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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
WASHINGTON, July 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
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Fast Facts
We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet.
Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on
Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide
Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts
We also
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WASHINGTON, July 22 (TNSLrpt) -- The Government Accountability Office issued the following report:
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Broadband: Actions Needed to Strengthen Fragmented Federal Effort
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Fast Facts
We testified on federal efforts to increase access to broadband internet.
Our testimony, given before the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Committee on Energy and Commerce, is primarily based on
Broadband: National Strategy Needed to Guide Federal Efforts to Reduce Digital Divide
Broadband Programs: Agencies Need to Further Improve Their Data Quality and Coordination Efforts
We alsodiscuss recommendations we've made.
GAO Testimony to Congress written next to an image of the U.S. Capitol.
Highlights
What GAO Found
Federal broadband efforts are fragmented, with over 100 programs administered by 15 agencies, as GAO reported in May 2022. Some programs support broadband as their main purpose, while others support broadband as one possible purpose (see figure).
The Mosaic of Federal Programs with Broadband as a Main Purpose as of November 2021, by Purpose Category
GAO has found that a national strategy, continued interagency coordination, and better mapping data could strengthen federal broadband efforts.
National Strategy. Strategies to coordinate programs that address issues of broad national need can help mitigate the negative effects of fragmented federal programs, but no national strategy exists for federal broadband efforts. In May 2022, GAO recommended creating such a strategy to synchronize these efforts.
Interagency Coordination. With or without a national strategy, effective coordination among agencies that administer broadband programs is also important. In April 2025, GAO reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and the Treasury coordinate to administer the bulk of federal broadband funding and have mechanisms in place to do so. GAO recommended improvements to further strengthen those efforts. Agency officials reported taking steps to implement these recommendations, but have not yet fully addressed them, as of July 2026.
Mapping Data. Agencies rely on FCC's National Broadband Map-which displays where broadband is already available-to target tens of billions of dollars in federal broadband funding, but the accuracy of the map's availability data is uncertain. In April 2025, GAO recommended FCC document and evaluate the effectiveness of its processes for ensuring the map's data quality. Not doing so could increase the risk of inaccurate data on the map, which could jeopardize agencies' ability to make effective funding decisions. FCC has not yet addressed the recommendations as of July 2026, but officials reported taking steps to do so.
Why GAO Did This Study
Access to broadband is critical for employment, education, health care, and other daily activities. The federal government has invested tens of billions of dollars over the past decade across a myriad of broadband-related programs managed by different agencies. Yet millions of Americans lack broadband access.
Information on where broadband is already available is key to expanding access. Coordination among the federal agencies that administer the various federal programs is also key, particularly since U.S. broadband efforts are not guided by an overarching national strategy.
This testimony discusses findings from GAO's previous reports on (1) a national broadband strategy and interagency coordination efforts, and (2) FCC's efforts to ensure the quality of data in its National Broadband Map. It is primarily based on GAO's May 2022 and April 2025 reports.
Recommendations
In May 2022, GAO recommended that the Executive Office of the President develop a national broadband strategy. The Executive Office of the President did not take a position on the recommendation. In April 2025, GAO recommended that FCC, NTIA, USDA, and Treasury strengthen aspects of their coordination; and that FCC strengthen aspects of its processes for ensuring the quality of the National Broadband Map's data. FCC, NTIA, and Treasury agreed with these recommendations; USDA did not take a position. GAO will continue to monitor the agencies' progress in implementing the recommendations.
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Original text here: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-109297
Bonamici, Thompson, Davis, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Grandfamily, Kinship Caregivers for Children
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Bonamici, Thompson, Davis, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Grandfamily, Kinship Caregivers for Children
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WASHINGTON, DC [7/21/26] - Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to support families in which children do not have parents in the home.
About 2.5 million children across the United States are being raised in grandfamilies, in which grandparents raise children, or
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WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Bonamici, Thompson, Davis, Nunn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Grandfamily, Kinship Caregivers for Children
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WASHINGTON, DC [7/21/26] - Today Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Zach Nunn (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to support families in which children do not have parents in the home.
About 2.5 million children across the United States are being raised in grandfamilies, in which grandparents raise children, orkinship families, in which adult relatives or close family friends raise children. Grandfamilies and kinship families play an essential role because they preserve family connections, prevent children from entering foster care, and promote family stability. Without these caregivers, the foster care system would be overwhelmed and cost taxpayers an additional $10.5 billion annually.
The Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026 would reauthorize the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies & Kinship Families to strengthen the nation's response to and support for these families.
"Living with grandparents or extended family and friends can provide children with the stability they need to thrive when their parents aren't able to care for them," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "We must support these essential caregivers, who often face additional barriers. The bipartisan Supporting Grandfamilies Act will extend support for families and children at a critical time in their lives."
"Pennsylvania's grandparents and relatives frequently step in to provide unconditional support to their grandkids and children every day, and often for years on end," saidRep. Thompson. "As primary caregivers, it's necessary to provide access to resources that will help them navigate the child welfare system. The Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026 provides caregivers who are raising kids and grandkids, with support, ensuring older primary caregivers have the tools needed to support our next generation."
"My Congressional District historically has the highest percentage of children living with kinship caregivers in the country," said Rep. Davis. "I am proud to join with Representatives Bonamici, Thompson, and Nunn in leading the Supporting Grandfamilies Act to ensure that the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network continues providing the critical and coordinated support to kinship and grandparent caregivers. For these families, connections to extra resources serve as crucial lifelines. Supporting kinship caregivers strengthens families, promotes stability, and helps children thrive."
"Not every family looks the same. Kelly and I adopted two of our daughters, and across the country, there are 2.5 million kids being raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other relatives -not because of a government mandate, but because family stepped up when the alternative was foster care," said Rep. Nunn. "Those caregivers said yes without hesitation, often with little warning and fewer resources. Our bill reauthorizes the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network for another five years to ensure that when a family steps up, they aren't navigating that journey alone."
The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network is the National Technical Assistance Center (TA Center) led by Generations United through a five-year cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The TA Center brings together national experts and partner organizations to develop evidence-based tools and promote innovative practices that help communities better meet the needs of kinship families and grandfamilies. The Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026 guarantees this information work continues by providing funding for the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network for another five years.
The text of the legislation can be read here.
Issues : Education
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Original text here: https://bonamici.house.gov/media/press-releases/bonamici-thompson-davis-nunn-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-support
Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Increase Domestic Production of Critical Medical Supplies
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release:
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Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Increase Domestic Production of Critical Medical Supplies
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Our Nation's Supply chain for Healthcare has Over Reliance Elsewhere Act ( ONSHORE) Manufacturing Act to encourage the domestic production of critical medical products through targeted tax incentives designed to increase investment, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support American manufacturing:
"America's dependence
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WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release:
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Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Increase Domestic Production of Critical Medical Supplies
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Our Nation's Supply chain for Healthcare has Over Reliance Elsewhere Act ( ONSHORE) Manufacturing Act to encourage the domestic production of critical medical products through targeted tax incentives designed to increase investment, strengthen supply chain resilience, and support American manufacturing:
"America's dependenceon China and other foreign nations for critical medical supplies is a national security threat that puts the lives of Americans at risk," said Senator Blackburn. "The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act would cut red tape with smart tax incentives to bring production home, protect our supply chains, and ensure we never face shortages that endanger patients during a crisis."
BACKGROUND
* The United States relies heavily on foreign countries, including China, for many of the medicines, medical devices, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used by American patients every day.
* This dependence creates vulnerabilities in the healthcare supply chain and leaves the United States exposed to disruptions caused by public health emergencies, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and foreign export restrictions.
* The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted these risks when shortages of medicines, personal protective equipment, and diagnostic materials disrupted patient care across the country. These challenges demonstrated the need for a stronger domestic manufacturing base for critical medical products.
* Reliance on foreign supply chains is not only a healthcare issue but also a national security concern. Strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity can help ensure the United States has reliable access to the medicines and medical products needed during emergencies while reducing dependence on foreign competitors.
ONSHORE MANUFACTURING ACT
* The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act would expand domestic manufacturing capacity and improve supply chain resilience products through key provisions, including a:
o 10.5% Domestic Manufacturing Production Credit that would help support long-term, U.S.-based production and employment;
o 30% Advanced Manufacturing Equipment Credit that would encourage investments in advanced manufacturing equipment used to produce critical medicines, APIs, biologics, medical devices, and medical countermeasures in the U.S.; and
o 30% Facility Modernization Credit that would support investment needed to upgrade and modernize manufacturing facilities to meet federal requirements while expanding domestic production capacity.
* The bill would also require annual reports from the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of War, and Food and Drug Administration evaluating the impact of the legislation on domestic manufacturing capacity, Buy American procurement compliance, supply chain resilience, and drug and device shortages.
