AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7696

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.

Last Updated

2026-05-16T08:07:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of the U.S. electric grid by funding the creation of secure testing environments (called "testbeds") that use artificial intelligence (AI) to simulate large-scale cyberattacks. These testbeds will help train AI models in a safe, controlled way to better defend against real-world threats to the power grid.

Key Provisions

• Grant Program Establishment: Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Secretary of Homeland Security must jointly create a grant program. This program will award funds each fiscal year from 2026 to 2030 to eligible organizations for building AI-powered cyber-physical testbeds. (A "cyber-physical testbed" is a simulated environment that mimics both digital (cyber) and physical (like power grid hardware) systems to test defenses against attacks.)
• Eligible Recipients: Grants go to:
• Institutions of higher education, including public colleges, universities, community colleges, and Hispanic-serving institutions (schools with a significant enrollment of Hispanic students).
• National Laboratories (government-funded research centers focused on science and energy, as defined in the Energy Policy Act of 2005).
• Consortia (partnerships) of the above entities.
• Reporting Requirements: Starting one year after enactment and annually through 2031, CISA and the Secretary must submit reports to Congress. These will cover emerging cyber threats to the grid, progress in using AI to counter them, and suggestions for new laws or rules to address grid-scale cyberattacks.
• Funding: Authorizes $100 million in total for grants over fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
• Definitions:
• "AI" or "artificial intelligence" follows the definition from the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (a system that performs tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as learning or decision-making).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with no direct amendments to prior laws. It builds on existing definitions (e.g., for AI and National Laboratories) but creates fresh mechanisms for AI-focused cybersecurity research specifically targeting the electric grid, which was not previously funded in this targeted way.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS and CISA will gain new responsibilities for administering grants and reporting, potentially increasing their role in AI-driven cybersecurity. This could enhance coordination between federal research labs and academia.
• On Citizens: Improved grid cybersecurity may reduce risks of widespread power outages from cyberattacks, benefiting everyday energy reliability and national security. No direct costs or burdens on individuals.
• On International Relations: Indirectly supports U.S. leadership in global cybersecurity standards by advancing AI defenses against threats that could originate from foreign actors, though the bill focuses domestically.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary Recipients: National Laboratories and higher education institutions (especially those involved in AI, cybersecurity, or energy research), including underrepresented groups like Hispanic-serving institutions.
• Government Entities: DHS, CISA (for program management and reporting), and Congress (for oversight via reports).
• Indirect Beneficiaries: The energy sector (e.g., utilities protecting the power grid), researchers training AI models, and the broader public reliant on stable electricity.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes clear funding and reporting mandates, promoting accountability through congressional oversight. Relies on existing statutory definitions to ensure consistency, with no new regulatory powers granted beyond grant administration.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to fund national defense and infrastructure security (under Article I, Section 8), without raising privacy, speech, or federalism concerns.
• Political: Encourages bipartisan investment in emerging technologies like AI for homeland security, potentially fostering innovation in public-private partnerships. The $100 million authorization signals modest fiscal commitment, subject to annual appropriations debates, and emphasizes equity by including diverse educational institutions.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Liccardo, Sam T. [D-CA-16], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection.
• 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (3 pages)