Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Human Dignity and Emerging Technologies Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
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 establishes the United States Commission on Human Dignity as an independent, advisory body within the legislative branch. The Commission is tasked with providing advice to the Federal Government on the ethical and policy dimensions of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. Members will be experts in fields like philosophy, ethics, science, and law. The Commission will monitor technological developments to ensure they do not threaten human dignity. It is also responsible for evaluating the bioethical implications of robotics, biotechnologies, and neurotechnologies. The agency is authorized to receive funding through 2031 and will terminate on October 1, 2032.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +1
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The Commission's mandate includes defending dignity without regard to a person's capability or condition.
- Scored +1
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill authorizes $2,000,000 annually to fund the Commission's inquiry into scientific and technological developments.
- Scored +1
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The Commission is required to hold public hearings and issue annual reports to the President and Congress.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes $2,000,000 in annual appropriations for the new Commission through 2031.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Human Dignity: The Commission is charged with defending the inherent dignity of the human person within Federal science and technology policy (Section 6(a)(1)). This could provide a safeguard for individuals as new technologies emerge.
-
Expert Oversight of Emerging Tech: The Commission will perform ongoing inquiry into the bioethical implications of developments like robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, and neurotechnologies (Section 6(b)(2)). This oversight aims to address how these technologies affect human life.
-
Public Voice in Policy: The Commission is required to hold public hearings and receive testimony from various professionals and affected members of the public (Section 6(b)(4)). This allows people to have a voice regarding Federal science and technology policy.
-
Addressing Global Threats: The Commission will recognize the challenge posed by foreign state actors whose use of emerging technologies may threaten human dignity (Section 4). This focus could help protect the country from technological threats.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Direct Regulatory Power: The Commission is strictly advisory and does not have the authority to issue regulations, compel action, adjudicate rights, or enforce laws (Section 7(c)). This means the Commission cannot take direct action to stop harmful technological practices or protect individual rights through enforcement.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The Commission's mandate includes defending dignity without regard to a person's capability or condition.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes $2,000,000 in annual appropriations for the new Commission through 2031.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill authorizes $2,000,000 annually to fund the Commission's inquiry into scientific and technological developments.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The Commission is required to hold public hearings and issue annual reports to the President and Congress.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The Commission's inquiry into emerging clinical technologies and bioethics aims to protect human dignity in medical advancements.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The Commission considers the geopolitical dimensions of technology to better inform federal policy regarding foreign state actors.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The Commission is tasked with defending human dignity regardless of a person's capability or condition.
- 7/23/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia