explicitly requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the development of best practices and technical standards for nucleic acid synthesis. Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) carry genetic information within cells. Nucleic acid synthesis is the process of designing and creating custom nucleic acids; it is used in the development of medications and agricultural products. However, this technology also poses a risk of misuse (e.g., the intentional or unintentional creation of dangerous biological agents). The bill requires NIST to carry out measurement research to support the development and improvement of biosecurity best practices and technical standards related to nucleic acid synthesis. This effort must address specified topics including nucleic acid synthesis screening, operational security, and conformity assessment. (A 2023 executive order titled Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence directed NIST to develop and refine similar specifications and best practices for use by synthetic nucleic acid providers. NIST's work on this topic is ongoing.) In carrying out this effort, NIST must convene stakeholders to develop and periodically update consensus priorities and best practices for synthetic nucleic acid screening mechanisms. Within a specified period, NIST must submit a summary of the stakeholder group’s findings to Congress. NIST must also take steps to advance risk management best practices and technical standards for engineering biology and biomanufacturing, including with respect to risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

To establish a Critical Materials Processing Technology Testbed Capability, and for other purposes.

The federal government would create a testing facility where companies and researchers can develop and improve technology for processing critical materials like rare earth elements and minerals needed for batteries, electronics, and defense equipment. This testbed would help American manufacturers reduce their dependence on foreign sources for these essential materials by making it easier and cheaper to test new processing methods before building full-scale production facilities. The facility would benefit manufacturers, researchers, and workers in industries ranging from clean energy to national defense.

TOTAL Screen Time Act

The federal government would work with technology experts to create a voluntary standard that allows parents and users to set limits on how much time they spend on phones, tablets, and similar devices. This standard would not be mandatory for companies to use, but would give device makers a common framework they could adopt if they choose to. The goal is to help people, especially children, manage their screen time more easily across different types of devices.

State Standing Committee Act

The proposal would create a new State Standing Committee within the Environmental Protection Agency to give states a formal role in environmental research and policy decisions. This committee would allow state governments to have input on how the EPA conducts environmental studies and develops new technologies to address pollution and environmental problems. The change aims to make environmental protection efforts more collaborative between federal and state authorities.

Space Ready 2.0 Act

NASA would be allowed to test a new pilot program that lets the space agency directly invest in and manage infrastructure projects at its facilities across the country, rather than going through the usual federal contracting process. This could speed up repairs, upgrades, and construction at NASA centers while potentially reducing costs and bureaucratic delays. The program would affect NASA employees, contractors who work at these facilities, and communities where NASA centers are located.

To prohibit the National Science Foundation from obligating or expending Federal funds to descope or decommission the Ocean Observatories Initiative instruments, and for other purposes.

The National Science Foundation would be prohibited from using federal money to shut down or reduce the Ocean Observatories Initiative, which is a network of scientific instruments that monitor ocean conditions and collect data on marine environments. This would prevent the agency from scaling back or decommissioning these ocean monitoring tools that scientists rely on for research. The measure protects ongoing ocean observation programs that track everything from water temperature to marine life patterns.

Modernizing Aeronautical Standards Act

NASA would be required to study how aeronautical standards—the technical rules that govern aircraft design and safety—could be updated to reflect modern technology and practices. The study would help identify which current standards are outdated and what changes might be needed to keep aviation safe and competitive in today's world. This would affect aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and the Federal Aviation Administration that oversees aviation safety.

Protecting Consumers from Deceptive AI Act

The government would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create task forces that develop technical standards and guidelines for identifying content made by artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT or image generators. These standards would help people, companies, and platforms detect when text, images, or other media were created by AI rather than humans. This affects tech companies, social media platforms, news organizations, and the general public who need reliable ways to spot AI-generated content.

Improving the Lives of the American People Act

I cannot provide an accurate summary because the bill's title and subjects are too vague to determine what specific policies it would actually implement. The referral to nearly every major congressional committee suggests this is either a broad omnibus bill covering many different policy areas, or a placeholder bill awaiting specific language to be added. Without knowing the actual provisions, I cannot explain in concrete terms what this bill would do or who it would affect.

To codify Executive Order 14412, entitled "Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks".