Click here for bill text.
ENDORSEMENTS
This legislation is supported by DeRoyal Industries, Premier, Inc., Retractable Technologies, and the Securing America's Medicines and Supply, Inc. (SAMS Coalition):
"The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our healthcare supply chain, especially in the availability of critical items like personal protective equipment," said Brian DeBusk, President and CEO of DeRoyal. "Safeguarding the healthcare sector's ability to manage risk and respond effectively to emergencies is essential to our national security. Strengthening domestic manufacturing is a vital step toward building a more resilient and reliable supply chain."
"Premier Inc. supports the introduction of the ONSHORE Manufacturing Act to strengthen the resilience of the nation's healthcare supply chain. Ongoing global disruptions underscores the risks of overreliance on foreign manufacturing for critical medical products. Targeted, predictable tax incentives-like those included in this legislation-can help drive sustainable investment in domestic production, expand capacity and improve the availability of essential medicines and supplies for providers and patients," said John Knapp, Vice President, Advocacy, Premier, Inc.
"The ONSHORE Manufacturing Act is the spark American manufacturers need to rebuild our domestic medical base. This legislation ensures that healthcare providers have uninterrupted access to safe, American-made medical products. We are proud to support Senator Blackburn's efforts in safeguarding our public health infrastructure," said Retractable Technologies, Inc.
"By establishing targeted tax credits for domestic manufacturers, the ONSHORE Manufacturing Act represents a historic opportunity for domestic innovation, the creation of high-skilled American jobs, and the long-term resilience of our healthcare infrastructure," said Craig Burton, Chair, SAMS Coalition.
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Original text here: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/7/blackburn-introduces-legislation-to-increase-domestic-production-of-critical-medical-supplies
Baldwin Questions Hegseth on Disastrous Impacts of Iran War
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin Questions Hegseth on Disastrous Impacts of Iran War
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the disastrous impacts of Trump's illegal war in Iran that's raising costs on Wisconsin families and farmers. During a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Baldwin demanded answers from Secretary Hegseth on why soldiers in the Middle East were denied drone and air defense systems, only to then be hit by an
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WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release:
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Baldwin Questions Hegseth on Disastrous Impacts of Iran War
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on the disastrous impacts of Trump's illegal war in Iran that's raising costs on Wisconsin families and farmers. During a hearing in front of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Baldwin demanded answers from Secretary Hegseth on why soldiers in the Middle East were denied drone and air defense systems, only to then be hit by anIranian drone strike killing six soldiers and injuring more than 30 others, including soldiers from Wisconsin. The hearing comes as President Trump has requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding to further his war in Iran.
"This supplemental request is another example of this Administration's backwards priorities. Instead of spending tens of billions of dollars more for the President's war in Iran, we should be meeting the needs of American families," Baldwin opened her questioning with. "We could invest this money to accelerate new cures and treatments for cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Or we could use it to help more families with rising home energy costs. We could use this funding to help more families afford quality childcare. We could use this funding to help more kids get free school lunch. We could use this funding to restore healthcare for working families. We could use this funding to support our public schools and special education. This was a misguided war of choice, and every dollar spent on this war is a dollar not spent helping families afford housing, health care, childcare or groceries at home."
Senator Baldwin pressed Secretary Hegseth on his continued failures to protect American troops, including 17 servicemembers who have been killed and hundreds more injured. Baldwin questioned Hegseth about reports that the Army facility at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait did not have adequate air defense capabilities when it was attacked by Iran on March 1 st and pushed for answers on why requests for additional medical and drone defense systems were denied prior to the conflict with Iran beginning. Earlier this year, Senator Baldwin demanded action from the Administration after servicemembers reported they were not receiving care for traumatic brain injuries.
Senator Baldwin has been an outspoken critic of President Trump's illegal war with Iran and has repeatedly forced votes in the Senate to end Trump's war of choice that is hurting Wisconsin farmers, families, and servicemembers. Senator Baldwin has traveled across Wisconsin, hearing directly from farmers about how President Trump's war of choice is jacking up the cost of fertilizer and fuel and hurting their operations.
A full recording of Senator Baldwin's questioning of Secretary Hegseth is available here.
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Original text here: https://www.baldwin.senate.gov/news/press-releases/watch-baldwin-questions-hegseth-on-disastrous-impacts-of-iran-war
Artificial Intelligence in Workforce Development Programs at the Department of Labor Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12715) by labor policy specialist Benjamin Collins:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Workforce Development Programs at the Department of Labor
Congress has authorized a group of workforce development programs administered by the Department of Labor (DOL). These programs support activities like job training and career services that aim to improve participants' employment outcomes.
Congress has expressed interest in the potential effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on the
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WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following Insight white paper (No. IN12715) by labor policy specialist Benjamin Collins:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Workforce Development Programs at the Department of Labor
Congress has authorized a group of workforce development programs administered by the Department of Labor (DOL). These programs support activities like job training and career services that aim to improve participants' employment outcomes.
Congress has expressed interest in the potential effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on thelabor market and workforce development strategies that are responsive to the evolving role of AI. While the authorizing statutes for workforce development programs at DOL do not explicitly mention AI, recent DOL administrative actions have incorporated AI into existing programs.
This Insight describes examples of such DOL administrative actions. It discusses cross-program agency guidance relating to AI and instances of DOL incorporating AI-related justifications and objectives into existing grant programs. It concludes with considerations for Congress.
Some of the DOL actions described in this Insight note their alignment with broader cross-government strategies, including the Trump Administration's AI Action Plan (July 2025) and Talent Strategy (August 2025).
DOL Guidance to Encourage AI Literacy and Skill Development
DOL has issued guidance encouraging grantees of federal workforce funding to support program participants in developing AI-related skills. Other guidance has provided grantees with a framework to guide AI literacy efforts. Federal workforce funding grantees are not required to engage in the recommended activities or use the provided framework.
Encouraging WIOA Grantees to Support AI Skill Development
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal workforce development statute and authorizes several formula grants to states. State grantees and local subgrantees coordinate these and other funds to meet local workforce and labor market needs.
In August 2025, DOL issued guidance to encourage state and local grantees to use WIOA funds to help program participants develop AI skills. The guidance provides interpretations of specific sections of WIOA and describes how those provisions can support AI education and training. For example, the guidance describes how individualized career services authorized under WIOA's Adult and Dislocated Worker Activities programs can support AI literacy and digital skill-building for participants whose ability to obtain and retain employment would benefit from such skills.
Cross-Program AI Literacy Framework
In February 2026, DOL issued an AI Literacy Framework. The guidance document discusses the applicability of the framework to state and local agencies (including WIOA grantees), education and training providers, employers, and individual workers.
The 11-page framework is divided into "foundational content areas of AI literacy" and "delivery principles of AI literacy." The foundational content areas include understanding AI principles and using AI responsibly. The delivery principles include embedding AI learning in the context of the industry or occupation and building complementary human skills such as judgement, communication, and problem-solving.
Incorporation of AI-Related Justifications and Objectives into Existing Grant Programs
Some DOL competitive grants have general statutory authorizations, and the agency may have some latitude in prescribing the exact grant criteria. With some recent grants, DOL has incorporated AI into award criteria, eligible activities, or other elements of the funding or associated competition.
Rapid Reskill Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant
In June 2026, DOL announced the availability of Rapid Reskill Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants (Reskill DWGs) under the existing authority for National Dislocated Worker Grants (NDWGs) in WIOA. The Reskill DWGs aim to "support workers during the economic transformation occurring with the rise of AI." The Reskill DWGs, like other NDWGs, support career services and training that facilitate the reemployment of dislocated workers.
NDWGs historically have targeted geographic areas with a qualifying dislocation event, such as a mass layoff. The announcement for the Reskill DWGs stated that applications would be accepted from any geographic area, and "applicants do not need to document a qualifying event in their application, as the qualifying event for this DWG is the broad and accelerating economic transformation driven by AI."
Reskill DWGs do not require that layoffs of program participants be AI-related or that their reemployment have an AI element. Grantees are encouraged (but not required) to incorporate into their programs AI skills development (aligned to the target industry or occupation) and novel uses of AI in service delivery.
AI-Related Objectives in Other Grant Programs
In August 2025, DOL solicited grants for an Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund under flexible authorities in WIOA and the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act. DOL established priority industries including "shipbuilding occupations, occupations essential to the buildout of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, nuclear energy, domestic mineral production, and information technology including AI." In the subsequent DOL announcement of grants awarded, 4 of the 14 grantees included AI-related sectors in their target industries. DOL announced availability of a second round of grants with similar priority industries in July 2026.
In February 2026, a DOL announcement of availability of funding for a grant to serve ex-offenders included a group of target industries for program participants, including AI infrastructure build-out and "information technology, including AI." A June 2026 announcement of availability of funding that serves the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions included "artificial intelligence literacy" among its allowable activities.
