To establish a grant program to provide awards to National Laboratories and institutions of higher education to develop secure artificial intelligence (AI) cyber-physical testbeds to simulate grid-scale cyberattacks, and for other purposes.

# Summary of HR 7696 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a federal grant program to fund research into protecting the electrical grid from cyberattacks. National Laboratories (government research facilities) and universities would receive grants to build specialized testing environments where they can safely practice and study how cyberattacks might affect the power grid at large scales. These testbeds would use artificial intelligence technology to simulate realistic attack scenarios without putting the actual electrical system at risk. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects the energy sector, cybersecurity researchers, and the institutions receiving grants (national labs and colleges). By funding this research, the bill aims to help the U.S.

better prepare for and prevent real cyberattacks on critical infrastructure—something that affects all Americans who depend on reliable electricity. The focus on AI suggests the research would explore how artificial intelligence tools could both defend against and simulate advanced cyber threats. **Current Status** As of now, HR 7696 is in the committee stage, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Pablo José Hernández of Puerto Rico.