AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026
Latest action (25 Feb 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 7696, the AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026, would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), jointly with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish a grant program within 180 days of enactment. The program would fund grants for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to help eligible entities build secure AI-based cyber-physical testbeds that simulate large-scale cyberattacks on the electric grid and allow AI models to be trained safely. The bill authorizes $100 million total for these grants over the five-year period. It also requires CISA and DHS to submit annual reports to Congress, starting one year after enactment and continuing through 2031, on emerging cyber threats to the grid, progress in AI-based mitigation, and recommendations for further action.
Eligible grant recipients include institutions of higher education (such as public colleges, community colleges, and Hispanic-serving institutions), National Laboratories, and consortia made up of these entities. The bill is intended to support research and workforce/testbed development aimed at improving the cybersecurity resilience of the nation's electrical grid using artificial intelligence tools.
The bill was introduced in the House on February 25, 2026, by Rep. Pablo José Hernández Rivera of Puerto Rico, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security. As an introduced bill, it has not yet been considered or voted on by the committee or the full House; further action would require committee review before any floor vote could occur.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on February 25, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7696 do?
- H.R. 7696, the AI Cyber Grid Protection Resilient Development Act of 2026, would direct the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), jointly with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish a grant program within 180 days of enactment. The program would fund grants for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to help eligible entities build secure AI-based cyber-physical testbeds that simulate large-scale cyberattacks on the electric grid and allow AI models to be trained safely. The bill authorizes $100 million total for these grants over the five-year period. It also requires CISA and DHS to submit annual reports to Congress, starting one year after enactment and continuing through 2031, on emerging cyber threats to the grid, progress in AI-based mitigation, and recommendations for further action. Eligible grant recipients include institutions of higher education (such as public colleges, community colleges, and Hispanic-serving institutions), National Laboratories, and consortia made up of these entities. The bill is intended to support research and workforce/testbed development aimed at improving the cybersecurity resilience of the nation's electrical grid using artificial intelligence tools. The bill was introduced in the House on February 25, 2026, by Rep. Pablo José Hernández Rivera of Puerto Rico, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security. As an introduced bill, it has not yet been considered or voted on by the committee or the full House; further action would require committee review before any floor vote could occur.
- Has H.R. 7696 become law?
- Not yet. As of 25 Feb 2026, H.R. 7696 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7696?
- H.R. 7696 was sponsored by Commish. Pablo José Hernández Rivera [D-PR] (Democrat-PR), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7696?
- Introduced (25 Feb 2026).
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