Considerations for Congress
Congress may opt to develop legislation that explicitly addresses AI in workforce development programs. Congress may consider modifying existing programs to explicitly contemplate the role of AI or developing new programs that are responsive to current circumstances and technologies. These options may establish a permanent codified agenda for workforce development policies in the current context.
Alternately, Congress may maintain the current approach in which the statutory authorizations for workforce development programs are general, and specific decisions about program details are determined by the implementing agency and state and local grantees. This approach may facilitate program strategies that are responsive to evolving circumstances and allow experimentation with a variety of workforce strategies. Under this approach, Congress may use its oversight authority to assure agency compliance with existing statutes.
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The white paper is posted at: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IN/PDF/IN12715/IN12715.1.pdf
[Category: CRSCRS]
Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System/Soldier Borne Mission Command Topic of White Paper From CRS
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13022) by Kelley M. Sayler, advanced technology and global security specialist.
Here are excerpts:
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Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)/Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC)
Between 2018 and 2025, the U.S. Army developed several versions of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) as part of an effort to improve the combat effectiveness and training of soldiers. IVAS includes a "ruggedized" (i.e., strengthened) extended reality (XR) heads-up display
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 21 (TNSLrpt) -- The Congressional Research Service issued the following In Focus white paper (No. IF13022) by Kelley M. Sayler, advanced technology and global security specialist.
Here are excerpts:
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Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)/Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC)
Between 2018 and 2025, the U.S. Army developed several versions of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) as part of an effort to improve the combat effectiveness and training of soldiers. IVAS includes a "ruggedized" (i.e., strengthened) extended reality (XR) heads-up display(HUD) originally based on Microsoft's commercially available HoloLens as well as a wearable computer and battery pack, a squad radio, Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer (SiVT), and other enabling capabilities. (SiVT is to provide squad-level training in an XR synthetic training environment.) According to Army documents, IVAS "integrates next generation 24/7 situational awareness tools and high resolution digital sensors to deliver a single platform that improves Soldier sensing, decision making, target acquisition, and target engagement."
In July 2026, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that "the Army determined that none of [the 10,000] developed [IVAS] units will be fielded" and that IVAS 1.2 will now transition to a rapid prototyping effort, Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC). As Congress evaluates SBMC authorizations and appropriations, it may consider the program's history and technological maturity as well as its implications for military personnel, force structure, and cybersecurity.
Background and Program History
IVAS
In November 2018, the Army awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) - worth up to $22 billion over 10 years - to Microsoft for the development of IVAS. (For information about such agreements, see CRS In Focus IF12856, Defense Primer: Other Transactions (OTs), by David H. Carpenter and Alexandra G. Neenan.) The service has since procured several increments of the system. In 2022, it procured 5,000 IVAS 1.0 systems, which reportedly provided "baseline capabilities, which include navigation and rapid target acquisition with weapons sight camera linkage." In 2023, the service procured 5,000 IVAS 1.1 systems, which reportedly added an "improved low-light sensor to aid maneuver and positive target identification." These early versions of the system reportedly caused users to suffer "'mission-affecting physical impairments,' including headaches, eyestrain, and nausea." These symptoms are similar to those experienced by some users of commercially available XR headsets.
The prototype of the final increment, IVAS 1.2, redesigned the HUD and reduced its field of view from 70-degrees to 60-degrees. The Army requested $255 million to procure 3,162 IVAS 1.2 HUDs in FY2025 as one of multiple programs in a line item for "Night Vision Devices." It additionally requested $58.6 million in research, development, test, and evaluation funding for the HUD and $18.9 million in such funding for SiVT. On April 10, 2025, the Army reportedly approved a "contract novation" (i.e., a legal action in which one party replaces another party in a contract) that effectively transferred Microsoft's contract for IVAS to Anduril. Anduril had previously announced that it was partnering with Microsoft to integrate its Lattice open software platform into IVAS. Anduril describes Lattice as "[using] technologies like sensor fusion, computer vision ... and machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect, track, and classify every object of interest in an operator's vicinity."
According to the FY2025 Annual Report of the Office of the Director, Operation Test and Evaluation, the Army determined that it would not "test, produce, or field any IVAS variant systems in the future."
