A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 510.
Cleared committee, waiting for its first floor vote
A committee approved it and it is on the calendar of the chamber it started in.
This is further than most bills get, and still no promise of a vote: the calendar is a queue, and the majority leadership decides what is called. A bill can sit here until the Congress ends.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the U.S. Technology Procurement and Access to Trusted Hardware Act or the U.S. Tech PATH Act. It establishes a program in the Department of State to help foreign government partners buy trusted United States cyber and digital technologies. The program aims to build long-term technology pipelines, provide financing support, and counter the influence of strategic competitors. The bill authorizes appropriations of $500,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for the Cyberspace, Digital Connectivity, and Related Technologies Fund. It also creates an Office of United States Technology Procurement and requires regular reports to Congress on the program's progress.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Aims to reduce foreign reliance on untrusted tech and promote U.S. cybersecurity standards globally.
- Scored +8
Would business owners be better off under this?
Creates new export opportunities and provides specific support for small tech business owners.
- Scored +7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?
Strengthens partnerships with allies by streamlining their access to trusted U.S. technology.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill authorizes $502 million in new spending, which increases government expenditure.
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill allocates additional funds for a new program and implementing office.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Strengthened Cybersecurity for Allies: Section 4(b)(4) provides a comprehensive package to help foreign government partners navigate procurement requirements, modernize systems, and secure infrastructure. This helps partner nations secure their networks and operate safely alongside United States systems.
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Support for United States Small Businesses: Section 8(c) allows the Secretary of State to provide targeted assistance and capacity-building support to United States small businesses and companies that lack the global reach to compete independently in foreign markets. This helps smaller American technology providers access international opportunities.
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Accountability and Oversight: Section 9 requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct reviews and submit reports to congressional committees regarding the Department of State's implementation and management of the program. This holds government officials accountable for how the program is run.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risk of Technology Misuse: Section 4(e)(1) acknowledges risks related to technology misuse, diversion, and unauthorized technology transfer to foreign countries of concern. If oversight fails, technologies provided through the program could potentially be mishandled by partner governments.
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Exclusion of Human Rights Abusers: Section 4(i)(3) disqualifies any foreign government partner that engages in human rights violations, targeted surveillance, political censorship, or acts of transnational repression from receiving support. While intended to prevent abuse, citizens in foreign countries ruled by disqualified governments may be entirely cut off from receiving technology upgrades or assistance that could impact their daily infrastructure.
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? — Aims to reduce foreign reliance on untrusted tech and promote U.S. cybersecurity standards globally. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Strengthens partnerships with allies by streamlining their access to trusted U.S. technology. Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad? — Creates structured programs and roles (Technology Officers) to engage foreign governments on tech policy. Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Facilitates the export of U.S. digital and cyber technologies to international markets. Does this send more money or help to other countries? — Provides financing and technical assistance to foreign government partners for tech procurement.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Section 8(c) provides targeted assistance and capacity-building for small businesses to compete in foreign markets. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Promotes U.S. exports of high-tech goods and services, supporting economic growth. Is this likely to create jobs? — Increased foreign procurement of U.S. tech is likely to boost demand and jobs in the U.S. tech sector. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill allocates additional funds for a new program and implementing office. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill authorizes $502 million in new spending, which increases government expenditure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires annual reports and GAO reviews of the program's effectiveness and expenditures. Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — Disqualifies partners who use technology for political censorship or suppressing speech. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — Disqualifies partners who engage in bulk surveillance in violation of rule of law principles. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the Department of State's authority and administrative capacity in technology procurement.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Creates new export opportunities and provides specific support for small tech business owners.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Promotes trusted technology that reduces the risk of data access by foreign countries of concern. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — Supports the procurement of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure in partner nations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — Prevents the use of U.S. tech for political censorship and monitoring of dissidents in partner countries.
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 510.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 5/19/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska