A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The PATHS Act seeks to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It extends the Research and Development Acquisition Pilot Program through September 30, 2028. The bill adds a specific requirement regarding the use of artificial intelligence technology. This includes a mandate for the Secretary to notify specific Congressional committees and offer briefings after using or extending such technology. Additionally, the act reduces the amount of a covered contract award.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The mandate for notifying Congressional committees and offering briefings increases transparency regarding AI use.
- Scored +1
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?
The bill imposes new notification and briefing requirements for the use of artificial intelligence technology.
- Scored +1
Does this put more money into scientific research?
Extending the pilot program ensures continued support for research and development acquisition.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The reduction in the cap for covered contract awards may limit large-scale government spending on specific R&D transactions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Oversight of Artificial Intelligence: The bill requires the Secretary to notify several Congressional committees and offer a briefing within 72 hours after using or extending transaction authority involving artificial intelligence technology. This could provide more transparency regarding how AI technology is being used (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Extended Research and Development: The amendment extends the timeline for the Research and Development Acquisition Pilot Program from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2028 (Section 2(a)(1)(A) and Section 2(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Reduced Contract Award Amounts: The bill reduces the amount of a covered contract award from $4,000,000 to $1,000,000 (Section 2(b)).
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.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more rules on large technology companies? — The bill imposes new notification and briefing requirements for the use of artificial intelligence technology. Does this put more money into scientific research? — Extending the pilot program ensures continued support for research and development acquisition.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The mandate for notifying Congressional committees and offering briefings increases transparency regarding AI use.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Lower contract thresholds may benefit small business owners in the tech sector.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — Extending the pilot program provides continued opportunity for R&D acquisition through 2028.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — By prioritizing AI transparency and R&D, the bill supports advancements in secure technology for homeland security.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Lowering the contract award threshold increases oversight and limits large unvetted expenditures. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Lowering the contract cap to $1,000,000 may make high-tech government contracts more accessible to smaller, specialized firms. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The reduction in the cap for covered contract awards may limit large-scale government spending on specific R&D transactions.
- 3/12/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 3/11/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1055)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1055)
- Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1127)
- 3/10/2025
- At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1692.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1055-1056)
- Mr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan