Tech bills of the week: FY27 NDAA tech and cyber measures; modernizing FAA aircraft repair forms; and more
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Although Congress was in recess this week, lawmakers still introduced several bills looking to expand the use of new technologies.
Tech, cyber measures in House FY27 NDAA draft
The proposed fiscal year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which was released by the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, includes several technology-focused measures that seek to clarify and expand the Pentagon’s use of artificial intelligence tools.
The draft from the panel’s Cyber, Information Technologies and Innovation Subcommittee includes provisions that would direct the Pentagon to update its policies on the use of autonomous weapon systems and artificial intelligence-enabled systems that influence operational decisions around the use of force. These changes would be “required to establish risk-informed requirements for approval, oversight, testing, human involvement, auditability, operational use, and rapid revalidation of such systems.”
Another measure calls for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to develop an “Artificial Intelligence Model Rapid Deployment Framework” for quickly onboarding, securing, authorizing and deploying AI models onto Pentagon enterprise platforms.
On the cybersecurity front, the bill includes a provision establishing a departmentwide system for reporting, tracking and remediating AI-related incidents and vulnerabilities arising from the use and development of the technologies. Additionally, the Pentagon would be required to review “and as needed, reorganize” its cybersecurity responsibilities to reduce duplication and improve cyber efforts across the department.
One provision also directs that DOD “create policy guidance for developing and acquiring quantum computing systems” by using the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to inform the development or acquisition of future systems.
Modernizing aircraft repair form submissions
Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, introduced legislation on Tuesday to improve aircraft maintenance systems overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Major Repair and Alteration Modernization Act would update and expand electronic filing capabilities for FAA Form 337, which is used by mechanics and repair stations to document the repairs or alterations made to an aircraft, airframe, propeller or other appliance.
In a press release, Nehls said the current method for completing and submitting Form 337 is heavily reliant on manually entering details, which creates bureaucratic burdens for the aviation industry. His proposal would reduce these burdens by allowing integration with third-party platforms to manage the forms, with a focus on ensuring privacy and security protections.
“Complying with federal regulations shouldn’t be arduous or overcomplicated,” Nehls said in a statement. “Much like our nation’s air traffic control system, which is outdated and antiquated, the current system for filing an FAA Form 337 is stuck in the past. My legislation would bring the filing process into the 21st century, streamline an extremely burdensome system, and improve the safety and efficiency of our national airspace system.”
Drone support for Indo-Pacific and Taiwan
Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., also introduced a bill on Tuesday that seeks to support further deployment of unmanned aerial systems for U.S. national security work within the Indo-Pacific region.
The bill, H.R.9042, states that its goal is to “promote the development, production, and deployment of secure and resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).” These drone systems would be used to support the defense of Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the region.
Following its introduction, the measure was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.