Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
China FIREWALL Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the China FIREWALL Act of 2026. It stops Chinese AI models from being used on government-issued devices and software systems. The bill also bans the government from buying these AI models. Executive agencies must remove these covered applications from their information technology within 60 days of the bill being enacted. There are exceptions included for law enforcement, national security, and security researchers. The rules can also be waived on a case-by-case basis if it is in the interest of national security.
Yes
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances national cybersecurity by prohibiting the use of Chinese AI models on government-issued devices and software systems.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill directs executive agencies and the OMB to establish and enforce federal standards removing certain foreign AI applications from government technology.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Removal from Government Devices: Section 2(a) requires the removal of covered applications from government information technology within 60 days, which keeps these systems free from certain foreign AI models.
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Procurement Ban: Section 2(b) stops the head of an executive agency from buying any covered application or software that uses one, preventing new government purchases of these technologies.
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Security and Research Exceptions: Section 2(a)(2) allows for exceptions for law enforcement, national security interests, and security researchers, while requiring agencies to develop risk mitigation actions for those specific uses.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any explicit negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances national cybersecurity by prohibiting the use of Chinese AI models on government-issued devices and software systems.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill directs executive agencies and the OMB to establish and enforce federal standards removing certain foreign AI applications from government technology.
- 10/1/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nick LaLotaRepublican · New York