Digital Defense Leadership Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (9 Aug 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
What this bill does
The Digital Defense Leadership Act, H.R. 4985, aims to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. It would require the President to present a national strategy for the global information domain, focusing on its role in national security. The bill also mandates the creation of new federal and military job roles related to artificial intelligence and software development.
This legislation would affect the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and potentially various federal employees and military personnel. It proposes changes to educational curricula for military leaders, establishes new training requirements for senior personnel, and outlines processes for qualifying officers and creating specific job positions related to emerging technologies. Additionally, it seeks to improve software acquisition processes and foster international research collaborations.
H.R. 4985 was introduced in the House of Representatives in August 2021. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has been formally presented to Congress but has not yet been passed by either the House or the Senate. The bill would next need to be considered by the committees to which it was referred, and then potentially brought to the floor for a vote in the House.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Digital Defense Leadership Act
This bill addresses and implements various programs and policies related to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for national defense, including by requiring the President to transmit to Congress a national strategy relating to the global information domain and requiring the development of new federal and military career positions related to artificial intelligence and software development.
Timeline
9 Aug 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4985 do?
- The Digital Defense Leadership Act, H.R. 4985, aims to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. It would require the President to present a national strategy for the global information domain, focusing on its role in national security. The bill also mandates the creation of new federal and military job roles related to artificial intelligence and software development. This legislation would affect the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and potentially various federal employees and military personnel. It proposes changes to educational curricula for military leaders, establishes new training requirements for senior personnel, and outlines processes for qualifying officers and creating specific job positions related to emerging technologies. Additionally, it seeks to improve software acquisition processes and foster international research collaborations. H.R. 4985 was introduced in the House of Representatives in August 2021. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has been formally presented to Congress but has not yet been passed by either the House or the Senate. The bill would next need to be considered by the committees to which it was referred, and then potentially brought to the floor for a vote in the House.
- Has H.R. 4985 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4985. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4985?
- H.R. 4985 was sponsored by Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34] (D-TX), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4985?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. (9 Aug 2021).
Related bills in Armed Forces and National Security
Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act
VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2026
To authorize the Secretary of the Army to convey to the State of North Carolina a certain parcel of real property located at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on which the State shall construct a veterans’ State home, and for other purposes.
PFB Act
More bills from Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34]
DATA Privacy Act
DATA Privacy Act
DHS Body-Worn Camera Act of 2018
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.