IVAS Next/Soldier Borne Mission Command
The Army hosted its first "Industry Day" for the IVAS 1.2 follow-on effort, then called IVAS Next, in December 2023. This event was intended to "inform interested companies of the IVAS Next requirements and acquisition path," according to an official government notice. In January 2025, the Army issued a request for information (RFI) - including vendor proposals for "technical approach, key features and expected performance, projected benefits, and technology readiness level" - for IVAS Next. This RFI was followed by a second, virtual "Industry Day" in February 2025. In March 2025, the Army released documents announcing that IVAS Next was to be renamed the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) and stating that the service "anticipates a full and open competition for SBMC." The Army has awarded contracts to Anduril (worth $159 million) and start-up firm Rivet (worth $195 million) for SBMC, which the service describes as a "new effort to develop a fused digital awareness system optimized to emerging modular sensor technologies." The contracts are to reportedly "cover an 18-month rapid prototyping sprint."
Potential Issues for Congress
Congress may consider a number of issues as it continues to evaluate Department of Defense (DOD, which is using the Department of War as a "secondary title" under Executive Order 14347 of September 5, 2025) investments in SBMC. Some of these issues may include, but not necessarily be limited to, user acceptance, cost and technical risk, personnel, and cybersecurity and information security.
User Acceptance
A 2022 Department of Defense Inspector General audit of IVAS concluded that the Army had not previously "[defined] suitable user acceptance measurements for testing and evaluation" and that it could "result in wasting up to $21.88 billion in taxpayer funds to field a system that Soldiers many not want to use, or use as intended" on the battlefield. As GAO notes, "problems that users reported with the 1.0 and 1.1 versions were not adequately addressed in 1.2." Such problems include "poor performance in low-light conditions and the added weight on users' helmets." Given that the design of SBMC is to be informed by IVAS 1.2, Congress may seek additional information about the results of subsequent user acceptance assessments and/or require such assessments for SBMC.
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Figure 1.Soldier Wearing IVAS
Source: DOD, Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, "Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)," in FY2025 Annual Report.
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Cost and Technical Risk
Although the Army has not yet released a potential top line for SBMC, it is likely to require significant up-front development costs. Once fielded, however, SBMC may reduce training costs by removing the need to centralize personnel, use live ammunition, or operate platforms. Conversely, SBMC may have higher sustainment costs than less technologically sophisticated systems. To assess these issues, Congress could direct the Comptroller General, the head of GAO, to conduct an independent analysis of the potential benefits (e.g., increased soldier lethality) and drawbacks (e.g., physical impairments, cognitive overload) of SBMC. This analysis may determine whether there are less costly, alternative means of achieving any identified benefits. Congress may also seek to obtain information about the projected lifecycle costs - including maintenance requirements - for SBMC. Congress may direct the Army to consider additional means of testing SBMC. For example, GAO notes that digital twins or digital threads could "enable rapid iterative design cycles that incorporate user feedback early in the development process."
Personnel
SBMC and other XR programs may have a number of implications for military personnel and force structure. If the U.S. military is able to achieve efficiencies in training or warfighting, for example, it may be able to shift personnel away from training units or reduce overall manpower requirements - with a smaller number of troops retained at higher levels of readiness. Conversely, SBMC may produce greater demand for IT maintenance and cybersecurity personnel. This demand could offset reductions occurring elsewhere in the force or increase overall manpower requirements. The Army Transformation Initiative, announced by Army leaders on May 1, 2025, could result in significant personnel and force structure cuts, potentially leading to changed requirements for SBMC.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Some analysts have raised concerns about the potential cybersecurity and information security vulnerabilities of XR systems, noting the possibility of an "inception attack" that could allow an adversary to steal data or manipulate social interactions. In the case of military XR systems such as SBMC, these vulnerabilities could grant an adversary access to high-value-target databases for training, weapons maintenance, image classification, mapping, and other functions; or information about the location of U.S. forces.
If an adversary were to gain control of SBMC, the adversary could distort the common operational picture used to coordinate military actions or cause the system to misidentify people and platforms - potentially resulting in fratricide or unintended civilian casualties. The adversary could also gain command and control of U.S. uncrewed systems. (One potential use case of SBMC is to fly microdrones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.) Congress may request briefings on the findings of DOD's security tests of SBMC or withhold funds if the system is found to have significant vulnerabilities.
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Related CRS Products and Other Resources
* CRS In Focus IF12010, Military Applications of Extended Reality, by Kelley M. Sayler
* CRS In Focus IF10159, Cybersecurity, by Eric A. Fischer and Catherine A. Theohary
* DOD Inspector General, "(U) Audit of the Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System," April 20, 2022, https://media.defense.gov/2022/Apr/22/2002981953/-1/-1/1/DODIG-2022-085.PDF.
