Congress is back at work. A bipartisan group of ten senators led by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. If enacted, the bill would extend the National Quantum Initiative through 2034. Key provisions include standing up new quantum research centers and creating prize challenges for quantum development.
Thank you for reading. Below, we’ve rounded up recent tech policy news and a featured podcast.
This Week in Washington
- FedScoop: Three bipartisan, bicameral appropriations bills maintain relative funding levels for key scientific research institutions. The bills did not adopt administration requests for large cuts at several agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
- Telecompetitor: The Rural Broadband Association released its annual availability report. The study found increases in high-speed access across the board, with more than 90% of respondents having access to download speeds over 100 Mbps for the first time.
- CNBC: The White House ended a $2.9 million deal between American chip manufacturer Emcore and Chinese-owned corporation HieFo. The deal was signed in 2024, but the Trump administration is reviewing all chip sales to China for national security risks.
Article Summary
- TechCrunch: CES 2026, the annual consumer technology showcase, was dominated by artificial intelligence and chip innovation. Among the biggest news was new chips from AMD and AI autonomous vehicle models from Nvidia.
- Dayton Daily News: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released a model AI policy for schools to adopt before a deadline of July 1. The model policy includes responsible use guidelines, example tools, and a 10-week learning course.
- The Hill: Utah will permit routine prescription renewals through artificial intelligence, bypassing doctors to eliminate long wait times for otherwise easy prescription renewals. The state is the first in the nation to pilot the program, in partnership with AI health company Doctronic.
- NBC Miami: Miami-based developers are adopting AI technology for residential building design. The new technology has saved companies upwards of 10,000 hours a year already, driving down construction costs and increasing housing affordability.
Featured Podcast
- TED Tech
AI innovation is everywhere, and new ideas are driving change and opportunity across the industry. TED Tech’s year-end recap brings together the most exciting ideas from a year of innovation and takes a look at what’s ahead for 2026. (What 2025 Taught Us, And Where 2026 Is Taking Us – December 26, 2025) – 56 minute listen.
Note: Voices for Innovation regularly shares a range of opinion articles and press releases from organizations in and publications covering tech policy. These pieces are meant to educate our audience, not to endorse specific platforms or bills.