The federal government would establish new rules to protect computer systems and sensitive data from advanced encryption-breaking attacks that could emerge in the future. This would require federal agencies and potentially contractors working with the government to upgrade their cybersecurity defenses and transition away from encryption methods that might become vulnerable to new technology. The measure affects government agencies, defense contractors, and companies that handle classified or sensitive federal information.

Delivering Priority Legislation Act

This bill has been introduced but lacks specific details about what legislation it would actually address, making it impossible to summarize its concrete effects. The bill has been referred to nearly every major House committee, suggesting it may eventually contain provisions affecting workers, businesses, veterans, agriculture, infrastructure, energy, national security, and government operations. Without knowing what specific policies the bill will contain, it's unclear who would be helped or harmed by its passage.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 This bill sets forth policies and authorities for FY2027 for Department of Defense (DOD) programs, activities, and military construction as well as the national security programs of the Department of Energy (DOE). Among other elements, the bill authorizes the procurement of various items, including aircraft and ships; sets active duty and reserve component personnel strength levels; sets policy regarding various aspects of military health care and military compensation; sets policy regarding DOD acquisitions and acquisition management, including contracting authorities and the acquisition workforce; sets policy for various matters related to DOD interactions with foreign nations, including matters concerning Israel, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific; sets policy for various matters related to DOD cybersecurity and artificial intelligence; requires DOD to include projected demand for foreign military sales in certain contexts, including munitions production planning, sustainment planning for major defense acquisition programs, and decisions regarding production rate increases of defense articles; requires DOD to establish an expedited qualification process for new domestic and allied sources of certain strategic materials, including specified metals, alloys, oxides, and magnets; authorizes specified military construction projects and extends the authorization of certain projects from previous fiscal years; and authorizes the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, Naval Petroleum Reserves, and Maritime Administration. For additional information on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) see In Focus IF10516, Defense Primer: Navigating the NDAA , and In Focus IF10515, Defense Primer: The NDAA Process .

To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a prize competition program relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes.

The federal government would create a competition program offering prizes to encourage innovation in artificial intelligence research and development. This would be run by the White House's top science advisor and could help attract talented researchers and companies to work on AI projects that benefit the public. The program aims to speed up progress in AI technology by rewarding breakthrough achievements.

Data Infrastructure Energy Measurement and Standards Act

The federal government would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to create guidelines for how data centers measure their energy consumption and to research ways to better predict future energy demands in the tech industry. This would help data centers operate more efficiently and give energy planners better information about how much power will be needed in the future. The effort primarily affects large technology companies that operate data centers and energy utilities that supply power to them.

LIFT AI Act

The proposal would support artificial intelligence education and training programs in schools and universities to help students develop skills in this growing field. It aims to increase access to AI learning opportunities, particularly for students from underrepresented groups, and would likely fund teacher training and curriculum development. The measure is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026

The proposal would create a national network of local digital fabrication facilities (called "fab labs") that give people free or low-cost access to advanced manufacturing equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters for learning, inventing, and starting businesses. These facilities would support workforce training, science education, and help people develop new products and ideas in their communities. The bill is currently being reviewed by congressional committees to determine whether it should move forward.

AI-Ready Federal Data Guidelines Act

The federal government would establish new standards and guidelines to make its data more useful for artificial intelligence research and development. This would help companies, researchers, and government agencies more easily access and use government-held information to train and improve AI systems. The changes would affect federal agencies, tech companies, AI researchers, and potentially the public by making government data more accessible for AI applications.

Next Generation Shipping Act

The federal government would fund research and development programs to create ships and boats that produce zero emissions, as well as help convert existing vessels to use cleaner technologies. This would include building the charging and fueling stations needed to support these zero-emission vessels. The program would affect shipping companies, maritime workers, and communities near ports that currently deal with air pollution from ships.

READ AI Models Act

This bill would establish requirements for companies developing advanced artificial intelligence systems to test their models for risks and report the results to the government before releasing them to the public. The legislation aims to ensure that AI developers take responsibility for identifying potential harms—such as bias, misinformation, or security vulnerabilities—before their systems are widely used by businesses, schools, and consumers. It affects AI companies and research organizations that create large language models and other powerful AI tools.