Bill · S. 4570· Senate(119-S-4570)
U.S. Tech PATH Act
- Introduced
- 5/19/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 510.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- 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
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+8
Aims to reduce foreign reliance on untrusted tech and promote U.S. cybersecurity standards globally.
Would business owners be better off under this?+8
Creates new export opportunities and provides specific support for small tech business owners.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+7
Strengthens partnerships with allies by streamlining their access to trusted U.S. technology.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill authorizes $502 million in new spending, which increases government expenditure.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+8Improves International Alliances+7Improves Diplomatic Engagement+6Improves International Trade+6Increases Foreign Aid+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Economic Growth+4Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Improves Freedom Of Speech+2Improves Privacy Rights+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+8
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+3Improves Internet Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+2
- 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