Summary
Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act
This bill extends through FY2028 the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use other transactions (OT) to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (OTs, in contrast to traditional procurement contracts, are exempt from many federal procurement laws and regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending this authority for research and development projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision.
The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website.
Legislative Journey
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1055)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: 3/10/2025 CR H1055)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1127)
HouseAt the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Green (TN) objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was considered as withdrawn.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1692.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1055-1056)
HouseMr. Green (TN) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology.
HouseReferred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House