This week decoded

President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Technology Prosperity Deal, an MOU establishing joint initiatives through research and standards institutions on artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and quantum computing. In addition, the White House is reportedly planning multiple executive actions on quantum information sciences and technology and post-quantum cryptography migration efforts, setting further directives for agencies’ timelines to migrate their digital networks to a post-quantum cryptographic standard ahead of the advent of a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

Upcoming: I will be in NYC this week to discuss U.S. emerging tech policy at events around UNGA. If you’re there, let me know!

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Congress

Hearings

• Last week
  • On September 15, the House Veterans’ Affairs Technology Modernization Subcommittee holds a hearing on Advancing VA Care Through Artificial Intelligence.
  • On September 16, the Senate Judiciary Crime and Counterterrorism Subcommittee holds a hearing on Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.
  • On September 17, the House Oversight and Government Reform Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Subcommittee holds a hearing on Shaping Tomorrow: The Future of Artificial Intelligence.
  • On September 18, the House Financial Services Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee holds a hearing on Unlocking the Next Generation of AI in the U.S. Financial System for Consumers, Businesses, and Competitiveness.
  • On September 18, the House Judiciary Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet Subcommittee holds a hearing on AI at a Crossroads: A Nationwide Strategy or Californication?
• This week
  • Congress is in recess.

Legislation

• Reps. Vince Fong (R-CA-20), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) introduced the National Science Foundation Artificial Intelligence Education Act (NSF AI Education Act) to authorize the National Science Foundation to award scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in AI, establish regional Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges and career and technical education (CTE) institutions, and enable competitive, merit-based awards for higher education institutions and nonprofits to conduct research and develop AI teaching resources and frameworks for K–12 students. (Text)

• Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) introduced a bill to provide a national framework to sustain American leadership in artificial intelligence, to require an actionable Federal plan aligned to that policy, and to establish a temporary moratorium preempting certain State laws that restrict artificial intelligence models and systems engaged in interstate commerce. (Text)

• Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) introduced a bill to direct the Federal Trade Commission to develop and make available to the public educational resources for parents, educators, and minors with respect to the safe and responsible use of AI chatbots by minors. (Text)

• Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) led 21 Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the Algorithmic Accountability Act to require large companies to assess the impacts of the automated systems they use and sell, create new transparency about when and how automated systems are used, and empower consumers to make informed choices about the automation of critical decisions. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Senate companion. (Press release)(Text)

Correspondence

• Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Reps. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) sent a letter to White House Special Advisor for AI and Crypto David Sacks requesting information on whether Sacks has exceeded the 130-day term limit for serving in his role. (Letter)

Publication, Events, and Announcements

• Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) published a report on AI for America, proposing a roadmap to enhance public-private partnerships in AI, including a fund with contributions from leading AI companies. (Report)

• Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) published an op-ed in the Daily Caller on Privacy, Artificial Intelligence, And Congress, saying, “Unfortunately, Congress hasn’t taken AI regulatory issues seriously — including the privacy implications.  Many of the worst risks with AI don’t come from the technology alone but from the absence of strong privacy safeguards. Without clear limits on how data is collected, stored, and shared, AI becomes a powerful tool for exploitation and surveillance. That’s why any serious conversation about Artificial Intelligence begins with privacy.” (Op-ed)

Trump Administration

White House

• President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Technology Prosperity Deal, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes joint initiatives on research and standards institutions across artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and quantum computing to bring transformative benefits to citizens – from accelerating breakthroughs in health care, to lowering energy costs, and supporting national security. (Press release)(MOU)

Department of Energy (DOE)

• DOE published a request for information (RFI) from state energy offices, public utility commissions, electric utilities, regional transmission organizations and independent system operators, transmission and generation developers, large energy users, and other stakeholders on large-scale generation, transmission, and grid infrastructure projects that can accelerate speed to power to support manufacturing, industrial, and artificial intelligence/data center electricity demand growth. The RFI also includes a request for stakeholder input on how to best utilize its funding programs and authorities to rapidly expand energy generation and transmission grid capacity to meet electricity demand growth across the country in a reliable and affordable manner. (Federal Register)

Noteworthy Quotes and Events

ADMINISTRATION

White House

• The White House posted, “ANOTHER GAME-CHANGING DEAL! The U.S.-UK tech deal ignites the future. Powering innovation, boosting American wins, and elevating the special relationship for the digital age.”

• Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy said, “President Trump signed another game-changing deal that furthers American technology leadership and strengthens ties to one of our closest allies. With the TPD, the United States is exporting its world-class tech stack, accelerating scientific discovery, and advancing pro-innovation policies worldwide.” (Press release)

CONGRESS

• House Homeland GOP posted, “ISIS is planning ‘an international comeback bolstered by developments in the digital realm.’ This is why the Committee advanced RepPfluger’s ‘Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act’ to ensure DHS stays ahead of this evolving threat.”

• Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) posted, “Many of the engineers and researchers who help build our AI systems, design our semiconductors, and drive innovation came here on H-1B visas. Trump is pricing America out of the global talent market while our competitors welcome them with open arms.”

• Rep. Chuck Fleishmann (R-TN) posted, “The US-UK tech deal will be a massive boon to American and British nuclear, AI, and high-tech companies. Our two nations created the modern nuclear age, and we must win the global race to unleash all forms of energy and develop new technologies that are essential to our future.”

• Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) posted, “In a major step forward for America’s energy security, the House just passed H.R. 1047 – the GRID Power Act with my support. With electricity demand surging due to AI, domestic manufacturing, and electrification, our grid must be ready. But outdated rules and Biden’s anti-energy agenda have caused delays, plant retirements, and blackout risks. This bill cuts red tape and puts essential, reliable power projects at the front of the line—keeping the lights on and the economy moving. House Republicans are taking action to protect the grid and power America’s future.”

• Rep. John McGuire (R-VA) posted, “Deterrence starts with innovation. The #FY26NDAA funds next-gen weapons, AI, hyper sonics, and unmanned systems to ensure America stays ahead of China, Russia, and any threat. HASCRepublicans and I are delivering a modern, lethal force.”

• McGuire also posted, “Due to the weak policies of the Biden administration, including the Green New Deal, we are playing catchup in the AI research & development race. Today, we questioned three AI SME witnesses in GOPoversight
• about the importance of AI and what we must do to surpass our rivals.”

• Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) posted, “AI has the potential to transform our society for good and drive economic growth across a broad range of industries, from clean energy to ag to manufacturing. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead a bipartisan bill with RepVinceFong to help more Americans participate in this tech. Our bill would help people build the skills they need to participate in the emerging AI workforce, expand research on responsible uses of AI, & leverage community & technical colleges to ensure these opportunities are available to individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

• Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) posted, “The Trump Administration tried to put a 10-year moratorium ban on states regulating AI. It failed 99-1 in the Senate. Now, it’s not whether we’re going to regulate AI. It’s: do you want 17 states doing it? Or, do you want Congress to do it? The time to act is now.”

• Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) posted, “Washington does a lot of talking, but the future of AI leadership will be determined by how well we listen and collaborate with the innovators at the cutting edge of tomorrow’s technology. My bipartisan AI Plan Act will help us work together with the private sector to crack down on fraud, hold bad actors accountable, and ensure the AI surge serves heartland America.”

• Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) posted, “The values of the nation that wins this race will dominate AI. I want America to win.”

• Rep. Troy Downing (R-MT) posted, “As a state regulator, I strongly favor allowing states to lead on regulation where feasible. At the same time, it’s essential that AI has the legal and regulatory flexibility to promote innovation.”

• Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) posted, “China and our adversaries are pouring massive resources into AI, and America cannot afford to fall behind! The GUARD Act delivers on President Trump’s mission to ensure America remains the global leader in defense innovation, giving our warfighters the AI-driven edge to dominate our enemies and protect America’s future.”

• Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) posted, “It was heartbreaking listening to parents about how AI chatbots engaged in sexually explicit conversations with their children, attempted to turn their children away from them, and even coached children on taking their own lives. This is repulsive, and it must stop.”

• Britt also posted, “Thanks to GovernorKayIvey’s action to prevent cell phone use in classrooms, students have a renewed focus on their academics & are socializing more with their peers. We must stay vigilant when it comes to minors’ screen time & social media use, particularly with AI chatbots.”

• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) posted, “We don’t need to compete with Europe to regulate. We need to compete with China to innovate.”

• Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) posted, “Americans are seeing higher energy bills because of AI data centers. Ohio already said data centers need to pay more to offset their costs. We need that and more to make sure working families aren’t paying to subsidize billion-dollar companies.”

• Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) posted, “While AI presents new opportunities, we must always prioritize the interests of the American people. As we’ve seen in industries such as mining, job transitions are never as simple as advertised. Large-scale disruptions have real consequences. We can’t afford to ignore them.”

• Crane also posted, “Given its rapid advancement, AI is on track to reshape much of what we do. With automation threatening entire industries, the trades remain a reliable field for many young Americans.”

• Rep. Niki Budzinski (D-IL) posted, “I’m excited about AI’s potential to transform VA health care – but before we try to implement the newest tech, we need to get the basics right. Fixing VA’s existing IT infrastructure is the first step we should focus on.”

• Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) posted, “The world is changing fast. I’m laying out a roadmap to make sure America continues to lead, and that AI benefits everyone, not just a few big companies.”

• Kelly also posted, “I just released my AI for America roadmap, and it boils down to this: The companies driving and profiting the most from AI need to do their part to strengthen our workforce, modernize our energy infrastructure, and ensure safety.”

• Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) posted, “Family emergency? Last-minute flight? AI knows you’re desperate and airlines could use it to jack prices and put more money in their pockets.”

• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) posted, “On a trip to the UAE, Trump agreed to give valuable US AI technology to a UAE-owned company—just 2 weeks after ERIC Trump struck a deal with another UAE firm to enrich the Trump family crypto business.”

• Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) posted, “What safeguards does AI need? iRobot had three. So far, Congress has defined none. Privacy is the base layer for ethical AI. Congress needs swift action on both.”

• Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) posted, “First-time testimony from Jane Doe, a mother of a chatbot victim —> ‘Character AI had exposed [my teenage son] to sexual exploitation, emotional abuse, and manipulation despite our careful parenting . . . We had screen-time limits put up. We had parental controls.’”

• Hawley also posted, “Senator Hawley to the parents of chatbot victims: ‘Your stories are incredibly heartbreaking—but they’re incredibly important…It’s time that the country heard the truth about what these [AI] companies are doing…about the harms that are being inflicted upon our children.’”

• Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) posted, “Government-procured AI should tell the truth, not spin a narrative. That is why I introduced the FAIR Act, to demand that systems are factual and honest when there is uncertainty in politics and ideology. It is time to restore public trust and ensure technology serves freedom, not a political agenda.”

• Sen. John Husted (R-OH) posted, “Communist China is working overtime to beat America in the AI race. U.S. students must master AI to guarantee our country’s national security and prosperity. The RAISE Act would encourage states to devise AI education standards in schools to make sure America dominates the AI landscape for generations.”

• Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) posted, “The Trump Administration just confirmed what we’ve known all along: they are not taking the steps necessary to combat online antisemitism. Instead, they’re pushing federal agencies to use an AI chatbot with a history of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories.”

• Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) posted, “I urged the President’s chief science and technology advisor to work with me to address the harms caused by AI chatbots and to support my bill with Senator Thune that puts in place rules of the road for AI.”

• Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX) posted, “Artificial intelligence will define the next battlefield. We must expedite responsible AI adoption across our Intelligence Community. This will serve to strengthen system security, and ensure America leads in applying cutting-edge tools to national defense operations.”

What I’m Reading This Week

• Americans Prioritize AI Safety and Data Security, Benedict Vigers and Justin Lall, Gallup

About Zero One Strategies

Zero One Strategies is a boutique government relations practice dedicated to navigating the complex landscape of U.S. federal policy in emerging technologies. As advancements in technology continue to outpace regulatory frameworks, Zero One Strategies aims to provide strategic guidance and bipartisan advocacy for innovators and businesses operating at the forefront of technological development.

The practice focuses on key areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, decentralized technologies, cybersecurity, data, and digital infrastructure, as well as the multiple policy issues impacting these sectors, including tax and financial services.

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