* DOD, Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, "Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS)," in FY2025 Annual Report, March 2026, https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals/97/pub/reports/FY2025/Other/2025Annual-Report.pdf.
* GAO, Weapons Systems Annual Assessment, GAO-26-108457, July 2026, https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-26-108457.pdf.
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The white paper is posted at: https://www.congress.gov/crs_external_products/IF/PDF/IF13022/IF13022.4.pdf
[Category: CRSCRS]
Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act. The legislation would redirect billions of dollars in funding passed as part of Republicans' second reconciliation bill for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Title I schools, and require the Department of
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Ansari, Stanton, Grijalva Introduce Bill to Redirect ICE Funding to Public Schools, Require Sale of Detention Warehouses
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Greg Stanton (AZ-04), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07) introduced the Fund Schools, Not ICE Act. The legislation would redirect billions of dollars in funding passed as part of Republicans' second reconciliation bill for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Title I schools, and require the Department ofHomeland Security (DHS) to sell 11 recently purchased warehouse detention facilities.
Title I, Part A is the nation's largest federal K-12 education program, supporting schools serving low-income students. Nearly 20 percent of public school funding in Arizona comes from the federal government, making federal investments critical to supporting Arizona classrooms facing chronic underfunding.
The legislation would transfer any unobligated ICE funding provided under Republicans' reconciliation bill, which gave ICE with an additional $38.5 billion in funding through 2029, to Title I, Part A grants for local school districts. As of May, ICE has $62 billion on hand.
"ICE has done nothing to keep our communities safe. Instead, they have used the billions of dollars in funding handed over by Trump and Republicans to terrorize our communities and murder American citizens," said Rep. Ansari. "Our schools are safe places, and our resources should be used to support students, not expand ICE's presence in our communities. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in introducing this legislation."
"Public school districts across the country are facing massive challenges and chronic underfunding, yet again this Administration funneled billions in taxpayer funds for its dangerous mass deportation agenda," said Rep. Stanton. "ICE's poorly trained force is not making Americans safer - it's causing chaos and fear. My legislation ensures that our classrooms, not ICE, have the resources and support they need to educate our next generation."
"Instead of wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on inhumane, for-profit detention warehouses and pouring even more money into a lawless agency that is murdering people on our streets, we should be investing in our children and strengthening our public schools. At a time when the Trump administration is systematically defunding public education, this bill puts our students ahead of Trump's cruel mass deportation agenda," said Rep. Grijalva.
The legislation also requires DHS to sell, within 60 days of enactment, the 11 warehouse facilities it purchased earlier this year for nearly $1 billion to use as immigration detention centers-including the warehouse in Surprise, Arizona. The lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns that the industrial warehouse in Surprise is ill-suited for human detention, citing a lack of transparency regarding code-compliance assessments, medical capacity, and safety standards.
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Original text here: https://ansari.house.gov/media/press-releases/ansari-stanton-grijalva-introduce-bill-to-redirect-ice-funding-to-public-schools-require-sale-of-detention-warehouses
Amata Highlights CDC Health Grant for Epidemiology
WASHINGTON, July 21 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights CDC Health Grant for Epidemiology
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Washington, D.C. \- Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a $493,002 grant for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen epidemiology, laboratory capacity, and infectious disease surveillance in the territory.
The discretionary continuation award, administered
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WASHINGTON, July 21 (Rep.) -- Del. Aumua Amata Radewagen, R-American Samoa, issued the following news release:
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Amata Highlights CDC Health Grant for Epidemiology
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Washington, D.C. \- Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of a $493,002 grant for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen epidemiology, laboratory capacity, and infectious disease surveillance in the territory.
The discretionary continuation award, administeredthrough the CDC's National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases, continues support for the Department of Health's epidemiology laboratory and infectious disease surveillance programs. The funding covers the 2026-2027 budget period as part of an ongoing five-year project running through July 2029.
"This continued federal investment helps ensure that American Samoa has the resources needed to strengthen public health preparedness, improve laboratory capacity, and enhance our ability to detect and respond to infectious diseases," said Congresswoman Amata. "Congratulations and thank you especially to Epidemiologist Adam Konrote and the entire American Samoa Department of Health team for their continued good work in securing this important federal support to protect the health of our people."
