Week of April 20, 2026
MGS AI/Data Center Newsletter:
With the range of opportunities and challenges data centers present for local governments, understanding how to navigate the federal and state AI policy landscape is key for local governments considering measures to best support their communities. Our new attached AI/Data Center Newsletter provides an overview of AI and data center policy developments at multiple levels of government.
Congress:
- FY 27 Appropriations: House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) released the House’s schedule of FY27 appropriations markups and text for the Financial Services and Mil-Con House appropriations bills. Committee markups for both bills are taking place today, April 17.
- Reconciliation Update: Republicans have started to sketch out a tight timeline to try and meet President Trump’s self-imposed June 1 deadline. Senate Majority Leader Thune has said that he is targeting a $65-75 billion reconciliation package, with the Senate expected to vote next week on adopting the budget resolution before sending it to the House. House Republicans aim to take up the resolution the week of April 27.
- Surface Transportation Reauthorization: House Transportation Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) is targeting an April 29 Transportation & Infrastructure Committee markup of this surface transportation bill. The legislation will include a registration fee on electric vehicles and is being negotiated at a $500-550 billion topline, though Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) reportedly wants a higher figure.
- Congress Extends FISA: On April 17, Congress extended Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until April 30. FISA allows national security agencies to collect and review texts and emails sent to and from foreigners living outside the U.S. without a warrant.
- House Financial Services to Amend Senate Housing Bill: House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) are collaborating on amendments to the Senate’s housing bill (H.R. 6644). They are aiming to send text back to the Senate in the coming weeks.
- House to Hold WIOA Markup: The House Education and Workforce Committee will hold a markup on April 21st of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 (H.R. 8210), legislation to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- House Holds FIFA World Cup Hearing: Senate Appropriations Subcommittees held a joint hearing to review FIFA World Cup 2026 security preparations. Witnesses from the U.S. Department of Commerce, DHS, and FBI testified that the ongoing DHS funding lapse has slowed coordination with state and local authorities, as well as led to the loss of hundreds of airport screeners.
- House Passes ALERT Act: On Tuesday, April 14, the House passed the ALERT Act (H.R. 7613) 396-10, a bipartisan air safety bill that seeks to address last year’s deadly midair crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. House T&I and Senate Commerce leaders will now negotiate a compromise version between the House’s ALERT Act and the Senate-passed ROTOR Act (S. 2503).
- House Approves Clean Air Act Bills: On Thursday, April 16, the House approved several pieces of legislation to ease air pollution and permitting requirements: H.R. 6409 makes it easier for states and localities to discount air pollution from sources outside the United States when calculating their emission compliance numbers. H.R. 6398 ends a Clean Air Act requirement for EPA to scrutinize environmental reviews by other agencies, purportedly eliminating duplicative environmental reviews.
- Farm Bill: House leadership is set to vote on the Republican-led farm bill (H.R.7567) the week of April 27. The deadline for members to submit amendments is April 22.
Presidential Administration:
- ICE Director Departs Agency: The acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, will leave the agency for the private sector at the end of May.
- WH Releases 2026 Economic Report: The White House Council of Economic Advisers released its 2026 economic report, which centers on the effect of OBBB, regulatory reform, trade and tariffs, artificial intelligence (AI, housing affordability, and domestic supply chains.