U.S. Tech PATH Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4570
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T16:30:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
U.S. Tech PATH Act (S. 4570)
Purpose This legislation establishes a Department of State program to encourage foreign government partners to purchase trusted U.S.-origin cyber and digital technologies. It seeks to reduce reliance on suppliers from foreign countries of concern by streamlining procurement, addressing affordability, and building long-term supply relationships.
Key Provisions
- Creates the United States Cyber and Digital Technology Procurement Program, administered by the Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, to assist partners with procurement of U.S. technologies while aligning with export controls and cybersecurity standards.
- Defines “trusted cyber and digital technologies” as those not owned or controlled by foreign countries of concern and posing no unacceptable national security risk.
- Prioritizes specific technologies including operating systems, cloud solutions, processors, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, subsea cables, open RAN equipment, and AI-related hardware and software.
- Requires risk assessments, end-use monitoring, cost-sharing by partners, and disqualification of partners involved in human rights abuses or corruption.
- Authorizes $500 million for fiscal years 2026–2031 from the Cyberspace, Digital Connectivity, and Related Technologies Fund.
- Establishes an Office of United States Technology Procurement within the Bureau, with special hiring authority for up to 10 positions.
- Directs overseas missions to host cybersecurity and technology experts and extends the Regional Technology Officer Program through 2032.
- Mandates annual reports to Congress and biennial reviews by the Government Accountability Office.
- Terminates the program eight years after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends section 9508 of the Department of State Authorization Act of 2022 to extend the Regional Technology Officer Program authorization from 2027 to 2032.
- Authorizes new appropriations to the existing CDT Fund under section 592 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
- Introduces a new statutory framework for a dedicated procurement assistance program and oversight office not previously codified.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Increases responsibilities and staffing needs for the Department of State; requires coordination with the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security, Export-Import Bank, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
- Citizens: Indirect effects through enhanced national security and protection of critical infrastructure.
- International relations: Strengthens technology partnerships with allied and partner governments while limiting engagement with sanctioned entities or countries of concern.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of State (program administration and oversight).
- Foreign government partners (eligible civilian agencies and certain law enforcement or military entities operating critical infrastructure).
- U.S. technology providers, including small businesses.
- Congressional committees with jurisdiction over foreign relations and appropriations.
- Government Accountability Office (periodic reviews).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Incorporates existing sanctions, export control, and human rights vetting requirements (including references to Executive Order 13818 and section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act).
- Emphasizes market-based competition and prohibits government interference in private commercial transactions.
- Operates within constitutional foreign affairs and national security authorities while creating new reporting and oversight mechanisms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-17: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-05-19: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2026-05-19: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- U.S. Technology Procurement and Access to Trusted Hardware Act — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (25 pages)