The grant will continue to build the territory's epidemiology and laboratory capacity by supporting disease surveillance, improving public health data collection and analysis, and strengthening the Department of Health's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.
"Thank you to the leadership of the CDC and the National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases for their support and continued partnership with our health professionals in American Samoa," concluded Congresswoman Amata.
Issues : Healthcare
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Original text here: https://radewagen.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/amata-highlights-cdc-health-grant-epidemiology
Ahead Of Confirmation Vote, Durbin Speaks Out Against Kara Westercamp's Nomination To Lifetime Position On The Court Of International Trade Over Inflammatory Social Media Posts
WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Ahead Of Confirmation Vote, Durbin Speaks Out Against Kara Westercamp's Nomination To Lifetime Position On The Court Of International Trade Over Inflammatory Social Media Posts
On the Senate floor, Durbin called on colleagues to oppose her nomination
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WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced the nomination of Kara Westercamp to a lifetime appointment on the Court of International
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WASHINGTON, July 21 -- Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Ahead Of Confirmation Vote, Durbin Speaks Out Against Kara Westercamp's Nomination To Lifetime Position On The Court Of International Trade Over Inflammatory Social Media Posts
On the Senate floor, Durbin called on colleagues to oppose her nomination
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WASHINGTON - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, denounced the nomination of Kara Westercamp to a lifetime appointment on the Court of InternationalTrade (CIT). Ms. Westercamp's now-deleted social media posts questioned the outcome of the 2020 election; whitewashed the January 6 attack on the Capitol; attacked Chief Justice Roberts for not being sufficiently conservative; and crudely attacked Republican Senators, including Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and the late-Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
During his remarks, Durbin questioned if she has the temperament to be confirmed. Notably, the Senate voted to proceed with her nomination immediately following Senator Lindsey Graham's passing and while Senator McConnell is still in the hospital.
"As is the case with many of President Trump's judicial nominees in his second term, his pick to fill a vacancy on [CIT], Kara Westercamp, was tapped because of her loyalty to the man who nominated her, instead of her loyalty to the law. Her offensive, inflammatory, juvenile social media posts demonstrate she lacks the independence, maturity, and temperament to be a judge," Durbin said.
Durbin continued, "Ms. Westercamp tried to delete her old tweets so we wouldn't see them on the [Senate Judiciary] Committee but she failed. My staff was able to recover them. In these tweets, Ms. Westercamp spread conspiracy theories about the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol and attacked Republicans and Democrats alike for being insufficiently loyal to President Trump. She elevated claims that the January 6 attack was 'orchestrated by members of the Senate, and members of the [Capitol] police'... Ms. Westercamp dismissed this event [the January 6 attack on the Capitol] entirely, retweeting a post that read 'we're all supposed to be sending Thoughts & Prayers to traumatized Members of Congress whose workday was interrupted for a couple hours.'"
During his remarks, Durbin highlighted Ms. Westercamp's inflammatory, overtly political posts that appeared to be made while she was on duty as an attorney at the Department of Justice, which would violate federal law. He noted that Ms. Westercamp has repeatedly attacked Senator McConnell for supposedly "betraying" President Trump. She even called Senator McConnell "a modern-day Benedict Arnold" and repeatedly called him "Cocaine Mitch," a defamatory nickname used by MAGA critics of Senator McConnell.
Durbin said, "Of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, she wrote that he was 'true to NO ONE but [his] own self-preservation' and crudely called him a name I can't repeat in the record... Ms. Westercamp accused Senator Collins of prioritizing her 'own personal political power' over loyalty to President Trump and called for her removal as well as the removal of Senators Murkowski and Cassidy following the vote on [President Trump's] second impeachment. Ms. Westercamp even posted a sexually explicit image and joke about former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi-a post that Ms. Westercamp herself described as 'not safe for work.'"
Durbin said, "Last week, Leader Thune filed cloture so we can move more quickly on Ms. Westercamp's nomination... despite her disrespectful and inflammatory comments. It is a disgrace that Senate Republicans are moving forward on this nomination while Senator McConnell is still in the hospital and so soon after Senator Graham's passing."
Durbin concluded, "Judges are chosen for their judgment, for character, for maturity, for competence, for independence, and most especially for their temperament. Ms. Westercamp does not meet that standard. I urge my colleagues to oppose her nomination."
Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
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Original text here: https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-confirmation-vote-durbin-speaks-out-against-kara-westercamps-nomination-to-lifetime-position-on-the-court-of-international-trade-over-inflammatory-social-media-posts
